We are fast approaching the secular year 2000 – a time OF and a time FOR new challenges! Are you looking to the Lord for renewed blessings? We are aware that many have questions and some are even "uptight" concerning the coming Millennium. Let us encourage those who may be fearful of the potential of Y2K, with the words of Yeshua, Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 (paraphrased and shortened for your reading convenience.
6:25 I say to you don’t worry about your life sustenance, what you’ll have to eat or drink , or for your physical attire.
He reminds us that life is more than food and clothing.
Vs 26: He reminds us that he cares for us, look how God provides for lesser creatures, so don’t you think he cares for
humans even more?
Vs 27: He reminds us that by worrying, we can’t cause any changes.
Vs 28: We can see how he clothes even nature by providence.
Vs 29: Even Solomon with all his glorious attire couldn’t be more brilliantly fashionable than the wild flowers.
Vs 30: If God can do this for nature – why be lacking in faith for our needs?
Vs 31: So don’t question God’s ability to provide food, drink or clothes.
Vs 32: He reminds us all that the nations without God sought these, now they can have assurance by trusting in the
one true God, because he is aware and we can ask with his assurance.
Vs 33: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness then! - all these things will be granted to us.
Vs 34: He counsels us not to worry about tomorrow. He assures us that he knows all things beforehand –
and so comforts us with the idea that while there are "tomorrow’s" problems, just as today’s, it is best to put all in God’s loving care.

Why is this important to consider? Well, we are a faith ministry, our only method of continuing on is to believe Messiah’s words. Many are preparing for Y2K by obtaining generators, water, extra food provisions, etc. And then there are those who are like us. Our resources are not such that we can "keep up with the Jones’s." While we are not ignorant of the possibilities, we are blessed in having one resource that we know to be according to promise. Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conduct (behavior, ways or manner of life) be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have. For he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

We encourage you to believe the manifold promises of God in scripture – II Samuel 22:2, 31; Psalms 4:5; 7:1; 9:10; 11:1; 16:1; 18:30; 34:22 to name a few. The Psalmist informs us in Psalms 37:23 that we should walk in God’s way – then –
Vs 24: even in our times of uncertainty, he will uphold us.
Vs 25: He tells us of his experience while in his youth – and now in maturity – "yet have I not seen the tzadikim,
righteous forsaken, nor his loved ones (seed) begging for bread."
Phil 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Messiah Yeshua, Christ Jesus."
Haggai 2:8 "The silver is mine and the gold is mine," says the Lord of hosts.

You see, we believe the "prosperity" is God’s own – and He allows us to be both dispensers and/or receivers. Whichever he decrees for us – we trust in HIM. We want to encourage your faith. He is faithful. Deut 7:9. We have the potential to be also – Neh 9:7-8; 13:13; Matt 24:45; 25:21.

We are approaching the Feast of Hanukkah. Our next newsletter will focus on that. We’ll explain how the brave Macabbees fought to keep their Jewish faith/religion alive which is very important to understand. So many today are teaching with insensitivity about "paganism" in the Christian holidays. Yes, there are cultural elements which have "come in" due to the fact that all nations are heirs to the Promise of Abraham to inherit the Seed of all nations. Next month’s newsletter will explain that the "Christmas tree" is not the asherah of the Old Testament. You will be surprised to read that what many on tv and radio are saying is "out of context." The assumptions being taught are not properly researched – and so – not factual.

We have discussed some of this on KKKK 101.3 FM radio with Pastor Mark Bristow. Forty _ hour tapes are available (915/943-4447) and we’ve only begun!! We’ve touched on several topics, Shabbat/Sunday; the Godhead; Pagans and Christians, etc. Emphasis is put on love toward the lost. If we teach with an "attitude" toward them or even toward Christians without proper understanding – will we draw – or repulse them from finding the truth? Very crucial! Ps 2:8; 78:55; Ezek 22:16; Rom 1:16; Lk 6:31-33; II Cor 2:4; Eph 1:4; I Jn 3:1; 11-12.

Remember that Messiah was to come to the Jewish people first, but for mankind first as well. He, Messiah would turn all nations to the one true God – of Abraham – and of – Isaac – and of – Jacob. Gen 12:1-3; Rom 1:16. He never said he came to change our cultural lifestyle, food or appearances, but to save our souls so that we would turn away from gods/idolatry. Then our spirit(s) would be free to worship him in spirit and in truth! Ps 31:5; Jn 4:23-26. Yeshua did not attack or criticize the culture of the Samaritans. He was more concerned with showing Godly love - and the woman at the well who was of half Jewish, half pagan heritage, found the truth! Jn 4:7-42

When he was a boy of Bar Mitzvah age, his mother Miriam and father by adoption, Yosef, were somewhat concerned about his Jerusalem "escapade" or so they had surmised. When he was found, he was actually being obedient. A Bar Mitzvah boy becomes a man and usually has finished apprenticeship or training at about age 13 – being considered a man now – he begins to accept "his father’s business" as his own. He becomes responsible in synagogue and community and begins to prepare for his accountability – usually 30 years of age. This is when one was customarily ordained as priest, prophet or king.

Shouldn’t we be "about our father’s business" and show loving concern instead of busybodying about. I Tim 5:13. Too many are about the business of confusion/legalism instead of: see Matt 4:23; 9:35; 15:9-11; 28:19-20; Acts 5:25. The Great Commission of Messiah is this, preaching, teaching and healing spiritually and physically even emotionally. LET’S DO IT THEN – there isn’t time for petty disputations. Rom 14:1-8 and I Cor 8:1-9. You will see what scripture says about what our attitudes should be toward all humankind.