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God Loves Us, J3 Khai Ambassadors, J3 Khai Restoration, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections, Uncategorized

God’s If, Then for you in Exodus 19

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Exodus 19:3–6 (NASB95)

3 Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.

5 ‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”

Health, J3 Khai Ambassadors, J3Khai Ambassadors, Team Africa, Uncategorized

“What God cannot do does not exist.”

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Our friend Patrick in Malawi has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. In response to our asking how Patrick was doing today, Jan 4th, his wife Mervis wrote:

“What God cannot do does not exist. He specializes in wonders and miracles. He will provide the necessary resources to help him [Patrick] through this in Jesus name.”

Please pray for Patrick and his family as you are led and also if led please provide a gift to help pay his medical bills.

After clicking this link choose Malawi as a sub-fund and type “Patrick Surgery” in the note area so we know where to direct your kind and generous donation.

https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/khairestoration

Cellular Health Coaching, Personal Reflections, Uncategorized

Lindell Cooley Healing Testimony

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Shared at Church of His Presence November 6th, 2022

https://churchofhispresence.org/more-sermons?sapurl=LytyZHNtL2xiL21pLyszcjdjNzVuP2VtYmVkPXRydWUmcmVjZW50Um91dGU9YXBwLndlYi1hcHAubGlicmFyeS5saXN0JnJlY2VudFJvdXRlU2x1Zz0lMkJuMmduOHJ3

I had a similar experience of God’s peace and confidence I would be fine last April during my heart attack and heart surgery.

I apologize that I couldn’t get the link to work better in this post.

Featured Writers, Uncategorized

Religious Freedom Court Cases Recently Won

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Please listen to this presentation by Attorney Kelly Shackelford, from First Liberty, to the ProFamily Legislators Conference last month about cases won in Federal and Supreme Courts concerning free speech, the right to assemble, the right to pray in public, the overturning of the Lemon case from 1971 and many more.

His presentation is broken into two parts on the Wallbuilders webpage:

https://wallbuilderslive.com/religious-liberty-precedent-with-kelly-shackelford-part-1/

https://wallbuilderslive.com/reclaiming-religious-liberty-with-precedent-with-kelly-shackelford-part-2/

I am very encouraged by what Kelly shares and hope you will also!!

Reclaiming Religious Liberty with Precedent – with Kelly Shackelford, part 1
God Loves Us, J3 Khai Ambassadors, J3 Khai Restoration, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections

Jesus is Wisdom

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

As you read a chapter of Proverbs each day identify that wisdom is Jesus and Jesus is wisdom.

“To those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, NASB95)”

“Christ is called ‘the wisdom of God.’ If we are taught in the Scripture that Christ is the same with God’s wisdom or knowledge, then it teaches us that He is the same with God’s perfect and eternal idea. They are the same … and I suppose none will deny. But Christ is said to be the wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:24, Luke 11:49, compare with Matt. 23:34); and how much doth Christ speak in Proverbs under the name of Wisdom especially in the 8th chapter. (Jonathan Edwards An Unpublished Essay on the Trinity (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1903) p. 75 ff. )”

“By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God. (1 Cor 1:30, NASB95)”

“Jesus is all wisdom, complete in Himself, and if we desire more wisdom from the Father (James 1:5), He answers by revealing more of His Son to us.  We ask for wisdom, we get Jesus.  We look for wisdom, we see it in Jesus.  We want to know wisdom (Prov. 1:2), we must know Jesus, and none other. The wisdom from God is found in only one person— and His name is Jesus. (By Steve McCranie, accessed Dec 1st, 22: https://www.leavinglaodicea.com/jesus-is-our-wisdom/)”

Could we say the fear or reverence of God is the beginning of knowing Jesus?

When you get to know Jesus better you get to know God the Father and Holy Spirit better as well, since they are One person.

Featured Writers, Health

Rachelle can help you be more balanced; spirit, soul and body!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

I trust and seek her advice often!!!

Check out her Telegram Channel: https://t.me/energybalancingconcepts

Hello, my name is Rachelle Evitt, creator of the Energy Balancing Channel. I am an Applied Kinesiologist through the Kinesiology Institute with John Maguire. John’s students are highly trained in Structural, Biochemical, Emotional, and Energetic Kinesiology Principles.

I am also certified in Body Talk, a Quantum Energy Balancing Modality that is a sister system to Applied Kinesiology. I use both modalities when working with clients.

In addition, I am a licensed Massaged Therapist, a certified Trainer under NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association), and trained in Essential Oils through the CARE Institute.

I take clients both in my office and on Zoom doing Health Coaching using Applied Kinesiology and Body Talk principles. Direct Message me if you are interested in working with me to improve your health.

Welcome to the Energy Balancing Concepts Channel. My goal with the channel is that we learn new ways to IMPROVE HEALTH while EXPANDING the MIND 🌿

–Rachelle Evitt

https://t.me/energybalancingconcepts

Personal Reflections, Ukraine, Uncategorized

260 Days of War in Ukraine

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

My dear friends, my prayer partners, I thank you for the fact that sometimes through such letters I can turn to you to maintain this friendly and prayerful connection of ours.

Thank you for this and thank you to our God. I am writing to you this update of my news, news of the church and “Olive Branch” in Ukraine, and I wish you a great day!
Today is the 260th day of the war on the land of Ukraine. The Russian enemy is trying to destroy critical infrastructure facilities of Ukraine by launching its missiles and Iranian drones. Our people are heroically eliminating the consequences of destruction, and our anti-aircraft forces are trying to shoot down as many of these flying enemy objects as possible. Other troops of ours repel the influx of mobilized Russians near Donetsk and Luhansk, other troops of our troops push the enemy out of the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. I believe that by the grace of God and with your support, we will overcome this Russian demonic enemy together. The chaplains we train and support have a huge and important part to play and serve the military in this process.

Yesterday I went to the seminary. I arrived at nine o’clock in the morning, and five minutes after that the electricity went out until 1 p.m. I didn’t know what to do next, because all my work was concentrated on the computer. I have to check students’ homework, give grades and report to the seminary. But how to do it without electricity? It was cold in the seminary, but there were offline classes for students in two classes. Lighting for them was provided by a small generator, which also helped in preparing dinner. There are almost no generators in Ukraine now. KTS ordered a large generator in Europe, but they said that it can be in Kyiv only after December. I went around the offices saying hello and I talked a little with those who were in the seminary. The offline classes were conducted by two of our teachers Richard Perhai and Mark McDonell. I met Mark’s wife named Donna and had a nice chat with her. I also spoke with the rector of the seminary about the fact that the state of Ukraine does not recognize diplomas of religious educational institutions with some rare exceptions. Therefore, our Protestant chaplain graduates in the Ukrainian army are now mainly appointed to the positions of assistant chaplains, and the Orthodox are appointed to the positions of chaplains, because the Orthodox and Catholics have three licensed educational religious institutions, and the Protestants have only one, but it is in the Russian-occupied Kherson.

There are currently 43 church members in the Way of Truth Church, but some have gone away from the war and have not yet returned, and some of them have already fallen away from the church and possibly from God as well. I think they will not return to Ukraine. It is very sad as a pastor that when the trials came because of the suffering of the war, people fall away from the faith. But we as a church are trying to support the members of the church and for this we conduct offline service, we do several different small groups, and today at 07.30 we opened the preacher’s weekly morning school. Now there are seven preachers in it. Thank God.
I am preparing the eleventh couple for marriage in the church.
I have a dream to make an Olive Branch Ukraine camp for teenagers from military families this summer, even in wartime conditions. You will pray for God’s will and His support in this.

By the grace of God and with your support, “Olive Branch” in Ukraine continues to support the “Pastoral Chaplaincy Leadership” program at the KТS, and for the fall of 2022 we had the following course plan and it has been completed:
1) On September 9, an offline School of Chaplains was held in the city of Cherkasy. The graduation of the school with the presentation of certificates for 19 students took place on October 29, 2022;
2) On September 19-23, online teaching of the “Administration of Chaplain Service” course took place, the teacher was Chaplain US Army David Williams. About 40 students, free listeners and volunteer chaplains were present. I have received positive feedback from students about David’s teaching;
3) October 3-7 online teaching of the course “Preparation and conduct of spiritual training programs”, teacher Stacey Conard, was attended by about 30 students, free listeners and volunteer chaplains. Stacey’s teaching was very positively received by the audience;
4) On October 17-21, I had to teach an offline course “Introduction to Chaplaincy” for the first year of study for 5 students. We were preparing a holiday at the seminary for first-year students on Monday, but the enemy hit Ukraine with 55 missiles and 30 drones, so the seminary decided to teach all students online again. So I taught online again. Thanking God, I had 22 students and free listeners attend the course. That’s more than five!

I hold meetings like this every Tuesday for Olive Branch leaders and members.
Every second Tuesday of the week I have online training from Jeff and Nancy Jernigan on the Civilian Security Program.
I was invited 10/12/2022 as a teacher to a regional conference in the city of Odesa for pastors of this region, because many local churches have a disagreement with their members who are military chaplains.

“Post” or “Present and not finished time”

Today, after 260 days of war, I can say that I have real personal experience of living in a country at war.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a popular topic of training, conferences and seminars in Ukraine today. But now the use of this concept in Ukraine differs from the generally accepted one. The difference is that the word “Post” is not appropriate to use now, because the action of the suffering of war or stress in our country is not yet finished, this action continues. I catch myself because I have traumatic stress, my wife has stress, the believers in the church have a lot of stress. I can’t imagine what feelings people who have no hope in God feel, I can’t imagine what Ukrainian soldiers feel when 75 to 100 of their friends die on the front every day. I know for sure that I have a lot of stress that affects me like a wave. After every alarm signal, turning off the lights and water, bad news from the combat zone, after the shelling of the city where I live, this wave of stress rises uphill, and my motivation and desire to do something goes down rapidly. My human relations in the family, in the church, in society also suffer from these waves. It becomes difficult to communicate, to refrain from irritation and resentment, every little thing can be like a pebble that starts a rockfall, that is, a conflict. I have today, now, not an easy test of God through suffering, this is not the past time, it is the present time. Who will teach me and other people how to live in such stress that lasts a month, a year, or more?
After the rapist leaves, Ukrainians will recover for some time and then decide to forgive the Russian aggressor, but not now. And the topic of love for enemies according to the Bible does not belong here at all, because this topic concerns persecution for faith in Christ, and not a state of hostilities. The enemy must be destroyed, but we have not to enjoy the killing and not to incite rage, as Clive Lewis wrote in the book “Just Christianity”.
Therefore, conversations and sermons about the fact that it is necessary to forgive right now in the conditions of war are not true and even harmful and offensive for Ukrainians, because I emphasize once again that the phase of war or violence in Ukraine is not over, it continues its effect in time.

How, when and who should be forgiven?
In the message to the Ephesian church it is written: 4:32 forgive one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. In the Gospel of Luke 6:37: forgive and you will be forgiven.
Very often I began to hear this phrase during brutal hostilities and violence against the civilian population. As someone insists in his teaching that I or we Ukrainians must forgive the Russians, here is an example for you to understand. If you heard the screams of a child or a woman being raped by a sadist, what would your actions be? Are you going to stand by and say: if you are a Christian, then forgive him?
First, I think the first thing you should do is stop the rapist and tie him up.
Secondly, to calm down the victim and ensure her safety and peace.
And thirdly, tell the girl or woman exactly what Christ said, about forgiveness.
So, people who say that Ukrainians should forgive Russians right now are like a cynical preacher who repeats the words of Jesus without considering the tragedy and pain of the victim. Such a person does not truly love, he does not think that the first thing that should happen is that the act of violence or the war should end first and the victim needs time to gain a sense of security.
Those of you who understand this do not talk about forgiveness, but pray and help Ukraine in every possible way. Thank you very much. There is a time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

I liked Jeff Jernigan’s words in his letter to me. Here’s what he wrote to me about forgiveness: “Forgiveness is not something people are contemplating very much at the moment. Ecclesiastes 3.1-8 declares there is a right time for many things including a time to embrace or refrain from embracing, a time to tear and a time to sew, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Forgiveness is a process, not simply an event. Many of the scriptures about forgiveness assume this reality. In time, there will come opportunities to forgive. Over time, if we do not forgive, the result will be bitterness that eats at our very soul. One pastor said it is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. We cannot be demanding about forgiveness, but let the Holy Spirit lead us each to place of wholeness in this matter. The theological section on forgiveness is quite long. Perhaps you can shorten it by acknowledging the challenge and providing some guidance. 

Psalm 27 provides considerable comfort for those suffering under the tyranny of disaster and violence”. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;Whom shall I fear?The Lord is the cdefense of my life;Whom shall I dread?2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.3 Though a host encamp against me,My heart will not fear;Though war arise against me,In spite of this I shall be confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,To behold the beauty of the LordAnd to dmeditate in His temple.5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;He will lift me up on a rock.6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice,And be gracious to me and answer me.8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,“Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.”9 Do not hide Your face from me,Do not turn Your servant away in anger;You have been my help;Do not abandon me nor forsake me,O God of my salvation!10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,But the Lord will take me up.

11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,And lead me in a level pathBecause of my foes.12 Do not deliver me over to the adesire of my adversaries,For false witnesses have risen against me,And such as breathe out violence.13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LordIn the land of the living.14 Wait for the Lord;Be strong and let your heart take courage;Yes, wait for the Lord.

 New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition: Paragraph Version (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ps 27:1–14.

I also hear the following statements: we must love everyone, because it is written in the Bible.

This is indeed in the Bible. But for us to correctly interpret these words, we need to learn to distinguish God’s command to an individual person or God’s command to society, or to the church, as a gathering of people.
So, according to the Bible, we can love other people with brotherly love (Greek phileo), but we cannot and should not love everyone with the highest form of God’s love (Greek agape).
If we love God (Greek agape), then we are able to love (Greek phileo): our wife, children, truth, neighbor, goodness, people of our local church, as well as all those who love God.
Therefore, only those people who believe in Him and are obedient to Him can truly love God.
Psalm 30:24: Love the Lord, all you righteous ones
Deuteronomy 10:19:  loves the stranger
Prophet Zechariah 8:19: Love truth and peace
Colossians 3:19: Husbands, love your wives
1 Peter 1:22: Always love one another
1 Peter 2:2: Love the pure milk of the word,
Gospel of John 13:34, 15:17: Love one another (the listeners – Judaic stood around Jesus).
Therefore, all other people who do not believe in God and are not obedient to Him, we should not so much love them as much as we should respect them, but the evil that is present in these people, we should hate, like our Father.
1 Peter’s letter to the church 2:17: Respect everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, respect the king.
Prophet Amos 5:15: Hate evil and love good.
Therefore, God can only be loved by people who believe in Him and are obedient to Him. First of all, we are obliged to love people who believe in God. And we should respect people who do not believe in God, but hate evil in them. Love has different degrees: agape, phileo, eros. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot and should not love everyone equally.

One must love one’s enemies
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you.
To understand these words, and any others in the Bible, one must understand to whom and under what circumstances they were spoken, that is, the historical and cultural context. Then your theology will be Christ’s. These words apply to me or you personally, the words of Jesus are 100% true. But if the sphere of application of these words is different, for example, the sphere of my family, city or country, then these words cannot be applied in the same way here.
Remember Jesus’ command to the disciples to sell their clothes and buy themselves weapons for self-defense. Remember the words of Jesus? Luke 22:36: … sell your clothes and buy a sword;
I will remind you that I am not talking about my personal enemy and not about those enemies who want to destroy my church for faith.
I’m talking about a different case, that is, about an enemy who climbs into my house. I can kill such an enemy legally (the book Exodus).
I am talking about such an enemy who destroys my home, my family, my country, who wants to destroy my nation. Such an enemy must be destroyed, and then talk about forgiveness.
I forgive such an enemy in two cases.
1. When he is defeated and I see his surrender.
2. When he will apologize to me and the country, or will no longer be able to threaten others, as happened with the empires, which today are no longer on the world map.

If they hit you on one cheek, turn the other
Whoever slaps you on the cheek, give him a friend too, and whoever wants to take your cloak, don’t forbid your shirt either. (Luke 6:29)
Who often repeats these words today?

I think that a person who has no experience of waging war in the city of his residence and does not understand the fear of artillery shelling, aerial and rocket bombardment. It is difficult for many people outside of Ukraine to understand the effects of fear. They are afraid that they may be killed, maimed, raped right in their own homes. And our Russians do it en masse.

Almost all of the churches of Ukraine and ours switched to the Gregorian calendar, so we do not plan to celebrate two Christmases and two Easters. On November 20, we have Thanksgiving, December 25 is Christmas. Every year, our church collects from 30 to 50 gifts for children with its own funds and sends them to children who live near the war zone.
Thank you all again for your support and prayers. Thank you to all of you who receive my update letters and remember us and pray. This means that you also help Ukraine and serve the needy people of the country in Ukraine, who have endured Russian aggression for 260 days, many of them do not have housing, food, water, medical care, work, security.

A short addendum to my letter from Jeanа Szegedа. 

The women’s service consisted primarily of establishing a connection with the sisters who, due to military actions, were displaced by the war throughout Ukraine and abroad. Then we managed to organize weekly women’s meetings in ZOOM – every Monday for prayer and support. Caroline Grub and Linda were invited to the meeting. The American sisters suggested holding thematic international meetings every first Monday of the month. So we held meetings on the topic of “Compassion”, “Hope”, “Loyalty” and others. Such meetings were attended by women from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, as well as from areas where hostilities are taking place. They went out without lights, explosions could be heard, our prayers were a great support for all of us. Help was provided to a sister in Kropyvnytskyi (medicines were sent for the military unit, where Sister Valya Syzenko is serving). A women’s service was held in Irpen for women who lost their homes as a result of Russian shelling, involving children from large families of believers. The victims were presented with bedding and a set of household chemicals sewn by Halyna Danyuk’s sister. A visit was also held for the purpose of spiritual communication with the transfer of a set of farm products, a set of fruits, books “Prayer Book of the Ukrainian”, dry food for the animals they saved from their farm – dogs and cats.
The service of the women’s Christian club “Anna” in Ivano-Frankivsk is actively developing – a Christmas service for military families is being prepared. Women’s Christian club “Esther” (Alexandria, Kirovohrad region) held a service for elderly single women. Ukrainian women of the “Olive Branch” raised funds for the intelligence group, where Cheremisyna’s nephew Tetyana, a resident of Kherson, is fighting. In Dnipro, the online prayer group is led by Anna Yermalayeva, who is in Poland as a refugee. We ask for prayers for our sisters in the diaspora and in Ukraine. Thank you for the prayers and support of the American sisters! May God bless you all, brothers and sisters!

Information from senior hospital chaplain Mykola Dudko from CherkasyOur soldiers Aare very brave and courageous. These are heroes. They are being treated in our hospital. And after recovery, they rush to their brothers again, to protect our earth … We, as chaplains, constantly support them, for Wwhich. Soldiers do not want to be photographed (for security reasons).
Knowing that members of the olive brand have worked in the hospital for a long time as medical chaplains and have a lot of expertise, he was invited to participate. It is needed for the introduction of medical chaplaincy in health Care Institutions.

I add to the letter a file with advertising for the introduction of hospital chaplaincy in Ukraine with the Participation of Olive BranchThank you for letting me know you on this earth and for being with God.May God bless you abundantly.
I wish that we have in the soul a peace from God.
Valentin.

Valentyn Korenevych,
Colonel (retired)

President of the Public organization “Olive Branch” Ukrainewww.olivebranch.org.ua
Program director of “Pastors-Chaplains Leadership” of the Kiev Theological Seminary
www.ktsonline.org
+38 097 9638406
This letter was translated by an electronic translator, so I apologize in advance for any errors that you may have noticed.

Featured Writers, Personal Reflections, Uncategorized

Grace

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Quotes from recent letter from Dave Coffield

“The only true basis for personal security and significance was [is] grace. As long as either my security or my significance is tied to performance, what others think about me, my internal sense of good or bad, how I am feeling – I will feel insecure and insignificant.”

“I don’t work to gain the favor of God; I work because I have His favor.”

“May our days be filled with gratitude for His incredible gift of grace!”

Well said David

Featured Writers, Recommended Reading, Veterans

TO SUPPORT AND DEFEND: PRINCIPLES OF CIVILIAN CONTROL AND BEST PRACTICES OF CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“This is one of the best explanations on how our civil and military leadership work together to ‘Support and Defend’ our Constitution. ” Sergeant Major Michael J. Weiss, Sr., U.S. Army Retired

Copied from https://warontherocks.com/2022/09/to-support-and-defend-principles-of-civilian-control-and-best-practices-of-civil-military-relations/ Sep 14, 22.

We are in an exceptionally challenging civil-military environment. Many of the factors that shape civil-military relations have undergone extreme strain in recent years. Geopolitically, the winding down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the ramping up of great power conflict mean the U.S. military must simultaneously come to terms with wars that ended without all the goals satisfactorily accomplished while preparing for more daunting competition with near-peer rivals. Socially, the pandemic and the economic dislocations have disrupted societal patterns and put enormous strain on individuals and families. Politically, military professionals confront an extremely adverse environment characterized by the divisiveness of affective polarization that culminated in the first election in over a century when the peaceful transfer of political power was disrupted and in doubt. Looking ahead, all of these factors could well get worse before they get better. In such an environment, it is helpful to review the core principles and best practices by which civilian and military professionals have conducted healthy American civil-military relations in the past — and can continue to do so, if vigilant and mindful.

1. Civilian control of the military is part of the bedrock foundation of American democracy. The democratic project is not threatened by the existence of a powerful standing military so long as civilian and military leaders — and the rank-and-file they lead — embrace and implement effective civilian control.

2. Civilian control operates within a constitutional framework under the rule of law. Military officers swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution, not an oath of fealty to an individual or to an office. All civilians, whether they swear an oath or not, are likewise obligated to support and defend the Constitution as their highest duty.

3. Under the U.S. Constitution, civilian control of the military is shared across all three branches of government. Ultimately, civilian control is wielded by the will of the American people as expressed through elections.

4. Civilian control is exercised within the executive branch for operational orders by the chain of command, which runs from the president to the civilian secretary of defense to the combatant commanders. Civilian control is also exercised within the executive branch for policy development and implementation by the interagency process, which empowers civilian political appointees who serve at the pleasure of the president and career officials in the civil service to shape the development of plans and options, with the advice of the military, for decision by the president. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is not in the formal chain of command, but best practice has the chairman in the chain of communication for orders and policy development.

5. Civilian control is exercised within the legislative branch through the extensive powers enumerated in Article I of the Constitution, beginning with the power to declare war, to raise and support armies, and to provide and maintain a navy. Congress determines the authorization and appropriation of funds without which military activity is impossible. The Senate advises and consents on the promotion of officers to the pay grade of O-4 and above. The Senate is also charged with advising and consenting to certain senior-level civilian political appointees. Congress conducts oversight of military activity and can compel testimony from military or civilian officials, subject to narrow exceptions such as executive privilege. Members of Congress empower personal and committee staff to shape the development of policies for decision by the committees and Congress as a whole and thereby play an important role in civilian oversight of policy.

6. In certain cases or controversies, civilian control is exercised within the judicial branch through judicial review of policies, orders, and actions involving the military. In practice, the power to declare a policy/order/action illegal or unconstitutional is decisive because the military is obligated (by law and by professional ethics) to refuse to carry out an illegal or unconstitutional policy/order/action.

7. Civilian control is enhanced by effective civil-military relations. Civil-military relations are comprised of a dynamic and iterative process that adjusts to suit the styles of civilian leaders. Under best practices, civil-military relations follow the regular order of the development of policy and laws, which protects both the military and civilian control. Under regular order, proposed law, policies, and orders are reviewed extensively by multiple offices to ensure their legality, appropriateness, and likely effectiveness. However, regardless of the process, it is the responsibility of senior military and civilian leaders to ensure that any order they receive from the president is legal.

8. The military has an obligation to assist civilian leaders in both the executive and legislative branches in the development of wise and ethical directives but must implement them provided that the directives are legal. It is the responsibility of senior military and civilian leaders to provide the president with their views and advice that includes the implications of an order.

9. While the civil-military system (as described above) can respond quickly to defend the nation in times of crisis, it is designed to be deliberative to ensure that the destructive and coercive power wielded by the U.S. armed forces is not misused.

10. Elected (and appointed) civilians have the right to be wrong, meaning they have the right to insist on a policy or direction that proves, in hindsight, to have been a mistake. This right obtains even if other voices warn in advance that the proposed action is a mistake.

11. Military officials are required to carry out legal orders the wisdom of which they doubt. Civilian officials should provide the military ample opportunity to express their doubts in appropriate venues. Civilian and military officials should also take care to properly characterize military advice in public. Civilian leaders must take responsibility for the consequences of the actions they direct.

12. The military reinforces effective civilian control when it seeks clarification, raises questions about second- and third-order effects, and proposes alternatives that may not have been considered.

13. Mutual trust — trust upward that civilian leaders will rigorously explore alternatives that are best for the country regardless of the implications for partisan politics and trust downward that the military will faithfully implement directives that run counter to their professional military preference — helps overcome the friction built into this process. Civil-military teams build up that reservoir of trust in their day-to-day interactions and draw upon it during times of crisis.

14. The military — active-duty, reserve, and National Guard — have carefully delimited roles in law enforcement. Those roles must be taken only insofar as they are consistent with the Constitution and relevant statutes. The military has an obligation to advise on the wisdom of proposed action and civilians should create the opportunity for such deliberation. The military is required ultimately to carry out legal directives that result. In most cases, the military should play a supporting rather than a leading role to law enforcement.

15. There are significant limits on the public role of military personnel in partisan politics, as outlined in longstanding Defense Department policy and regulations. Members of the military accept limits on the public expression of their private views — limits that would be unconstitutional if imposed on other citizens. Military and civilian leaders must be diligent about keeping the military separate from partisan political activity.

16. During presidential elections, the military has a dual obligation. First, because the Constitution provides for only one commander-in chief at a time, the military must assist the current commander-in-chief in the exercise of his or her constitutional duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Second, because the voters (not the military) decide who will be commander-in-chief, they must prepare for whomever the voters pick — whether a reelected incumbent or someone new. This dual obligation reinforces the importance of the principles and best practices described above.

Signatories:

Former Secretaries of Defense

Dr. Ashton Baldwin Carter
William Sebastian Cohen
Dr. Mark Thomas Esper
Dr. Robert Michael Gates
Charles Timothy Hagel
James Norman Mattis
Leon Edward Panetta
Dr. William James Perry

Former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Gen. (ret.) Martin Edward Dempsey
Gen. (ret.) Joseph Francis Dunford Jr.
Adm. (ret.) Michael Glenn Mullen
Gen. (ret.) Richard Bowman Myers
Gen. (ret.) Peter Pace

Cellular Health Coaching, Dr. Gary Samuelson

Cellular Health Group Coaching

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Discover the world of cellular health, life-changing knowledge and apply personal action steps by enrolling in the group I am leading starting August 25th.

“This training and the action steps I took reduced the severity of my heart attack last April and facilitated my speedy recovery. The action steps I have taken have also enabled me to lower my sugar levels and stop taking Metformin. I don’t think you will not get a better understanding how our bodies function, at the cellular level, than from Dr. Gary Samuelson. With this knowledge I will help you craft action steps to improve your overall health and vitality. I would love to help coach you to live out your DNA to its fullest potential.” Michael Weiss

Watch this short 13 minute conversation Dr. Samuelson and I had recently.

Cells In Motion – via Dr. Samuelson’s reference to Harvard.edu

Improve your life one action step a week with the other members in my group starting

Thursday, August 25th at 6 pm CST.

1661468400

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Cellular Health Group Coaching

We will spend 12 weeks together learning about the 5 Laws of Physical and the 6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health. During these 12 weeks we will work together helping you craft at least one SMART action step for each law.

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

The 5 Laws of Physical Health: Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise, Respiration and Sleep.

The 6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health: Belief, Attitude, Learning, Choice, Balance and Action

Enroll Today

One-time payment of US $697

or two payments of US $367

Basic Segment/5 Laws of Physical Health

Session 1 – Hydration – The Water Cycle provides “natural water” to all living organisms – Natural Water contains absorbed essential minerals and biological materials – Proven benefits of hydration with natural water to each of our body systems

Session 2 – Nutrition 1 – All nutrients come from the indomitable plant – Macronutrients and Micronutrients – Needed Micronutrients and consequences of Nutritional Deficiencies

Session 3 – Nutrition 2 – Nutritional Requirements of the Cell – Carbs and Sugars in our metabolism, why excess is harmful – Proven benefits of Individual Nutrients to each of our major body systems

Session 4 – Exercise – Composition and function of muscle tissue and fascia – Principles of building muscle, messengers, atrophy, fat fuel – Detailed Exercise program for each muscle and proven benefits

Session 5 – Respiration – Oxygen and Redox Chemistry – Cellular Metabolism, why oxygen is needed – Oxidation and Reduction, Cellular Messengers, stress reduction, proven benefits

Session 6 – Sleep – Why we need sleep – Diurnal Cycles/Circadian Rhythms – Optimal Sleep and proven benefits

Enroll now

Intermediate Segment/6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health

Session 1 – Belief – Belief dictates behavior and pretty much everything else – Enormous Power and Purpose of the Subconscious Mind – The Subconscious Mind realizes all our beliefs

Session 2 – Attitude – Attitude is the manifestation of belief – Belief and Attitude lead to self-actualization – How Attitude programs the subconscious mind

Session 3 – Learning – Learning programs Believe -> Behavior – Emotion is the key to learning – Benefits of learning to the mind

Session 4 – Choice – Universal Governing Principle of all Nature – We choose our beliefs and attitudes – Choice = Freedom: Ways to remove mental blocks

Session 5 – Balance – Identify areas in your life where you feel anxious and “out of balance”. This is an indication that adjustments need to be made. Write them down. – Read your Goal Worksheet one more time again. This timekeeping in mind how your goals can help you regain your balance. Identify the Goals that will help you regain balance. – Recommit yourself to these goals with the new understanding you have gained. – Bring your Goal Worksheet up to date and make the adjustments necessary to bring you back into balance.

Session 6 – Action ACTION – The most important Law of Mental Health ❤️ Action makes it happen

enroll now
Featured Writers, Guest Post, Testimonies, Ukraine, Uncategorized

Eyewitness Account From Ukraine

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

From my friend, Valentyn Korenevych, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Dear friends, remember that now I wish everyone not a good day, but God’s day. You admit that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began on February 20, 2014, when the Russians captured Crimea and then eastern Ukraine. Eight years later, the Russians decided to capture and destroy the whole of Ukraine, so on February 24, 2022, at 4 am, they began bombing our Ukrainian airfields, military units and cities. Today is the forty-first day of the active phase of the war. We Ukrainians defend our faith, our way of life, our land. A strong servant of Satan, hidden in the Kremlin walls of ancient Mordor: an old evil that pretends to be light under the guise of pagan Orthodoxy and Z occultism, is leading Russia to its doom. The unburied corpse of an idol man (Lenin) for about 100 years lies in the center of the Russian capital, near the cemetery of the same murderers and thieves.
We Ukrainians, as residents of the state of Gondor in the Tolkien writer, live in Mordor (Muscovy), and since 1487, we have been fighting with the Muscovite orcs for the right to live freely and believe in God.

This is my little introduction to give you a better understanding of how I feel and what is happening around me in Ukraine. Because I noticed that many people from other countries do not understand the essence of these events and continue to believe in fairy tales about good Russia. By the way, the name Russia is also was stolen by orcs in Kievan Rus, as now Russian orcs steal and take out of our cities, even fleeing Ukraine, refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, toilets, tablets, computers and more. But it’s not scary, we will still work and buy it all. It is not terrible that they destroyed our cities, we will rebuild. The scary thing is that they are killing our people by throwing bombs and missiles at us. And even worse is what they do with locals and children in the occupation. The city of Bucha, near Kyiv, where someone called the second Srebrenica. The name is not for the number of deaths, but for the cruelty. People and children were shot, tortured and raped by orcs there. Corpses, corpses… people. But it is not yet known what is being done in other Russian-occupied cities.

I have been with my family in Kyiv for a week now. Arrived on March 29 with my family (five of us). It helped a lot to have a car that all you raised money for me. We left Kyiv in this car for Cherkasy and we came back, and now I am transporting some things for the military in this car. Because transport is almost non-existent in Ukraine now. Thank you all again. May our God bless you all with His blessings.

In Kyiv I try to be useful to other people.
I communicate with military chaplains over the phone and various messengers.
I support them in various ways.
I take medicine to military units.
Every night for 41 days I have a church prayer for our military.
I join the online seminary every Sunday night.
Every Monday I conduct online communication with the employees of Olive Branch Ukraine.
On Sunday, I worshiped with the Lord’s Supper in our military building. Now there is no electricity and it is very cold.
On Thursday, Vasily and I will teach our pastors to understand chaplaincy.

The Russians have already left Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr and Sumy oblasts, so military teams are currently working there to clear roads and buildings. Today the first road to Chernihiv, my mother’s city, was opened. The city is 70% destroyed, and there is no water, gas, electricity or heating. My mother begs for food and an apartment every day, which she does not have, and still does not have a safe way there. My mother is 79 years old, I don’t know if she understands that or if she’s so stubborn. Maybe in ten days I will try to go to Chernihiv.

Today, at the door of our rented room called “Olive Branch” and the Church “Way of Truth”, I hung an announcement for needy people that those who need food, please contact. We plan to help those who do not have jobs and money for food, especially refugees.

Thank you, my friends, co-workers with God, I feel your prayers and other help. We all Ukrainians feel. The Russians bombed almost all our strategic enterprises, oil depots, food bases, airports, blocked seaports and river ports, but thanks to you our army fires bullets, shells, missiles, our tanks, cars and planes are at war, air defense is alive. Four million refugees are abroad, and they are safe.

I thank God and you for your countries contribution to all this. God works through you in times of war. I would like to thank you all in some way, but I do not know what and how?

Postscript. In Cherkasy on March 8, Marina and I went outside for a walk. We walked 500 meters to the city center when the alarm siren sounded. Marina immediately hunched over like a very old woman. It’s scary when you’re standing in the middle of the street of a still peaceful city, and the sirens around you are buzzing around, and you realize that you’re standing face to face in front of a cruise missile, and you’re defenseless (I didn’t mention God right away). I still didn’t have time to understand how Marina dragged me to the bomb shelter at a school. We waited at school for a while, but without waiting for the alarm to end, we went outside. We walked another 500 meters and I saw something strange, surreal. Near the market, right during the alarm, women were selling yellow and red tulips. It flashed in my head, today is Women’s Day, April 5th! And even more surprising was the fact that these tulips were lined up for men of all ages, who nervously shrugged, looked around, but stood in line, and they bought these flowers, mostly only one flower. To this day, I have before my eyes a picture: anxiety, the market, tense men, yellow and red tulips. I did not dare to stand in line, and did not buy a flower for Marina, because then such a purchase seemed strange and inappropriate. When I came home and calmed down, I was a little ashamed that I did not overcome myself and did not buy a flower for Marina. Suddenly, about an hour later, the son of the owner of the apartment where we lived, Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine., came and brought three flowers for Marina. Such are our military in Ukraine!
That is why Women’s Day, thanks to the military in Ukraine, exists even during the war.
Thank God for Ukraine and America and our other friends in Europe.

Valentyn Korenevych,
Colonel (Retired)

President of the Public organization “Olive Branch” Ukraine

www.olivebranch.org.ua
Program director of “Pastors-Chaplains Leadership” of the Kiev Theological Seminary
www.ktsonline.org

Personal Reflections

Not Knowing Is Not An Excuse

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

My First Sergeant told me, “Not knowing is not an excuse; the duty roster has been posted on the bulletin board for over a week.”

I was late showing up for Charge of Quarters duty because I had not checked the company bulletin board in over a week. I would have missed showing up at all if my friend had not noticed and woke me up.

The stated requirement, by all Company NCOs, was every Soldier was to check the Company Bulletin Board twice a day to ensure they were aware of the latest unit information, requirements, and duty roster changes.

We have a bulletin board in our hearts. Have you checked it lately?

“In reality, the truth of God is known instinctively, for God has embedded this knowledge inside every human heart. Opposition to truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence. He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse. (Rom 1:19, 20 TPT)”

Our loving, gracious, kind God wants us to know him today and be with him forever. Check out what Father God has written on your heart and look around at his wonderful creation. Also, consider what your naked eye can’t see, like the trillion billion water molecules in a drop of water and the estimated 100 to 200 billion galaxies in the universe.  

The Gospel, the Good News, is more about how good God is than how bad we are.

He loves you so much He sent Jesus to bring you to him and Holy Spirit to help us know him.

“When the roll is called up yonder” will you be there?  

Russian cowboy version

Charles J. Rolls, God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Uncategorized

Jesus “is affectionately loving, altogether lovely and always lovable.”

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“Christ monopolizes loveliness by His heart of lowliness, He multiplies preciousness by His spirit of meekness and He magnifies graciousness by His deeds of kindness. As Bridegroom He is affectionately loving, altogether lovely and always lovable.”

The Bridegroom of the Bride

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (John 3:29).
In that bright and beautiful narrative of the book of Ruth, Boaz, the notable kinsman who played the part of restorer and nourisher, also became the beloved bridegroom (Ruth 4:15). When the storm of sorrow and the waves of dire distress which Ruth had encountered died down, a new dawn of radiant splendor broke upon her life, in that she made the soul-stirring discovery that Boaz, the mighty man of wealth, was actually her kinsman and her redeemer. The damsel found in this nobleman a stronger sympathy than she had known before, a sweeter society than she had previously experienced and a dearer relationship of remarkable renown; for Boaz, the mighty, became her very own bridegroom.

The greater reality of the New Testament is reflected in this record; for the Son of God became the Son of man, our near kinsman; so that by identity of life and integrity of love, He might redeem and raise up His Bride, the Church, to share the intimacy and immortality of an eternal union with Himself. The illustrious and illuminating portrayal in the record of Ruth supplies an index to infinite movements that find complete consummation in the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7).
By virtue of Christ’s identifying Himself with human history, God wrought out His great regenerative purpose of salvation. If the celestial One had not entered into the realm of the terrestrial and overcome the infernal power of darkness, mankind would not have had any title to the heritage of light with its infinite glory and incorruptibility.
The Apostle Peter presents this Bridegroom as the perfection of all preciousness, the sum-total of exquisite beauty and majesty; whose life is everlasting, whose love is everabiding and whose endowments in an unwithering inheritance are to be eternally enjoyed. Christ monopolizes loveliness by His heart of lowliness, He multiplies preciousness by His spirit of meekness and He magnifies graciousness by His deeds of kindness. As Bridegroom He is affectionately loving, altogether lovely and always lovable.

The Scriptures disclose a series of illustrious bridegrooms in whose lives are given glimpses in faintest tracery of the tenderness of this eternal Lover. Glimmers of Him are reflected in the first love of Adam for Eve, in the faithful love of Abraham for Sarah, in the fervent love of Isaac for Rebecca, in the fragrant love of Jacob for Rachel, in the fruitful love of Joseph for Asenath, in the faultless love of Boaz for Ruth, and in the fascinating love of Jonathan for David.

The majestic countenance of the heavenly Bridegroom shines as the sun in its strength, so that the mystery of beauty is manifest at its best and brightest. Through Him the divine luster of lovingkindness beams forth in all the richness of moral goodness. He discharges the highest obligations perfectly. He has always been chivalrous in conflict, valiant in victory, constant in courtesy, loyal in love, thoughtful in tenderness, kingly in kindness and gracious in gentleness. No one is able to find in Him a single trace of failure or the slightest taint of fault or forgetfulness.

How solicitous He is in His care, how steadfast in His love, how sympathetic His heart and how sensitive His Spirit in understanding! Emanuel displayed infinite affection in coming to earth to select and secure His Bride, the Church, and to present her to Himself without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish. He has designed that His Bride share with Him in joint heirship His celestial home and heritage. Little wonder that the name of this Bridegroom is adored for its unrivaled glory and that His love is admired for its unchanging fidelity.

What a thrill comes to the soul when we anticipate sharing a home with Christ beyond the hills and the horizon. A mansion beyond the mists and the mountains. A possession beyond the plains and the planets. A society beyond the stars and the sky. A dominion beyond the darkness and death. A state of bliss beyond the sun and the shadows. A titled estate beyond the trials and tribulations of time. A paradise beyond the perils and pains of the present era.

Thou glorious Bridegroom of our hearts
Thy present smile a heaven imparts,
O lift the veil, if veil there be,
Let every saint Thy beauties see.

Charles J. Rolls, The Indescribable Christ: Names and Titles of Jesus Christ: A-G (Loizeaux Brothers, 1984).

Charles J. Rolls, God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Are you hangry for Love? Jesus is the Bread of Life!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“Christ is the true legacy of life; He heartily loves, tenderly calls, sincerely welcomes and gladly receives all who come to Him. No one can have too much of His preciousness, sweetness, or loveliness; all He bestows is fresh and fragrant and satisfies forevermore.”

The Bread of God

The bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).

The context shows that the emancipation from Egypt, which was followed by the supply of manna forty years in the wilderness under Moses, is closely associated with this new claim. During that period of national history, four outstanding experiences are recorded. These experiences relate to the Passover lamb, the Red Sea deliverance, the uplifted serpent and the fording of Jordan. The Apostle John introduces the spiritual significance of these same four features in the opening three chapters of this Gospel. These memorable links with the past, together with Jacob’s well (John 4), and the pool at the sheep gate (John 5), furnish an illuminating background in relation to the far-reaching claim Christ made of being the Bread of God from heaven.

The secret of Israel’s sustained strength was linked with the lamb in Egypt, the power at the Red Sea, the manna in the wilderness and the old corn in Canaan. These reflect Christ in His personal holiness at the crucifixion, “a Lamb without spot,” His prevailing power in resurrection (John 2:19), His perfect humility in submission, “the Bread which came down from heaven,” and His pre-eminent honor in glorification, as the One enthroned high above all principality and power.

The third of these is the subject here, where Christ declared Himself to be the Bread of God. To draw definite attention to the fact of His own manifestation and ordained mission, He refers to the source from whence He came and the sequence of that coming. Bread, in the use we make of it, is brought to nourish those who are alive; but Christ the Bread of God imparts life eternal. John is careful to mention among the essentials of this life, birth, breath and bread, and attributes these in turn to the Triune God. The physical bread we eat is from wheat grown in the ground, from whence our bodies are derived. The calcium, silicon, iodine, iron, phosphates, etc. in an organic form are packed into the wheat in order to build up our strength. In like manner, if we are to become partakers of spiritual life and immortality we must needs eat the Bread of God, which is made up of righteousness, goodness, lovingkindness, graciousness, perfectness, holiness, and such like which result in Godlikeness.

Our Lord also claimed, “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me” (John 6:37). This is a sure anchorage for faith; for by our coming it is obvious we form part of the Father’s gift. The decision to do so leads to a great discovery. “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). An eternal mystery is unveiled to everyone that comes. Christ is the true legacy of life; He heartily loves, tenderly calls, sincerely welcomes and gladly receives all who come to Him. No one can have too much of His preciousness, sweetness, or loveliness; all He bestows is fresh and fragrant and satisfies forevermore.

 Charles J. Rolls, The Indescribable Christ: Names and Titles of Jesus Christ: A-G (Loizeaux Brothers, 1984).

Uncategorized

The Gospel is about how Good God is, not how bad we are!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

The Lord Has No Equal

To whom will you compare me?
Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.
Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:25-31 (NLT)

Uncategorized

The Gospel is about how Good God is, not how bad we are!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

The Lord Has No Equal

Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand?
Are you deaf to the words of God—
the words he gave before the world began?
Are you so ignorant?
God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.
He judges the great people of the world
and brings them all to nothing.
They hardly get started, barely taking root,
when he blows on them and they wither.
The wind carries them off like chaff.

Isaiah 40:21-24 (NLT)

God Loves Us, Jesus, Messiah

The Gospel is about how Good God is, not how bad we are!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

The Lord Has No Equal

No, for all the nations of the world
are but a drop in the bucket.
They are nothing more
than dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth
as though it were a grain of sand.
All the wood in Lebanon’s forests
and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough
to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.
In his eyes they count for less than nothing—
mere emptiness and froth.

Isaiah 40:15-17

Testimonies, Uncategorized

I’m So Stoked

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“I’m living the Dream,” Ben Gravy

Ben Gravy loves to explore and find one-of-a-kind waves to ride. In this short clip, Ben is sharing his excitement about catching one Bonzi Pipeline wave recently. The waves that day were bigger than they usually are.

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxa6WUsdzdHia6IljNpRwMjnhucUwGDrJv

I love Ben’s honesty about being so afraid in the morning he told himself he wasn’t going to surf that day.

Ben’s experience is universal. Having a dream that is so big were to afraid to even paddle out into the line-up with all the other dreamers. But, each time we try we experience something new, that we could not experience if we didn’t “Go For It.” I have

I have dreams that scare the crap out of me and I know, from experience, that going for it out weighs staying on the shore.

I want to be in the middle of the arena with the Teddy Rosevelt’s of the world, not an onlooker from the stands.

Let’s do it together!!!

Defination of Stoked: being in an enthusiastic or exhilarated state. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoked)

Personal Reflections, Testimonies

When am i going too . . .

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

 

My lower back hurts a lot this morning. When I laugh, cough, stand up, sit down, basically live life, my brain feels a scream of pain from my midsection. I hate it when I am immobilized like this.

 

Why did this happen again? Did an evil force do it to me again? Did the divine hand of God reach down and touch my back yesterday morning with the intent of causing me pain so I will finally learn a specific lesson? Or am I responsible?

 

I believe I am responsible!

 

I have known since 2003 that when I keep the core of my body strong, I reduce my risk of back pain and immobilization by over 85%. In 2003 my back said stop again, and our orthopedic surgeon recommended fusing some of my lower vertebrae to prevent this from happening again. I had been babying this issue for many years, and some say it’s from jumping out of excellent airplanes.

 

Wise friends encouraged me to get a second opinion, which I did. Six weeks later, another orthopedic surgeon said I didn’t need surgery. “One of your discs still has a bulge but, your leg numbness is gone; you can move without pain, you’re doing fine.” “What do you attribute this excellent recovery to?”

 

“Pilates”

 

I told the doctor I saw a Pilates TV commercial and started doing the floor exercises as I was able. Slowly the numbness in my left leg decreased and stopped. Slowly I was able to dress myself, especially but my Army boots on, without pain. Slowly the muscles that wrap around my waist got stronger and stronger, supporting my lumbar vertebrae and discs keeping the bulge from causing problems.

 

The Doctor replied, and wrote in my medical record, “patient should do Pilates regularly.”

 

I believe God gave me Pilates. Instead of healing me he was daily giving me the grace to do Pilates. For me, instead of a one time miracle he is giving the the miracle of his sustaining grace everyday. Instead of me remembering one awesome thing God had done I have the opportunity to be with him as he and I walk together daily.

 

His grace is always sufficient for every one of my needs whether I appropriate it or not.

 

When am I going too appropriate his grace? I hope more often then in the past!!!

 

Are you going to acknowledge and appropriate his loving, kind and faithful grace right now?

 

He is only this whisper away, “I need you God, I surrender to your will and way.”

 

Shalom to you and yours!

Guest Post, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized

The National and International Day of Repentance and Solemn Assemblies Regarding Abortion on December 1, 2021

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

https://www.nationaldayofrepentance.org

We believe America is at a crossroads and that our time is short. God hates the shedding of innocent blood and the Mississippi abortion case presents us the best opportunity since 1992, to see the reversal of Roe v. Wade. But we need to pray desperately.

The Supreme Court has announced the day of Oral Argument in the Mississippi Ban on Late Term Abortion Case (Dobbs) for Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

Will you partner with us in helping to organize and call for a National Day of Repentance and Solemn Assemblies where we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways on the day of Oral Argument for this case?

We must have physical assemblies, perhaps in front of the Supreme Court, on the National Mall, in front of abortion clinics, and in churches across the nation. As well, we will be having a national 24-hour zoom call on the day of Oral Argument. We also believe we should be praying the day before, the day of, and the day after Oral Argument. Organizing this call will help generate millions of Americans and others to pray for the Supreme Court all the way through June 2022, when the decision will probably be announced.

America has committed the 4 great sins that can bring national destruction:

1. We have forsaken God (1962 Supreme Court Prayer case)

2. Shedding innocent blood (1973 Roe and Doe )

3. Sexual immorality on a vast scale (repeatedly)

4. The love of money and greed

We must repent of all these things.

There must be actual concrete ways to demonstrate turning from our sin on that day. Our suggestions would include praying in front of abortion clinics, signing The Moral Outcry Petition, helping the poor, the homeless, donating to pregnancy resource centers – either with time or donations, committing to pray more, and committing to be more publicly vocal that abortion is a crime against humanity and offering help to those considering abortion, etc. We value your suggestions also.

We encourage everyone, everywhere in America to pray as the Holy Spirit leads in accordance with your understanding of prayer and your sphere of influence. We need each denomination in America that still believes the Bible and that God hates the shedding innocent blood to stand up and cry out to the Lord.

We need to reach the fourth step of II Chronicles 7:13-14. We have prayed, we have humbled ourselves somewhat, but we have not yet turned from our wicked ways. We need to continue to confess that and see that this is the only remedy. The alternative is national or existential destruction, but if we turn, God will heal our land. Could you please share this short video call for a National Day of Repentance on the Day of Oral Argument in the case that could reverse Roe, December 1, 2021? Over 40 ministries are joining in this call. Will you join us? I believe this could be the last opportunity for the Nation and the Body of Christ to repent and TURN from the wicked ways of abortion.

God bless you

Lilian Schmid

Prayer Strategist and Coordinator 

lilianschmid@prayerstrategy.org

Prayer Strategy for the Spheres of Influence – Prayers and Forums for the Spheres of Influence in our Families, in the Church and in the Marketplace

God Loves Us, J3 Khai Restoration, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Yehovah

The Gospel (Good News) is about how good God is, not how bad you are!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
John 3:16 & 17:3 combined, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believed in him would not know Father, Son and Holy Spirit but would know Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Life eternal is living in relationship with God every moment from now on!!! You are loved always and always.

What is Meant By “these ten times” in Numbers 14:20-23?

David Talley — March 31, 2014

Numbers 14:20-23 states, “Then the Lord said, ‘I have pardoned them, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.’” What is meant by “these ten times?”

One option is to understand this phrase as a rhetorical number. It would be similar to a parent saying to a child, “I have told you ten times to clean your room.” The parent has not necessarily communicated with the child exactly ten times. The point is that there have been countless times that communication has been made. In the Numbers passage, the point would be that the Lord has been persevering with His people through countless illustrations of rebellious behavior, which was testing Him. Another option is to understand this phrase as an actual number. This would mean, then, that the Lord had been tested an actual ten times by the behavior of the people.

Regardless of which option one might choose based on the evidence available, it is important to have an understanding of what it means to “test” the Lord. A clue is provided for us in Numbers 14:11, which is the Lord’s response to the people in the situation, which precipitates Numbers 14:20-23. In Numbers 14:11 it states, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?’” The Lord performed signs (Egyptian plagues, parting of the waters of the Red Sea, etc.) for Israel intending that it would produce belief in them. However, as soon as Israel moved beyond an event where they had seen a sign from the Lord and then encountered another similarly difficult situation, they did not evidence belief. Thus, they tested the Lord. Another clue for this is provided in Exodus 17:6, where it further defines “testing” as Israel’s raising the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Again, when the nation encountered difficulty, their response did not evidence a belief that the Lord could move on their behalf and meet them in their place of need. Indeed, in their minds, he was absent.

Either option for understanding “ten times” is plausible because we do not have a record of every event that occurred for Israel during this time period. All we have a record of is “snapshots” of various events that occurred through the nation’s journeys. However, the second option is supported in a rather interesting way from the biblical text. The “signs” of the plagues against the Egyptians are intended not only to judge the Egyptians, but also to instill belief in the nation of Israel. Israel watched the powerful work of God in the ten plagues. Then, the Lord delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians and took them out of the land. How does Israel respond when they encounter difficult situations along the way? Do they evidence belief or does their response “test” the Lord with their lack of belief?

If you were to read Exodus 14 through Numbers 14 (it is not necessary to search through the book of Leviticus) with an eye toward Israel’s response to the various difficulties encountered during their journey, it is interesting to note that there are ten occurrences where they grumble and complain rather than evidence belief in the Lord. Note the following passages:

1.         Exodus 14:10-12

At the Red Sea where it seemed that Pharaoh’s army would destroy them

2.         Exodus 15:22-24

At Marah where they found bitter water

3.         Exodus 16:1-3

In the Desert of Sin as they hungered

4.         Exodus 16:19-20

In the Desert of Sin as they paid no attention to Moses concerning the storing of the manna until the morning

5.         Exodus 16:27-30

In the Desert of Sin as they disregarded Moses concerning the gathering of the manna on the seventh day

6.         Exodus 17:1-4

At Rephidim as they complained for water

7.         Exodus 32:1-35

At Mount Sinai as Aaron led the people in making the golden calf

8.         Numbers 11:1-3

At Taberah where the people raged against the Lord

9.         Numbers 11:4-34

At Kibroth Hattaavah in the grumbling provoked by the rabble for quail

10.       Numbers 14:1-3

At Kadesh in the Desert of Paran when the people refused to receive the good report of Joshua and Caleb but rather wished themselves dead

So finally in Numbers 14:11, the Lord cries out “how long?” Repeatedly the Lord had demonstrated His faithfulness in each situation of difficulty. However, as soon as Israel encountered another difficult situation, they evidence unbelief through their grumbling and complaining. Their complaining cried out loudly, “Is the Lord among us or not?” As a result, the Lord concludes, “and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice.”

Is any of this important to us? Our response to this is to consider how we might put the Lord to the test in our own lives. We can read about the Lord’s faithfulness in the Bible, and we have seen his faithfulness in our lives. Yet, when we encounter our next difficulty, do we evidence belief in Him, a belief that knows we can trust Him through the difficulty?

David Talley

David Talley is a professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology. Talley enjoys research in the areas of Old Testament theological themes, local church ministry, and contemporary theological issues. His dissertation research on the judgment of pain in Genesis 3 continues to be a focus in his research as he formulates a perspective on Godly living in a difficult world. Talley is passionate about understanding and teaching the truths of God’s Word, discipling and equipping others, and “passing on the faith” to the next generation. In 2013, he completed a survey book on the Old Testament, which blends the information of the biblical text with the transformation of the heart. His research has also been published in The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis, Eikon (formerly the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood) and the Christian Research Journal. 

https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2014/what-is-meant-by-these-ten-times-in-numbers-14-20-23 (Accessed August 30th, 2021)

508c1a, Nonprofit

Preparing For Launch: J3 Khai Restoration Ministries, 508c1a

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Hello, Friends! The following message is from a post I shared in the fundraising campaign that Connie created to help raise funds for establishing nonprofit status for what will now be called J3 Khai Restoration Ministries.

I’m very excited to be taking the necessary steps for J3 Khai to become an official entity that allows me to provide tax receipts for the donations you so generously share with our family of kingdom Ambassadors.

If you are a nonprofit ministry leader yourself, I invite you to learn more about the 508c1a corporation structure, and consider making the transition to a 508c1a for your own ministry. The benefits are tremendous, and I will be happy to tell you what I have learned from Destiny 508 concerning this matter.

___________________________

A Message From Michael
July 4, 2021  
Dear Friends,
J3 Khai Restoration Ministries (J3Khai) is on its way to becoming a legal and recognized Non-Profit. Destiny 508 is going to ensure our Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, board structure, and financial accountability are neat, clean, and organized at a discounted rate of $2,400. (Includes filing fees, training, and mentoring fees)

I want to operate J3Khai legally as a faith-based organization in order to “maintain a clear conscience with God and Man.”

Thank you Connie very much for creating this campaign. I could not do it without you. HooYah
Michael J. Weiss, Sr. 
J3 Khai Restoration

When You Are Ready to Register, Destiny 508 Services Does it All

What’s included when you register your new 508c1a Faith-Based Nonprofit with Destiny 508?

Most people are familiar with 501c3 to be able to offer tax deductible receipts to your donors but did you know there is a second legal way for churches that is a lot simpler?

At Destiny 508, we help Christian ministries and churches create a nonprofit status under tax code 508c1a. We really love the simplicity of the 508c1a model and we believe you will too.  The 508c1a option is a  privilege we have in the United States tax code as faith-based organizations which allows us to eliminate time consuming reporting requirements and retain freedom of speech in order to share our message without government restrictions. 

Below are what is included in your filing fee when you work with us to Register your 508c1a Faith-Based Nonprofit. 

LEARN MORE About DESTINY 508

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Connie’s House has been approved as a Destiny 508 Affiliate, so she will receive an affiliate commission if you make your purchase using her link. (at no cost to you)

She appreciates your support of her efforts to develop her publishing company, where she will offer fundraising and marketing services for the household of faith.

A Gift For You From Connie’s House

How To Paint Whimsical Pups and Kittens On Canvas Totes

J3 Khai Restoration, The Daily Blessing

Jehovah Bless You and Are only your chronic issues/symptoms being treated?

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Note: We just watched the first episode. Thought-provoking. Dr. Samuelson has not approved breaking his entire teaching in segments yet. When you go to the Cellular Health Coaching site you can also sign up for group coaching with the listed Coaches. Brief Cellular Health Coaching Introduction by Dr. Samuelson

Proven, Healing Breakthroughs Backed By Science Webpage

Copied from the Proven Webpage

“The mounting health crisis facing the western world grows every single day.

Cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, chronic pain and opioid addiction, the list goes on and on. Virtually everyone has someone who has been affected by these devastating conditions.

One of the greatest gifts you can give them, besides your love and support, is a new perspective.

The knowledge and wisdom you are about to receive can open whole new possibilities for health and wellbeing. It can give one of the most precious gifts of all…

Hope.

And that’s what this is all about.

You will meet the world’s top experts we tracked down to crack code on which natural and alternative medicines are the most effective for what ails us. We traveled around the earth to bring their lifetime of experience, research and knowledge direct to you.

You will hear dozens of inspiring stories from people who have overcome many of these diseases using the same information you will get in this docuseries.

You will learn from the greatest collection of master healers, doctors and caregivers ever assembled into a single documentary experience.

You will witness regular people who healed “incurable” conditions, restored health where drugs failed, and got off toxic pharmaceuticals.

There are so many folks out there suffering… and the medical system often doesn’t have the answers they need.

If you know anyone who would benefit from this healing knowledge, we encourage you to share this docuseries with them. It could transform their life.”

Cellular Health Coaching Webpage

Brief Cellular Health Coaching Introduction by Dr. Samuelson

God Loves Us, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Yehovah

Jehovah Bless You and The Gospel is about how good God is not how bad we are.

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

The Beginning (Origin or Source) of Creation

“Investigate where we will, not a grain of grace, not a mite of mercy, not a spark of sympathy, not an atom of authority, not a trace of truth, not a fraction of faith, not a look of love and not a glow of glory exist without His (Jesus) originating energy. If we examine the vaster things we must admit that the whole earth is full of His glory, whether this glory be reflected from the sublimity of the sky which is so measureless, the splendors of the stars which are so countless, the shining of the sun which is so exhaustless, the spaciousness of the heavens which are so trackless, the surging of the ocean which is so ceaseless, the spectrum of light which is so matchless, the designs of the snowflakes which are so numberless, the springs of fountains which are so traceless, the superiority of mountains which are so ageless or the fragrance of flowers which are so taintless. These few features in themselves introduce a range of wonders that are indescribable.”

Rolls, Charles J.. The Indescribable Christ: The Name & Titles of Jesus Christ A to G . Believer’s Bookshelf Canada Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Featured Writers, God Loves Us, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Jehovah Bless you and the Glory of God is seen in the face of Jesus

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

“God, who said, ‘Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,’ is the one who has cascaded his light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor 4:6 (TPT)

Learn about Akiane, this painting of Jesus and her other works by clicking here!

Reduce stress while driving Part II

Can driving the speed limit reduce stress?

Note: In this video I say, “when a police officer points his gun at you.” I meant to say, when a police officer points his speed monitoring gun at you,” not his weapon.

Featured Writers, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jesus, Messiah, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized

Yehovah Bless You and The Gospel is about how good God is, not how bad we are.

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Jesus the Messiah is Wonderful, Full of Wonder!!!

“Not a single title advanced by Christ concerning Himself in the Word of God, nor any other name by which He is addressed overestimates His transcendent majesty or overstrains His tremendous merit. He is never called by any one of His distinctive designations of honor, without richly deserving the same; and by virtue of His celestial comeliness engraces each with a heavier weight of dignity and a greater degree of excellence in every instance. His suitability as a Governor and His stability as a Guardian are both underived. His durability as a Shepherd and His desirability as a Saviour are not qualifications conferred by any human administration. He is the Lord, ‘which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.’”

Rolls, Charles J.. The Indescribable Christ: The Name & Titles of Jesus Christ A to G . Believer’s Bookshelf Canada Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Take a Break While Driving

Take a momentary break while driving by completely stopping behind the white line at each red light and stop sign.

God Loves Us, J3Khai Ambassadors, Jehovah, Jesus, Legacy Dream Team Overseer, Messiah, Personal Reflections, Recovery Updates, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Yehovah Bless You and Thank You for the Birthday Greetings and Blessings

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Because God loved me first, I love him and you,

Shalom,

Michael Jay Weiss, Sr., The Khai Guy

“The Gospel (Good News) is about how good God is not how bad we are.” MJW

God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, Personal Reflections, Recovery Updates, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Yehovah Bless You and Heading Home Tomorrow

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26
Heading Home 1 Video, 1 minute short
Heading Home 2 Video, 3 1/2 minutes short

Because God loved me first, I love him and you,

See you soon,

Shalom,

Michael Jay Weiss, Sr., The Khai Guy

“The Gospel (Good News) is about how good God is not how bad I am.”

Recovery Updates

Post OP Update

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Greetings from Michael!

I just spoke very briefly with Michael, and he asked me to tell you how much he loves you, and is very grateful for your prayers and messages of love.

He is out of ICU, and is in stepdown now.

If you would like, you may send a card to him using the following link:

SentaraECards.com

Choose a Hospital: Sentara Leigh

Just choose a cover, fill in your message, then the card will be printed and hand delivered to him in 1-2 days.

Thank you again, for your prayers and support for Michael, Darlene, and their entire family.

God bless you, and Shalom

Connie

on Michael and Darlene’s behalf.

Recovery Updates

Yehovah Bless You and My Heart Is Getting Healed

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Friends, Darlene and I are blessed and grateful for your love and prayers, thank you.

As many of you know I am scheduled to have heart by-pass surgery tomorrow, Monday April 19th, at 2 pm, unless Father heals me first. We are going to use my blog, www.j3khai.com, to provide updates about the surgery and my recovery.

For those who didn’t know why I am having heart surgery the story goes like this. After my CrossFit workout Wednesday evening my chest hurt really bad. I thought it was from the intense workout I just finished. The chest pains continued for a number of hours but were gone Thursday morning, so I went about my day. Thursday afternoon they returned, less intense, but still painful. I checked WebMD for heart attack symptoms and realized I had many of them, so I headed to the closet ER.  

Blood tests revealed I had a high level, 31.6, of a protein, Troponin, our body creates when our heart muscle is damaged, it should be 0. An angiogram showed my front left artery (LAD) was 90% blocked and the blockage was to long for a stint. I was moved from Chesapeake General Hospital to Sentara Norfolk Heart Hospital Friday morning to undergo additional exams and be scheduled for surgery.

So, there you have it.

Dr. Joseph Peck, Dr. Joseph Umidi, Empower 2000, Legacy Dream Team Overseer, Legacy Dream Teams, Uncategorized

Yehovah Bless You and Come Join Us

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

I invite you to go through the DreamFire Experience with Legacy Dream Team 11. I am Co-Facilitating this team with two powerful Coaches, Deborah Robinson and Father Mac, Saturday’s at 10 am Eastern Daylight Time for the next 11 weeks. We’ve met once and won’t be adding anyone else to our Team after our 2nd session together. It’s not to late!!! Come join us!!! Michael Weiss, Empower2000 Legacy Dream Team Overseer

Learn more about the DreamFire Experience and sign up to be on Legacy Dream Team 11 here!!!

https://vimeo.com/523917880/9662235827
Listen to and watch the Legacy Dream Team 11 members invite you to join us.
As of today, Tuesday, March 16th, we have only 6 slots left. Come join us!!!

We, Empower2000, embrace the following quote from Andy and Janine Mason’s book DREAM Culture, bringing dreams to life

“Our dream is to catalyze a Global Dream Culture where people everywhere join together in community to help one another succeed in life – life as God made us to live it. It’s a culture full of courage to face the impossible, love that overcomes fear, and the tangible Presence and Power of God that make the supernatural a daily experience. It’s a culture where people genuinely know and commit to help one another discover the gold God put in each of us – then to walk alongside each other to see the fullness of that gold expressed.”

Learn more about the DreamFire Experience and sign up to be on Legacy Dream Team 11 here!!!

Our Legacy Dream Teams are designed to:

  • Bring clarity and focus to your purpose
  • ​Challenge your thinking and beliefs (in good ways)
  • ​Expose you to NEW IDEAS that lead to breakthroughs
  • ​Connect you with other DREAMERS to accelerate your growth
  • ​Unlock your potential in a TURBO-CHARGED DREAM COMMUNITY
Featured Writers, God Loves Us, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized

Yehovah Bless You and Jesus Danced During Creation

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26
Is Jesus inviting you to Follow Him?

The Bridge Christian Fellowship

Pastor Steve Morgan

Sermon Title: “The Broken-Hearted Billionaire”

March 7th, 2021

God Loves Us, J3Khai Ambassadors, Legacy Dream Team Overseer, Personal Reflections, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Daily Blessing and Is God Good?

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26
Meet Meg and her team at www.almighty-meals.com. If you live in the Chesapeake, VA area stop in to meet her, enjoy a meal and drink and plan to order meals to eat at home the next week.
https://connieshouse.online/2020/08/26/the-kataluma-adventure-defined/

Personal Reflections

In Like Manner, Thou Art That Man…

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Like God used a story through Nathan the Prophet to bring King David to the sorrow and pain of his adultery and murder, He used a story written through William Paul Young to do the same for me.

On the way to the grave of McKenzie’s daughter, Jesus says to me, “Mac, you know what you need to do.”

Mac knew Jesus was asking him to forgive the man who kidnapped and murdered his daughter.

As I experienced that moment of the story, rage welled up within me, and my heart screamed, “no way should Mac or I forgive this man.”

Holy Spirit quietly said to me, “You are just like this man.”

With these few light-filled words God reminded me of the time when my girlfriend told me she was pregnant, and I immediately said to her, “You’re going to have it aborted, right?”

A few weeks later I took her to an abortion clinic and we asked them to remove our child from her womb; to murder the person God was forming within her. I am no different than the man who murdered Mac’s daughter. Maybe worse because I decided to have my own flesh murdered.


But my story doesn’t end there, and neither do your stories. Jesus died for what I did when I was a teenager, 2000 years before I did it.

I am grateful that through Jesus blood this sin, all my sins are forgiven and Father now sees me as holy and blameless. Our child is in heaven, where I look forward to one day joining him, and being with him forever.

The story I was reading is from the book, The Shack, written by William Paul Young.

Click here to read a summary of The Shack. #RecommendedReading

God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Yehovah Bless You and You Are Like a Grain of Wheat

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Luke 3:17, Mt 3:12)”

It’s a painful process.

The process to be a grain of wheat in his barn is not pain free, far from it and the pain is not over yet either.

  1. First you must die once planted into the ground so you can produce many more grains of wheat.
  2. Then you produce sugars that you secrete into the soil around you that mixes with the soils minerals that create nutrients that you now absorb as food.
  3. You then push roots downward for water absorption, and to create even more nutrients, while pushing stocks upward to break through the soil so you can also absorb the necessary vitamins from the sun’s rays.
  4. You continue this process to naturally replicate your wheat DNA. That’s how you were created, how you are creating and how the grains you create will recreate.
  5. When ripe you are cut away from your roots and bundled into sheaves, gathered with other sheaves into stocks to dry out in the field.
  6. When dry you are threshed (beaten with a bat, walked on by animals or run through a grinder) to separate you, a grain of wheat, from every other part of the plant you were created with. In Luke 1:17 we see that Jesus is standing ready to completely clear his threshing floor. We have been separated from the husk we were protected by and formed in; we now need to be separated from what brought us life so we can live out our destiny.
  7. Now this pile is winnowed. Thrown, or dropped, into the path of wind that blows the chaff away and since you are heavier/weightier you fall straight down into a pile with fellow grains of wheat. Each pile is winnowed many times.
  8. We may be used right away or set aside for a while. We might be eaten, crushed by someone’s teeth, as we are; ground into flower and baked in a hot oven or planted in the soil to die so we can reproduce grain just like us.

A moral of this process; we, like wheat, are destined to be beaten, dropped, crushed or called to die to live out our DNA (Divine Natural Ability) just like Jesus.

“’Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died. The person who loves his life and pampers himself will miss true life! But the one who detaches his life from this world and abandons himself to me, will find true life and enjoy it forever! If you want to be my disciple, follow me and you will go where I am going. And if you truly follow me as my disciple, the Father will shower his favor upon your life. Even though I am torn within, and my soul is in turmoil, I will not ask the Father to rescue me from this hour of trial. For I have come to fulfill my purpose—to offer myself to God. So, Father, bring glory to your name!’” Then suddenly a booming voice was heard from the sky, ‘I have glorified my name! And I will glorify it through you again! (John 12:24-28, TPT)’”

Father is glorified when we submit to his plan for our lives and lay aside ours.

J3Khai Ambassadors

Yehovah Bless You and Let’s Help Naomi

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
“Yehovah bless you and keep you;
Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you shalom.”
Numbers 6:24-26

Meet Flavien and Naomi, our Ambassadors in The Democratic Republic of The Congo, Africa. Naomi has requested a grant to develop a new business, and you are cordially invited to help us fund the development of her business venture. Read our digital magazine to learn the full story:

CLICK HERE to read the full story:

God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized, Yehovah

Yehovah Bless You and What God Say’s Say’s It All

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Yehovah bless you and keep you;
Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Our parents did not control who we are and do/did not love us perfectly!!!

God designed us before he created anything and loves us perfectly!!!

What God say’s about me is most important!!!

God Loves Us, Jehovah, Jesus, Messiah, Yehovah

Yehovah Bless You and Why I Do This Blessing

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.
Yehovah bless you and keep you;
Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

In Numbers 6:22, 23 we see Yehovah tell Moses to tell Aaron, and his sons, “this is how you are to bless the people of Israel, you are to say to them.”

Yehovah bless you and keep you;
Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

“In this way they are to put my name on the people of Israel, so that I will bless them. (verse 27)”

In verse 23 Yehovah makes it clear how the preists are to bless the people, “this is how you are to bless the people.”

In verse 27 Yehovah makes it clear that when the priests “put” God’s Name on the people he will bless them, “so that I will bless them.”

In Exodus 3 God tells Moses that “I AM WHO I AM” (YHWH rendered as Yehovah or Yahweh) “is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” In most english bibles YHWH is rendered LORD. But LORD is one of his titles, not his Name.

God promises to bless those who have his Name, I use Yehovah, put on/spoken over them.

I don’t know how God is going to bless you when I get to put his Name, Yehovah, on you, when you listen to this blessing, but I know he is going to becasue he said he would!!!

Father God has also called me to blow the shofar over people and places to invoke his presence. With his presence comes all his goodness, grace and love.

As priests (see Ex 19:6; Rev 1:6, 5:10) I believe we have the privelige to invoke/put God’s Name, Yehovah, on people so he will bless them.

“‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel. (Ex 19:5, 6)”

“John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev 1:4-6)”

“And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth. (Rev 5:9, 10)'”

Featured Writers, God Loves Us, Guest Post, The Daily Blessing, Uncategorized

Daily Blessing, 22 Heshvan 5781/23 October 2020

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Jehovah bless you and keep you,
Jehovah make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Numbers 6:24-26

Guest Post:

The Failure by Ray Bailey

It was just another parachute jump I had to make with my unit.  Drop time was to be about dusk and so it was called a “night jump.”  It was a beautiful day in North Carolina with light winds and no problems in getting ready to jump.  There was no indication of what was to come.

I really loved parachuting.  Yes, it had some risk to it and to many it sounded a bit crazy to exit “a perfectly good airplane.”  Apprehensive?  Nervous?  Sure.  Anyone who knew of the risk and danger of doing something like this would have those thoughts.  But, to take the risks and to withstand the doubts and fears and exit the plane with a parachute was worth it.  It was a thrilling time and high adventure testing one’s courage and strength against the elements and oneself. 

There is always a chance for failure one way or another either by the jumper or nature with high winds and lightning.  There could be failure on the aircraft due to mechanical issues or even the equipment the jumper was using.  Mistakes and failure were always a chance.

The excitement was felt by all as we sat in the airplane.  We were about to do something that would change each of us in some way to make us more confident and ready for the next challenge.  The commands began by the jumpmaster and assistant jumpmaster to stand up and hook up our static lines to deploy our parachutes once we exited.  On command we checked our equipment and the person in front to make sure all looked good.  The jumpmasters told us to get ready for the green light to go.  The light went on and they yelled, “GO!”  Out we went one after another.  

As I fell waiting for the parachute shock to open, I began counting: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…I felt no opening shock of my main parachute opening.  I looked up and saw that my parachute was all rolled up and just waving in the air as I fell.  I knew I had what we called a “cigarette roll”.  Due to the intense training I went back into the correct body position and pulled my reserve strapped to my waist.  I remember that it seemed like slow motion for the reserve to deploy and when it did the feeling that I had was such relief.

A couple years later I was stationed in Germany and was visited by one of my soldiers for counseling.  He saw some paratrooper memorabilia around my office and our conversation went to his time spent doing the same thing and some stories shared of exciting jumps.  I then told him of my reserve parachute moment, and he became very quiet and asked me when and where, which I told him.  He then told me he had jumped right after me on that same drop zone.  He said, “Wait right here.  I’ll be back in a few minutes.”  When he returned, he presented me a reserve parachute handle he had picked up on the drop zone.  It was mine.  I kept that for many years hanging on my wall till moving frequently, it was lost.

The handle wasn’t a symbol to gaze upon as luck or just another great story, but it was a symbol for me on failure.  No, not my failure in that instance, but a symbol of how to handle failure that comes my way, either by circumstance or mistakes I made.  When I gazed at that metal handle, I reflected on what it took to survive that failure.  It was from training on how to respond and on keeping a clear head and doing what was needed to do the right steps.  It was from my faith in myself and my Creator who was with me that pushed me to respond with all my resources.

Failures come in many sizes and shapes, both big and small.  We all have them daily in some way.  If one doesn’t fail, then one doesn’t try and that in itself is a failure.  I do know this.  Our Lord has given us reserve handles in every circumstance.  There is always a way to help ourselves and do what the training our parents have given us, personal life experiences to draw from, and a deep faith in ourselves and the Master that we will keep taking risks in living and not ever quite.

Ray Bailey https://www.facebook.com/charles.r.bailey.77

Uncategorized

Learn from Bishop Murunga the importance of Sound Doctrine

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

This message re-encouraged me to study God’s Word with a desire to know and teach sound doctrine.

A little tidbit from our friend Dave Coffield, “The grace of God is magnificent. God lines me up for a 100 meter sprint, the gun sounds, He picks me up, hustles down the track with me, wins, and gives me the gold medal. I was involved but the credit, glory, and honor go to Him.”

Cellular Health Coaching, Dr. Gary Samuelson

Cellular Health Group Coaching

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Discover the world of cellular health, life-changing knowledge and apply personal action steps by enrolling in the group I am leading starting January 19th.

“This training and the action steps I took reduced the severity of my heart attack 18 months ago and facilitated my speedy recovery. The action steps I have taken have also enabled me to lower my sugar levels and stop taking Metformin. I know you can’t get a better understanding how our bodies function, at the cellular level, than from Dr. Gary Samuelson. With this knowledge I will help you craft action steps to improve your overall health and vitality. I would love to help coach you to live out your DNA to its fullest potential.” Michael Weiss

Watch this short 13 minute conversation Dr. Samuelson and I had recently.

Cells In Motion – via Dr. Samuelson’s reference to Harvard.edu

Improve your life one action step a week with the other members in my group starting

Thursday, January 19th at 6 pm CST.

We will spend 12 weeks together learning about the 5 Laws of Physical and the 6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health. During these 12 weeks we will work together helping you craft at least one SMART action step for each law.

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

The 5 Laws of Physical Health: Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise, Respiration and Sleep.

The 6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health: Belief, Attitude, Learning, Choice, Balance and Action

Learn More
Enroll Today

One-time payment of US $697

or two payments of US $367

Basic Segment/5 Laws of Physical Health

Session 1 – Hydration – The Water Cycle provides “natural water” to all living organisms – Natural Water contains absorbed essential minerals and biological materials – Proven benefits of hydration with natural water to each of our body systems

Session 2 – Nutrition 1 – All nutrients come from the indomitable plant – Macronutrients and Micronutrients – Needed Micronutrients and consequences of Nutritional Deficiencies

Session 3 – Nutrition 2 – Nutritional Requirements of the Cell – Carbs and Sugars in our metabolism, why excess is harmful – Proven benefits of Individual Nutrients to each of our major body systems

Session 4 – Exercise – Composition and function of muscle tissue and fascia – Principles of building muscle, messengers, atrophy, fat fuel – Detailed Exercise program for each muscle and proven benefits

Session 5 – Respiration – Oxygen and Redox Chemistry – Cellular Metabolism, why oxygen is needed – Oxidation and Reduction, Cellular Messengers, stress reduction, proven benefits

Session 6 – Sleep – Why we need sleep – Diurnal Cycles/Circadian Rhythms – Optimal Sleep and proven benefits

Enroll now

Intermediate Segment/6 Laws of Mental and Emotional Health

Session 1 – Belief – Belief dictates behavior and pretty much everything else – Enormous Power and Purpose of the Subconscious Mind – The Subconscious Mind realizes all our beliefs

Session 2 – Attitude – Attitude is the manifestation of belief – Belief and Attitude lead to self-actualization – How Attitude programs the subconscious mind

Session 3 – Learning – Learning programs Believe -> Behavior – Emotion is the key to learning – Benefits of learning to the mind

Session 4 – Choice – Universal Governing Principle of all Nature – We choose our beliefs and attitudes – Choice = Freedom: Ways to remove mental blocks

Session 5 – Balance – Identify areas in your life where you feel anxious and “out of balance”. This is an indication that adjustments need to be made. Write them down. – Read your Goal Worksheet one more time again. This timekeeping in mind how your goals can help you regain your balance. Identify the Goals that will help you regain balance. – Recommit yourself to these goals with the new understanding you have gained. – Bring your Goal Worksheet up to date and make the adjustments necessary to bring you back into balance.

Session 6 – Action ACTION – The most important Law of Mental Health ❤️ Action makes it happen

enroll now
David Coffield, Featured Writers, Jesus, Personal Reflections, Testimonies

“then I can give thanks and rejoice”

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

“No one particularly enjoys being sick, injured, weak, etc. But, if I can see it through the eyes of God, that He is growing my character into the image of His Son, Jesus, that He is using circumstances to bring glory to His name and to further His kingdom — then I can give thanks and rejoice.”

Quoted from a letter from David Coffield, postmarked Dec 10th, 22.

Ukraine, Uncategorized

Day 306 of the war in Ukraine

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Olive Branch Ukraine Update

My dear friends, my prayer partners, I thank you for the fact that sometimes through such letters I can turn to you to maintain this friendly and prayerful connection of ours.


I thank you for that and I thank our God. I am writing to you this is my personal news update, an update on the news of “Olive Branch” in Ukraine and “The Way of Truth” church, and I wish you a great day!

Today is the 306th day of the war on the land of Ukraine. It seems that time has stopped here in Ukraine. The Russian enemy continues to try to destroy critical infrastructure facilities of Ukraine with cruise missiles and Iranian drones. Our people continue to heroically eliminate the consequences of destruction, and our anti-aircraft forces try to shoot down as many of these flying enemy objects as possible. Our troops continue to repulse the influx of mobilized Russians near Donetsk and Luhansk, our other troops are pushing the enemy out of the Kharkiv and Kherson regions.

I continue to believe that by the grace of God and with your support, we will together defeat this Russian demonic enemy. The chaplains we train and support have a huge and important part to play and serve in this process.

Now is not a very convenient time to plan any “Olive Branch” events in Ukraine. But our team is trying to plan with prayer to the Father and I have hope that these plans will come true by the grace of God.
Thus, I, as the director of the Pastoral – Chaplain Leadership program, planned the following educational programs at the KТS:

According to the KTS curriculum, there are the following date options:
20-24.03.23 – CL102 Chaplain service in hospitals and clinics, instructor Mykola.
06-10.03.23 – CL105 Chaplaincy in Penitentiary Institutions.
03-07.04.23 – CL109 Expository sermon in chaplain service, instructor Igor.
01-05.05.23 – CL110 Chaplain Biblical Counseling, instructor David, translator Gena.
15-19.05.23 – CL107 Civil Security Program, instructor Jeff, translator Gena.

Thank God, now in Ukraine most Protestant churches have switched to the Gregorian calendar and we celebrate the same as you do in the USA. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Greek Catholic Church created a commission to reform the Julian calendar and switch to church holidays according to the Gregorian calendar. Many local churches of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine continue to come under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Yesterday, our church “The Way of Truth” celebrated Christmas. I congratulate you on the Christmas of Christ from myself and Marina, from the “Olive Branch” in Ukraine and from the “Way of Truth” church.

My dear friends and partners, thanks to you, your prayer and your help, I, our church and “Olive branch” in Ukraine have the opportunity to continue working in wartime. Thank you very much to God.

Mykola, the senior hospital chaplain in the city of Cherkasy, together with the chaplain team, serves all those who need it in the hospital. There are also wounded soldiers in the hospital. The hospital has given the chaplains another, larger, separate space for their office, which they will need to renovate.

Women’s ministry leader Zhanna also does a lot of work to support homeless people. She visits the wounded with her husband and continues to coordinate women’s clubs in different regions of Ukraine that serve women independently. Zhanna and Sergiy visited the children of territorial defense, who also lost their homes (30 children). Without light, with lanterns, but it was fun. 200 people (wounded and medical personnel) were visited in the Kyiv hospital (for physical strengthening – fruits, nuts, sweets, for warmth – socks). And to pray for their healing and the victory of Ukraine, they gave a spiritual gift “Prayers of a Ukrainian”.

Marina and I were able to take 51 children’s gifts to the military town of Semipolka in the car you helped me buy. Every year, our church learns to donate gifts for children from military families. Our 40 church members each brought one gift and added another from Olive Branch donations. The women and children of the military town thought that this year they would not have a holiday or presents. There were no men there, because they are all in the war zone. Thanks to us coming to them, they had a good Christmas and thanked us. I thank you also, for this is your part of the donation.

The second week in the evening, I teach for two hours to civilian church groups about chaplaincy, because people from the churches ask how they can be useful to the military.

Thanks to the financial assistance provided through the Olive Branch, the “Way of Truth” church was able to pay the rent, because due to the war, the financial donation was not enough to fully cover the rent. Thank you. May God bless the generous hand.

Thank you very much to you and all the employees of the Olive branch for your great support of Ukrainians during the military trials. God sees what you sincerely do, God sees your sacrificial heart, therefore it is written that our Creator will accordingly do good for you, that is, for those who helped others in difficult times. May the Lord return everything abundantly to you and give thanks as only He can.I wish that we have in the soul a peace from God.
Valentin.

Valentyn Korenevych,
Colonel (retired)

President of the Public organization “Olive Branch” Ukrainewww.olivebranch.org.ua
Program director of “Pastors-Chaplains Leadership” of the Kiev Theological Seminary
www.ktsonline.org
+38 097 9638406
This letter was translated by an electronic translator, so I apologize in advance for any errors that you may have noticed.

Family News, Featured Writers, Guest Post, Recommended Reading, Testimonies, Veterans

Chaplain’s forced exit on deck while NDAA getting hashed out

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

J.M. Phelps/American Family News

Dec 14, 2022

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Chaplain's forced exit on deck while NDAA getting hashed out

An Army chaplain awaits word on his forced separation from the military, pending the Senate’s decision on the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which could bring the military vaccine mandate to an end.

For Army Chaplain Brad Lewis, the last 15 months have seemed like a decade. Within days of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in August 2021, Colonel Lewis – who became a chaplain due to religious conviction – requested a religious accommodation to the mandate. His request was denied in February 2022, and within two days he submitted an appeal to the Assistant Secretary of the Army. Eight weeks ago, that, too, was denied.

When he received the denial of his appeal, he was given two options: either voluntarily submit for retirement, or voluntarily get vaccinated. He tells American Family News that he didn’t feel he could, in good conscience, step away from “a fight just to save my own skin.” To him, both options were unacceptable, explaining he felt it was “immoral” being forced to choose between his faith and his career.

“I would love to have a retirement after the better part of three decades, but if it means the next generation of chaplains and soldiers are able to get a retirement at the expense of mine, then I’m willing to do that,” Lewis asserts. “[So] rather than assist in the death of a retirement it took nearly 27 years to earn, I left the ball in the Department of Defense’s court to separate me.”

Once his appeal was denied, Lewis says, he was immediately labeled a “vaccine refuser.” According to Army Directive 2022-02, issued by the Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth in January 2022, an officer who refuses to be vaccinated will be involuntarily separated for “misconduct, moral or professional dereliction.” And those who are involuntarily separated for this reason are “normally” separated under other-than-honorable conditions according to Army Regulation 600-8-24.

According to Lewis, that characterization of service “carries with it some pretty significant curtailments of veterans benefits.”

“Without saying it, they were threatening my retirement,” he contends. “It’s not just my retirement they were threatening, but the retirement of every other soldier in the Army.”

And that, coupled with his religious convictions, compelled him to take the stance he did.

For standing firm, there’s cost … or there’s reward

As part of the separation process, on Monday Chaplain Lewis was to be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (commonly known as a GOMOR) as a result of his objection to the COVID-19 vaccine and the denial of his accommodation request.

But in the eleventh hour, he was told by his command that the GOMOR would be put on hold until the Senate decides how it will respond to the U.S. House’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is expected to repeal the military vaccine mandate.

“If someone doesn’t stand up and say You can’t do this, then it’s just going to continue,” Lewis contends. “The scope of religious accommodation denials indicates a pretty severe anti-religious bias in the DOD,” he says. “And as a chaplain, I had to stand up and say we were not going to play that game.”

The chaplain argues that the job of the DOD is not to determine whether an individual’s beliefs are valid, but whether they are sincere; and if sincere, the government should accommodate those beliefs, according to the U.S. Constitution, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), NDAA, Army doctrine, and more.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing remains true through it all, according to Lewis: “God is bigger than the Army and is always good.”

Accessed/copies Dec 16, 22 from: https://afn.net/medical-health/2022/12/14/chaplain-s-forced-exit-on-deck-while-ndaa-getting-hashed-out/

David Coffield, Guest Post, Jesus, Personal Reflections, Uncategorized

“It cannot not bear fruit.”

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

Part of a recent letter from our friend Dave Coffield.

It is difficult when so many of us have grown up in a Christian culture of either church and/or parachurch where ministry and works are stressed. We have a chaplain who tells us pretty much every time he is standing up front, that our job is to fill the empty fews. So, you feel a little guilty and overwhelmed.

I love the words of Jesus on His way with the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to engage in serious prayer prior to His arrest. He stops by a vineyard and grabs a grape plant and tells them that He is the True Vine and they are branches. Their job is to abide in Him. Their job is to abide in Him.

You know John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” The branch is not concerned about bearing fruit, it is concerned about abiding, about partaking of the rich life of the vine. It will bear fruit if it abides. It cannot not bear fruit.

There has been discussion about what “fruit” is. I like to suggest that fruit is anything that the Holy Spirit wants to produce through a person’s life as they abide in Jesus. And it is seasonal. My friend, Bill Mason, suggests from Psalm 1 that the tree bears fruit “in its season.”

My attention, my focus should be on abiding.

Anytime I am engaging with a believer I want to know how they are abiding. I don’t have concerns about bearing fruit if they are abiding. It is impossible to bear good fruit if you are not abiding. You can produce stuff. Check out the Lord’s comments in Matthew 7 when He says, “Many will say to Me on that day…” They prophesy in His name, they cast out demons in His name, and they perform miracles. Pretty cool. Except…they don’t know Him. They are not abiding in Him.

Do I dare to believe that my value to my Father resides in my relationship with Him?

Guest Post, Obituary, Recommended Reading, Uncategorized

Way to go Harriet!!!

Michael J. Weiss, Sr.

By Joseph Berger

Nov. 23, 2022

In the summer of 2001, Harriet Bograd decided to visit her daughter Margie, who had taken a summer job in a remote village in Ghana.

When Ms. Bograd and her husband, Ken Klein, arrived in the village, Sefwi Wiawso, they learned about its community of two dozen families who considered themselves Jewish, even if religious authorities in Israel and elsewhere did not.

In the week she was there, Ms. Bograd, whose husband called her “one of life’s great enthusiasts,” turned her enchantment with the villagers into a practical project that has become a major source of income for the community. She guided artisans in fashioning the colorful kente cloth sold in the local market into covers for the braided challahs that observant Jews bless and eat during Sabbath and holiday meals. A trained lawyer, she set the community up as an incorporated business that sold the challah covers across the United States for $36 apiece. Thousands have been purchased.

In the years after that trip, Ms. Bograd worked with the nonprofit organization Kulanu, which supports “isolated, emerging or returning” Jewish communities in places where even most American Jews don’t realize there are Jews: Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Guatemala, the Philippines and more — 33 countries in total. These are people who for generations have kept some fundamental Jewish laws, like resting on the Sabbath and abstaining from certain foods, but that may have had only opaque ideas of their community’s Jewish origins.

Ms. Bograd wearing a hat and hiking with her husband. They are holding walking sticks and there are trees all around them.
Ms. Bograd with her husband, Ken Klein, on a trip to Ghana in 2001. Her experience there motivated her to join Kulanu.Credit…Joseph Kwame Nipah, via Kulanu

They trace their Jewish roots to a variety of sources: the 10 lost tribes that were dispersed by the Assyrian conquest of the Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E.; the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions, which, starting in the late 15th century, scattered thousands of Jews in far-off lands, where many practiced their religion in secret; century-old conversions by communal leaders more attracted to the Old Testament than the teachings of Christian missionaries.

“It gave her such joy that these Jewish people felt they were connected to the greater Jewish world and felt they belonged,” Mollie Levine, the deputy director of Kulanu, said in an interview.

Ms. Bograd died on Sept. 17 in a Manhattan hospital. She was 79. Her daughter Rabbi Margie Klein Ronkin said the cause was complications of heart surgery.

So exhilarated was Ms. Bograd by her experience in Ghana that she promptly joined the board of Kulanu. By her death, she had served as its president for 14 years. The organization’s headquarters were in the study of her Upper West Side apartment.

Under her command, the organization, whose Hebrew name means “all of us,” raised funds to build synagogues in Uganda and Zimbabwe; a Jewish-themed primary school in Uganda that is open to Christians and Muslims; and a mikvah — a ritual bath — in Tanzania. With a budget of around $500,000, Kulanu has also provided rabbinical training and advanced classes in Judaism at American seminaries for community leaders and distributed prayer books, Torah scrolls, prayer shawls and other ritual items.

Kulanu’s work has not been without controversy. While Jews in Ethiopia have been recognized by the Orthodox authorities in Israel as authentically Jewish, those in other parts of Africa have not been. Efforts by Conservative rabbis to formally convert some Africans to Judaism have encountered challenges because the Orthodox establishment in Israel does not recognize the legitimacy of Conservative rabbis. Bonita Nathan Sussman, Kulanu’s new president, said that many Africans also reject conversion, arguing, “Who are you to tell me I’m not Jewish?”

On the other hand, Ms. Levine said, Ms. Bograd “met them at the level where they are.”

She was active in Jewish causes in New York as well. In the early 1980s, she and other parents partnered with educators to found the Heschel School, a Jewish day school in Manhattan that now enrolls about a thousand students. And at the West End Synagogue, a Reconstructionist congregation, she was known for the warm way she greeted newcomers, an act congregants affectionately called “Bograding.”

Harriet Mary Bograd was born on April 6, 1943, in Paterson, N.J., into a Conservative Jewish home. Her father, Samuel Bograd, owned an upscale furniture emporium with an uncle. Her mother, Pauline (Klemes) Bograd, sometimes helped him with his business and was a leader in a local chapter of Planned Parenthood.

Harriet attended a special high school operated by Montclair State Teachers College (now Montclair State University) and graduated from Bryn Mawr in 1963 with a degree in political science. The summer she graduated, she arranged for a group of nine white Bryn Mawr students to teach at Livingstone College, a historically Black college in Salisbury, N.C., so they could absorb the impact of the growing civil rights movement.

A grainy black-and-white portrait of Ms. Bograd.
A 1963 yearbook photo of Ms. Bograd. She graduated from Bryn Mawr that year and went on to Yale Law School.Credit…Special Collections, Bryn Mawr College Libraries

One of 11 women in her class at Yale Law School, she graduated in 1966. Rather then joining a law firm, she went to work for an organization in New Haven, Conn., that represented indigent clients in matters like access to medical care and trained local residents to be advocates for themselves and their neighbors. She helped start a day care center in New Haven, joined with other parents and teachers in a drive to improve local public schools and campaigned for the government to approach drug addiction as a crisis of health and poverty rather than a crime.

She married Mr. Klein, a tax lawyer, in 1977. In addition to her daughter Rabbi Klein Ronkin, he survives her, as do another daughter, Sarah Klein; a sister, Naomi Robbins; and two grandchildren.

When Ms. Bograd received a diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer in 1997, with a bleak prognosis, it only made her more determined to use her remaining time for the Hebrew concept of tikkun olam — “repairing the world” — and for her work with Kulanu.

Jonathan Sarna, a professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, said that Ms. Bograd also saw Kulanu as a vehicle to expand the mainstream Jewish sense of what Jews are supposed to look like.

“She felt it enhanced American Judaism,” he said, “to recognize that all Jews are not white and European.”

Joseph Berger was a reporter and editor at The New York Times for 30 years. He is the author of a biography of Elie Wiesel, which is scheduled for publication in February. @joeberg

A version of this article appears in print on Nov. 25, 2022, Section A, Page 23 of the New York edition with the headline: Harriet Bograd, 79, Guide and Mentor To Jewish Communities Around World