Glimpses of G-d

0:00 I'd like to invite Rabbi Sean to come this morning. and speak to us from what the Lord has shared with him. Avinashabbasha Mayim Our Father in Heaven Lord. I Thank you for Rabbi Sean. And for the moyer family what I thank you for his dedication to to study your word. But I pray that you would speak to us today through the preparation that Rabbi Shaun has taken this week. We bless you and We Praise You In yeshua's name. I mean Thank you. Rabbari. Hope you're all well.

0:46 About 17 years ago now. Val and I loaded up a small U-Haul trailer and headed from our home in Long Island, New York to begin Seminary and university studies in Springfield, Missouri. We didn't have many possessions at the time. But our mattress was too big to fit into the trunk of our Buick LeSabre. The Butte the old Buick was a solid vehicle after all. I had paid 1900 dollars for it. It better better run well. However, it wasn't built for pulling a trailer through the hills of Pennsylvania. I remember the moment when the transmission gave up the ghost.

1:32 We were heading up a hill. It was an awkward place to be stranded with Val our dog and all of our belongings. I didn't own a cell phone at the time so I would have to walk to find help. We decided that Val would wait in the locked vehicle while I went down the hill to look for assistance. Thankfully it was very easy to keep our vehicle in sight as we were stranded near the top of a hill. Our dog was Restless after hours on the road and was all too eager to accompany me as I began my quest for a helpful person. As I approached the bottom of the hill. I saw a work truck parked off the road with two men inside.

2:17 I interrupted their lunch break and told them about my predicament. Oh, we can help you one man. Said to the other. They got out of the truck and began to open a tool compartment on the side of the vehicle. They were pulling out saws and other devices and setting them aside. At this point I was doubtful that I had found helpful people. After they had pulled all of the tools out of this compartment one man reached down and pulled out a business card that had been sitting at the bottom. David will take care of you. The man said as I hadn't yet acquired my first flip phone. I was hoping the men would use their work phone to call a helpful person.

3:06 I was looking at the power tools laid out on the side of the truck and was glad that I wasn't being dismembered. I was also glad that Val was locked in our vehicle, which I could still see near the top of the hill. They called a man named David and then they told me to go wait in my vehicle. He would take care of me. They said. he owns this town they said I was grateful as I watched them begin to put the saws back in the tool compartment. And I headed back up the hill. to wait for help a few minutes later We were approached by a black and chrome tow truck. It may be the shiniest tow truck that I've ever

3:51 seen. It pulled up in front of us and a man got out. He was tall probably in his mid-50s wearing dark jeans a black shirt and cowboy boots. His silver hair was perfect. He was like a character from a western. I'm David. He said you just stay in the vehicle and I'll take care of you. He rigged up. He rigged up our Buick and trailer in what seemed like a few seconds. He pulled a few Chrome levers and we were off with no idea where we were heading. David brought us to a motel in town. He instructed us to take what we needed from the vehicle. He pointed to a restaurant directly across the street from the hotel.

4:37 They've got good food there. He noted it may take me a few days. He said but I'll find you a good deal on a transmission and get you on your way. I grabbed my guitar and Bible along with some clothes Val brought the dog and a few items and we got settled into our room. David called us at our room each day. He gave us an update on every shop that he had been in contact with how long it would take them to get a transmission and what the cost would be. Val and I had thankfully had a few days to spare in our journey. We embraced this unplanned stay in Pennsylvania as a gift from the Lord. We considered it a mini vacation.

5:23 We sat in the Shaded grass behind the behind the motel and wrote worship music. We enjoyed the little restaurant on the other side of the road that David had recommended. Their pies were delicious. We called the apartment manager in Missouri to let her know that we would need a few more days to get there. After two nights David dropped off our rig in front of our room. He had kept our cost to a minimum and truly taken care of all of our needs. He made us feel like welcome to guests. He kept watch over our vehicle at his property as he shopped for a newer used transmission. That Buick lasted us for the next five years in Springfield, Missouri.

6:09 When I graduated and we prepared to move I sold it for more than I had purchased it for years ago. Looking back on the season of my life. I am amazed at how bold and naive we were as young people. We felt called to move across the country and just went with what we had confident that God would meet all of our needs and he did. We were Amazed by how affordable it was to live in Springfield, Missouri. We moved into our first apartment together. We had children we made friends. We earned degrees we had new and exciting work in Ministry opportunities. The world was blossoming before us. During those years I could sit down

6:56 and write songs whenever I chose. God was revealing himself to us in new and fresh ways every day. There was so much to sing about so much to write about. possibilities seemed endless oftentimes during those years. I would sit down to write a song and stand up a half a half an hour later with a new song to share. full of newness and inspiration It did seem like my life going forward would consist of writing at least four to five songs each week, depending on how many times I was able to sit down for 30 minutes and right. I had binders with transparent sleeves where

7:41 I would simply slip in the new song and get on with my day. in fact It didn't seem like an extraordinary thing at the time. It just felt normal. I was baffled when I would hear others speak of the songwriting process. process don't you just take the new song that's been playing in your head all day and sit down and write the chords and lyrics on a piece of paper. Why make things so complicated? Yet this season as infinite as it felt at the time would not last forever. It was a season where I would constantly be singing a new song within my heart and mind and would just write them down when I had the opportunity.

8:27 It seemed normal, and it happened whenever I wanted it to. There were probably songs. I was given that I didn't write down because I was preoccupied and I could just write another one later. AS Val and I began to have more opportunities for work and Ministry we had less free time. When we began to have children, we didn't sleep as much. Life became more challenging. I was thinking about financial needs what to do after graduation and how to manage school and work responsibilities with children. I could still hear new songs yet other voices crying at 3am. Would become more prominent and shift my

9:13 focus. To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. We are now at the cusp. of a change from Summer into fall As for the seasons of Our Lives, we don't always realize the change until after it happens. As creatures with a limited view of the future. We tend to see the change as we reflect upon the past. in the words of Joni Mitchell Don't it always seem to go That You Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone. Israel here in Deuteronomy was on the verge of a new season.

9:59 The last season was 40 years in the wilderness. I'm not sure how many of us would have been excited about entering into 40 Years of wandering. However, you must remember that Israel had been an enslaved people in Egypt. Furthermore they had seen some of the most epic events in human history such as God delivering Israel through parting the sea. Israel had been in a long and challenging season Yet. It was a season filled with the imminence of God and miraculous provision. The people of Israel would regularly receive glimpses of God.

10:47 God was guiding Israel's path and would bless them as they walked in his ways. The title of my message today is glimpses of God. We will be studying Deuteronomy chapter 29 verses 1 through 8. I would like to demonstrate three points from this text. First I want to ask you if you have perceived the way that God is guiding your life. Next I want to remind you that God has special Provisions for specific seasons. lastly I want to encourage you that God has blessed you and that you will receive more of his Blessing as

11:32 you follow after him. My outline can be found on the YouVersion app and I will be reading from the Tree of Life version. Deuteronomy 29 verses 1 through 3 Read as follows. Moses called to all Israel and said to them. You have seen all that Adonai did before your eyes in the land of Egypt. To pharaoh and all his servants and all his land. The great trials that your eyes saw those great signs and wonders. But to this day Adonai has not given you a heart to know where eyes to see or ears

12:18 to hear. Have you perceived the way that God is guiding your life. Have you ever watched a movie all the way to the end and then thought I don't get it. Can someone explain to me what just happened? Google what is the meaning of this movie? here Israel had gone through a 40-year season and God is telling them at the end. You don't get it. Amazingly well before Google. God was able to explain what had happened to his people so that they can enter into the land with a new perspective on life.

13:05 The people of Israel had encountered some of the most exciting events in human history. Yet. So much of it must have seen strange and traumatic. It was not a time to reflect. It was a time to act. Even after Israel escaped the clutches of Egypt they were continually Meandering through unknown territory. They were on high alert adrenaline mode. They did not know where their next meal would come from. They were nomads. They had no home. No Fields, no Vineyards. They didn't have options. They had to keep moving forward even though they couldn't

13:53 see hear or understand. What's funny about these verses is that the chapter begins by saying you have seen all that Adonai did before your eyes in the land of Egypt? And then it says shortly after I don't know I has not given you eyes to see. How are we to understand this seeming contradiction? Well, have you ever seen something? You didn't understand? The pursuit of God is replete with Divine encounters that we cannot fully comprehend. Put another way. There is a surplus of meaning. We have a tendency to be focused on the

14:40 immediate. We often make choices based on how we feel in the moment. Failing to see that a single Choice can have repercussions that reverberate from generation to generation. Israel had witnessed what had happened in Egypt Yet they didn't understand the bigger picture of what God was doing. We are no different. Life can be overwhelming. We can become so consumed by the management of our daily weekly and monthly lives and needs that we are absolutely oblivious to the story that God is telling through our lives.

15:27 Think for a moment about 10 years ago. The year was 2012. Where were you? What were you concerned about? How aware were you concerning the things that would happen between then and now? We are limited in our ability to understand the course of our own lives. However, like Israel, we can have these touch points these glimpses of God where we are able to surpass our limited perspectives and gain insight into what God is doing. If you have ever traveled with children Rabbi Ari,

16:14 I'm sure. This will resonate with you. You have learned how difficult it can be to handle the question. Are we there yet? We do not like to wait. If I ever asked my father that question deep into a road trip, he would say. Regardless of where we were we're almost halfway there. This way I would be mentally prepared for a long journey. Even if we were very close to our destination. I would be pleasantly surprised. God couldn't have given Israel the specifics. On entering the land beforehand. They weren't ready.

17:00 They didn't have hooks to hang it on. In the words of my Aviation teacher when the student is ready, the teachers will appear. Now was the time for Israel to understand the purpose of the deliverance from Egypt? And the 40 Years of wandering through the desert. Yet for the people of God even today. Find ourselves. The land of Israel we see the Nations. We have the word of God to guide us. however There is still so much concerning the future and the world to come of which we have no understanding. It's okay.

17:46 Even if God told us we wouldn't know what to do with it. We cannot get understand. Although we don't know everything about the future. or even what tomorrow holds God has given us everything that we need to follow him. And to live according to his word. Have you perceived the way that God is guiding your life. Excuse me. Deuteronomy 29 Verses 4 through 5 read us follows I led you 40 years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you.

18:32 And your sandals have not worn out on your feet. Bread you have not eaten and wine and strong drink. You have not drunk. In order that you may know that I am Adonai your God. Understand that God has a special provision for specific seasons of life. From 2009 to 2014. Our family was in California planting a Messianic congregation. We did not know what we were doing. I'm not saying it was meaningless. I believe we were following the Lord's direction to the best of our ability. However, we did not understand the purposes of

19:18 God. I had a picture in my head of what should transpire. This did not come to pass. It wasn't even close. Yet in retrospect. I can see the activity of God in our lives during that season. If I had known ahead of time, what would transpire during those years? I definitely would not have gone. However, now that it's over I'm glad that we went. It didn't make sense at the time but it makes sense now that I can see it through a different lens. I also see that God dealt with us differently during that season. It was a season of hardship for our family in many

20:04 ways. However As I believe that God had called us to that vulnerable position. He also provided miraculously in a way that I had never experienced before. We spent five years raising a family leading a Ministry receiving education building a community going to the beach and even eating fresh produce. Yet we never had enough income to meet our basic needs. The numbers did not make sense. Yet somehow God sustained us and equipped US during that season and our children even have fond memories of it. They were very small. I must admit during

20:49 those years. Things did not break down as often. It is as if God miraculously expanded everything that we had in order to meet the need. It was not easy. It was actually. stressful and kind of traumatic However, when I look back, I no longer feel stress or trauma. I see the hand of the Lord guiding us and sustaining us. We even have fond memories of the ways that God blessed us during those years. Family gave us their home for three months. We were given a vehicle a nice one, too. We were given food. We had crucial experiences that would equip

21:36 us for things to come. Though we could not understand it at the time. Israel had completed a unique season in their history. even after thousands of we are still reflecting upon it and gaining Insight from it. Here I am talking about five years of My Own Story. God has sustained Israel in the wilderness for 40 years an entire nation. This is miraculous. We tend to focus on the Epic events like the plagues or The Parting of the sea. But we can lose sight of The Quiet continual care that the Lord provides for his people.

22:21 A few special elements are mentioned in this passage from during that season. Their clothes did not wear out. If you consider the duration of time. And the types of conditions that they must have faced. This is no small thing. When a nation of this size is moving together. Small things can become big things. The people needed protection from the elements. They did not have the tailor shop where they could drop off their garments for mending. They could not get next day delivery through Amazon. As they had to keep moving. They had to travel lightly.

23:08 They were at the mercy of God and the elements. Although it might seem trivial to us. God was concerned about the very fibers of their clothing. And he sustained them. Their sandals also did not wear out. Can you imagine how much they walked? When I went to Israel for the first time. I was instructed to acquire sturdy hiking gear. I purchased Timberland Timberland hiking shoes. They were the best that I could afford. We hiked over 150 miles on that trip. When the three weeks were complete my boots had fallen apart.

23:54 Soul and body had become separated. I was able to leave them behind and make a little more room in my suitcase. My hiking shoes were worn out after three weeks of walking through the wilderness. Their sandals held up for 40 years. Their feet didn't grow either. They just stayed the same size. quality Control is incredible. Even for me amazingly my shoes didn't fall apart until the last day of the trip when we were prepared to leave. Have you ever stopped to Marvel about the little things that God does for us every day?

24:39 They are innumerable and miraculous. in verse 5 it mentions that the people did not have bread were strong drink or wine. What's all this about? Surely God was not opposed to people eating bread. After all it was in the breaking of bread that Yeshua became known to his disciples. God gives us a specific blessing for which we are to receive bread. And it is analogous to our spiritual sustenance. However bread takes time to make it also takes equipment. It requires grain and land.

25:28 These are things that the people of Israel did not possess during that season. So God was not opposed to making bread. During this particular season. He fed his people in a peculiar and miraculous way. with manna Mana in Hebrew literally means what is it? now no, do you know you know what the stuff is every It is a mysterious food that appeared for Israel during that specific season and never again. Likewise God didn't provide Israel strong drink or wine. This wasn't about God taking a prohibitionist stance.

26:14 Again consider they were nomadic people. They did not have Vineyards or wine presses. They did not have the means to produce it. Thankfully, they didn't need it. As God provided water for them in the wilderness. When I visited Cabo San Lucas a few years ago. Our family went to a local History Museum. We learned about how the water at one point in time was not safe to drink. But alcoholic beverages were the only way to get water. This is the beginning of the tequila industry. Clean and pure water is not easy to

27:00 find in the desert. However, God had provided Israel with the Waters of life for 40 years as they wandered. They didn't just like stay in one place and say there's water here. They kept moving and God kept providing water in a desert place. That's miraculous. Even today northern Mexico is facing a water shortage. Clean and pure water is a necessity for life and should not be taken for granted. I will indulge. I invite you to take a moment. To consider the season in which you find yourself today. What do you lack? Raise your hand if something you lack comes to mind.

27:47 Anybody lack anything? No, okay, you could put your hands down. Now I want you to consider something that you have in abundance. During this season you could raise your hand for that too. Can you think of something you have an abundance during the season? Don't say troubles either. although that may be true However, I want you to press past the lack where the complaint we all have lack. We all have complaints. Is there something good that God has given you in this present season? Is there some kind of abundant blessing? for instance as you may be able to tell last week I was sick. This wasn't great or fun, but I had time.

28:34 I read more books last week than I had read in months. What gift has God given you abundantly? If God has given you an abundance of funds. Please see me after service. kidding aside Where has God blessed you with the Surplus? Perhaps you have lived many years and have wisdom that can help others. Perhaps you are young and energetic and can help someone who doesn't have the strength. What are your strengths? And how can you use them to serve God's purposes? What things do you need to press into and what things do

29:20 you need to back off from? Seasons continually change When Val and I met over 20 years ago, we were different people. a lasting relationship must adjust to the changes of season and recalibrate in order to stay in rhythm with one another. likewise in our walk with God we need to continually recalibrate to the changing seasons and the tasks that God has given us to engage. God's plan is dynamic Though he is eternal and unchanging the story that he is telling through humanity is epic.

30:05 New scenes are unfolding every day. We must be willing to drop our own agendas and move in rhythm with his leading, especially when it does not line up with our plans. What are the characteristics of this season in your walk with the Lord? If you're in a tough season, I want to encourage you that it will come to pass. If you're in a wonderful season, I want to remind you too. It will come to pass. Appreciate what you have while you have it. Deuteronomy 29 verses 6 through 8 Read as follows. When you came to this place.

30:51 king sihon of heshbon and King OG of the Bichon came out against us to battle. But we struck them down. We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to Reuben Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh. So keep the words of this Covenant and do them so that you may prosper in all that you do. God has blessed you and you will receive more of his Blessing as you follow after him. here Moses reflects upon the military victories that the Lord had given to Israel. King seehon of hashbon and King OG of Bashan are mentioned specifically.

31:39 These victories are not to be taken lightly. These names would evoke Vivid memories for the people of Israel of these battles. King OGE was no joke He was the OG. Sorry. Moses is reminding the people of Israel of the blessings. Of the blessings they had received from the hand of the Lord. How often do you reflect on the kindness of God in your life? in Percival vote the ethics of the fathers Chapter 4 verse 1 we read who is Rich?

32:25 One who is happy with their lot? this teaching draws from Psalm 128 verse 2, which says you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be blessed and it will be good for you. in the days of Solomon silver was so common that it was reckoned as nothing. Perhaps you may sweep up your floors and find pennies or dimes. And wonder whether to pick them out of the pile of dirt. Another person may be scrounging through their couch cushions in hopes of finding just a few more sense to get something to eat. We need to recognize the ways in which God has blessed us.

33:12 Yet. Dire to walk in the favor of the lord. We must be willing to submit ourselves to him. And to follow him to the best of our abilities. This is the end of kitabo. Which means when you enter? Israel was about to embark on a new season in their Journey. There were about to enter the land of promise. and be established they would receive Fields Vineyards and the means to work and produce. God was blessing them abundantly. But he also had a purpose for blessing them. Israel had a job to do.

33:58 God had destined Israel. To be a blessing to the Nations and now he was setting up their base of operations. God's blessing upon Israel was contingent upon their obedience. to his word just as we teach children to be kind in hopes that they will extend the same kindness to others. God has a purpose for his kindness upon Israel. Israel is God's vessel for bringing blessing to the Nations. While it can be difficult for us to perceive. God has brought salvation to humanity through Israel. Furthermore God is not finished accomplishing his

34:44 purposes through the Jewish people. It can also be baffling to consider that God is still provoking Israel to spiritual jealousy through the Nations. This Divine mystery is unfolding before our eyes. And we can scarcely tell. Our understanding is limited. Just as it was for Israel in the wilderness. We catch glimpses of God. And his activity, but we don't fully perceive it. Yet if we can latch on to just the thread of what God has revealed. We can lay hold of the meaning of Our Lives individually and collectively.

35:32 Perhaps one day all of our questions will be answered. as for today What will you do with the gifts that God has blessed you with abundantly? God is guiding your path. And will bless you as You Follow the way. shabbat shalom I'd like to invite my dad to come up and share for just a moment. First Sean. Thank you so much for that. Good message. We take God for granted too often. And you know, we could probably all stop for

36:19 a moment and say yes, that's true. That's true for me. That's true for all of us. you know we have A ministry here. That's not highlighted very much. And that is after every single Shabbat service. We have a group of people who go into the prayer room, which is right around the corner here. and pray for people in need and maybe you maybe you didn't realize it. Maybe you have had a need and didn't know who to ask for prayer. but I myself. hardly ever Avail myself of the opportunity to go in there But about I don't know several months ago. I came

37:05 down with a terrible ear infection. I don't get ear infections. In fact, I don't know if I've ever had one before. I came down with a terrible ear infection. I I saw several doctors. and over a process and a period of time the infection finally went away. And it went away enough to reveal that my eardrum had been perforated. in a number of spots and I had a significant hearing loss. so it naturally was a concern of mine. And so it was sometimes it

37:51 was convenient to because then I had an excuse when I didn't listen to my wife Marlene. right But I can hear better now. Well, you know these perforations in the eardrum when they happen. A lot of times they heal themselves. Just because that's how it works. But every once in a while, you have a large enough hole in your ear or it's in the in a certain place on your eardrum and it just won't heal. And so this was the case with me I had one

38:37 and I had one whole perforation in my eardrum that healed itself, but I had another one that just wouldn't heal. And it was a big one. and it was impairing my hearing and it was you know, I would they I went to my doctor said my ENT doctor said you I think you may have to have surgery. And I said, oh man, I think I'm gonna hold out for for a miracle. You know because surgery meant they cut your ear all the way all the way down in the back pull your ear forward. So they could get to the eardrum and Patch it with with some membranes from your I don't under your skin or something. I don't exactly know how they do it but

39:25 So I thought oh my gosh, so I went and got a second opinion. And the second opinion the doctor who gave me a second opinion confirmed the need for a surgery and he was going to send me to specialist to have surgery. And I said, you know what? I'm going to wait for a miracle. Because again, he described this, you know. And I didn't you know something it didn't look forward to. so I thought you know. I'm praying my wife was praying. And then one of the ladies here in the congregation. Who prays in the prayer room heard about my ear? And she came up to me after a service.

40:13 few weeks ago and she says, you know, why don't you come into the prayer room so we can pray for you. I said, okay. So I went in after service they prayed for me. and And boy, there was powerful prayer. And I thought okay. Well, we'll see I had another follow-up appointment with my ear nose and throat doctor this week this this past week on Monday. I went this past week on Monday and he looked at my ear and he says Marty your hole is almost completely healed.

41:04 So I'm Not exalting The Prayer Ministry. I'm exalting God. Because sometimes we take God for granted. He never takes us for granted and he always promises. That his word that he sends forth will never return to him empty. But will always be bring forth the thing that he desires. and so I just want to give testimony to the faithfulness of God to the miraculous Touch of God and highlight our Prayer Ministry if you have a need So thanks. I just want to I just want to give honor to the Lord. We don't hear that enough.

41:50 Man, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you. And give you peace. if our recognize vaishra God yeah, I don't I panavalekah who? God He thought I never left

42:37 her. There are some left hand. shallow But she can do in the name of our Messiah Yeshua. shabbat shalom