It's The End of The World and I'm Fine
October 21, 2023 • Stephen Lane • Genesis 6:8–11, Matthew 24:37, Deuteronomy 8:6, Genesis 6:14–16, Genesis 6:10
Noah was living in and doing what the Father had commanded him to do, surrounded by a fallen world. Yeshua said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be." It’s not easy sometimes to do what is required of us but if we believe Yah, is it not our desire to obey His instructions - even if we’re still learning His ways? I believe God is still calling us out specifically to carry out our own personal “Ark” projects. Those crazy callings that only He can do through us. They are huge and monumental. Sometimes even daunting at times but He has called us to do things beyond our capacity to understand. We’re just supposed to obey. Though this world is waxing worse and worse, it is an indicator that we are also inching closer and closer to His return. Noah remained faithful building the ark even up to the very last minute of Gods reset. So too, we must continue to work towards the goal. Many will laugh and mock us and even at times try to inflict harm, still we press on. When we hear of wars and evil on the rise throughout the world, just remember Noah didn’t get side-tracked, he got busy doing Gods work. Allow the Father to speak to you of what that big thing is He’s wanting you to do. Don’t get disheartened, be encouraged because through you He will do a mighty thing.
The Rock and A Pebble
September 23, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Isaiah 55:11–12, Joshua 10:12–13, James 3:1–12, Deuteronomy 32:1–4, Psalm 19:1–4
In Deut. 32:1-4. Moses calls upon heaven and earth to listen (ha’azinu) to what he was reciting/singing. He wasn’t just trying to be poetic, they were called to be witnesses of this spoken Word. There is power behind the spoken word in relation to His creation. We hear of the Two Witnesses speaking the Fathers will to withhold the rain and it responds. If we believe that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can indeed move mountains. If we believe anything recorded in His Word to be true then there is no escaping the fact that God’s Creation hears what is spoken, and in some way beyond our ability perceive, responds. His Breath is synonymous with His Word. He spoke the worlds into existence. That is why we bless our children vocally; this is also why we proclaim with our mouth. We as a people should be speaking life and blessing into this world, not cursing. The tongue is an unruly evil and can cause a fire of worldly iniquity. As we enter into this Sukkot season, let us be mindful that our words carry power. Let us be attentive to what we say and how we say it. May we as living stones build up the body and not tear it down, and may we respond accordingly when we hear His voice speaking into our lives. Ha’Azinu Deuteronomy 32:1–52 The Rock and A Pebble Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
When Destiny Comes Calling
September 9, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Proverbs 17:10–12, Deuteronomy 29:10–13, Exodus 6:6–7, Romans 3:7–8, Matthew 25:1–5
As the Children of Israel came into the Promised Land, we see that God is a keeper of His promises. Through all the trials and tribulations, we see that He is faithful. So if He is faithful then, surely will He not continue to be? Moses was concerned about the future of the people when he is no longer with them. God had even told Moses that they will turn away. We all bear fruit regardless of what we choose to do, good or evil. It is imperative that we don’t just share Bible stories but to teach them so that we may grow in spiritual maturity. Deadly things from the past cannot be carried into the future if we are to flourish. Even having an attitude of doing whatever we feels ok without consequence is as being rebellious. Even the parable of the 10 virgins we see see 5 of them were acting foolish by not thinking ahead and being prepared. The end result cost them their divine appointment and their destiny. If God has truly called us to be here, we should understand that there will be difficulties, disappointments and obstacles to overcome, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t here. Being challenged to purge us of all that is contrary to His calling will enable us to achieve our destiny and see Him, face-to-face. Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
War and Peace
September 2, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 26:1–3, Deuteronomy 28:1–2, Deuteronomy 27:1–3, Matthew 3:9, Deuteronomy 27:8
Ki Tavo begins with the command to bring the first fruits offering. Obedience and adhering to what God had commanded as a prerequisite for coming into the land of promise would determine whether they would enjoy life and blessings or death and curses. Diligence was required to faithfully obey these instructions. There are fundamental principals that even our country was founded upon. When we live according to Gods commands, there is peace. If we do not, there is chaos. The same in this case with the promised land. We have to recognize the season that we are to be operating in. We can’t be scattering stones when we are to be gathering. When there are times of war, we need to be mindful of who our actual enemy is. We can’t be tearing each other down when we are to be building up. Let us remember that these fundamental principles are to provoke us to remember His Word to repent when necessary and to pursue righteousness. So as we “gather stones” let us not use them against each other but for building alters, so to speak, to bring our offerings of peace. In doing so, we as His people will be functioning in our unified purpose as the body. Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1 – 29:8 War and Peace Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Judge Me O LORD
August 19, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 16:18–20, 1 Corinthians 6:1–4, Matthew 23:2–4, Psalm 139:1–3, Deuteronomy 19:8–9
Moses addresses the status of judges, the king, priests and prophets in this portion. Leaders were an integral part of Israel’s government. This includes those who would judge spiritual and civil matters. So these particular men had to be men of good character and integrity. Our whole lives we have been told that we are not to judge. The reality is that the scriptures teach us to be careful how we judge. If this were not true, God wouldn’t have commanded Moses to appoint judges and other leaders. It was understood that the standards of judges and leaders should be expected of all God’s people. All of His people should be leaders in training because we influence those around us. We are held to a higher standard. Scripture even implies that we should be equipped to work things out justly. Even in cases where those who are over us are not acting justly, we should accept it and trust those things will be brought to light by the Father. As followers of Messiah, our righteousness must exceed theirs. If there is not order, then chaos follows. We have to be willing to yield ourselves to His standards and comply with wisdom, not emotion. If we embrace God’s standards of structure and justice in our own life, we won’t be prone to kick at it in other ways. If we are judged to be wrong in a matter, it is to provoke us to do right. Deuteronomy 16:18 — 21:9 Judge Me O LORD Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
A Time to Rest
August 12, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Daniel 10:20, Genesis 22:4, Deuteronomy 11:26—16:17, Matthew 18:8–9, Hebrews 3:17–19
In this week’s portion, Moses states the choice of whether to obey God’s commands or not is the equivalent of choosing between life and death - blessing and curse. Death is synonymous with curses - the broad path that leads to destruction. Life is synonymous with blessing - one specific and narrow way that leads to it. In Chapter 12, the Father makes it a point to tell the Children to obey His instruction and commands regarding how to live in the land. There was a certain protocol for honoring the Promise God was giving to them. They were not to worship “nothing gods” or set up shrines to do so. “Nothing gods” are connected to demonic presence. Entertaining such spirits would subject them for the enemy to take up residence. We as His children must be absolute in refuting the enemy. We have been given the authority within our sphere of influence (or homes) to do so. If His Presence is to remain in our life and home, there are things He will not coexist with. We can’t afford to compromise our faith by allowing the enemy to have one inch of ground. The Father will not share His glory with “nothing gods.” There is a promise of rest for our labors but only after we have faithfully executed His Will in earth according to His purpose. Re’eh Deuteronomy 11:26 — 16:17 A Time To Rest If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Parable of the Giant's Stronghold | Jermey Capps
August 9, 2023 • Jermey Capps • Matthew 13:11–16, Deuteronomy 2:27–29, Psalm 1, Psalm 133, Ephesians 6:12–18
When Yeshua walked the earth He spoke in parables (mashal). At times the disciples would ask, “why speak in parables?” Yeshua responded, “Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not.” Messiah encouraged those who followed Him to see things with their spiritual senses. Not to merely read into things based on surface value. We as a people have to walk the path of Yeshua with “open eyes.” If we do not and aren’t careful, strongholds can find a way onto the path He’s called us to walk and can keep us from accomplishing our calling. Sihon and Og were great examples of physical strongholds for the children of Israel before entering into God’s promise. There is a spiritual principle that plays out in their story, much like we see in Yeshua’s parables. In their own power and ability, the children of Israel wouldn’t have been able to conquer the giant strongholds between them and their destiny, had not they listened to the Father. Many times if we would be patient and wait on the Father, He will renew our strength to accomplish anything that sets itself up against us in order to accomplish His will and our promise. If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
The Finger of God
August 5, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 7:12—11:25, Luke 10:19, Luke 11:14–20, Ephesians 1:22–23, Genesis 3:5
When we walk in obedience, (submissive to His will) powerful things happen. The word ekev means the “reward” or “result” of obedience. The word akev means “heel” - indicating that which is underneath our feet. This hints at things that we must keep under submission — sin so easily besets us. To give into these things is beneath us; must tread with our “heel.” Messiah is called the Head of the Body, thus putting all manner of sin beneath his feet (heel). Consequently He has called us to be a people to perform His Will in the earth. What He is, we are supposed to be and reflect under His Kingship. When we listen to His judgements and do them, the result is reward. His love, His blessings are ours IF we submit to Him and do what He says to do. The emphasis of this portion is the beneficial consequences (reward) of fearing Him, loving Him and keeping His commands contrasted with the “rewards” of disobedience. We are to be the “head” and not the “tail.” The “fear” of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of God without fear is useless. Let us walk in a manner that is reminiscent of the way Israel walked. When we walk as Israel, the Adversary is placed under our foot (heel). Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25 The Finger of God If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Don't Forget!
July 29, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 4:15–19, Deuteronomy 3:23–26, Deuteronomy 4:1–2, John 16:13
This week’s portion begins with Moses explaining why he would not be able to cross the river. He didn’t sanctify God in front of the people. God did not listen to his pleading because, in a sense, Moses did not listen. The word “listen” or “hear” comes from the Hebrew word sh’ma. They were to internalize the Fathers instructions (pay attention). This would lead them to “observe” them (do them). So in time, this teaching would provoke others to “do” them. Listening to truth leads to living and fulfilling His purpose. This accentuates the dangers of listening to falsehood and lies. The Spirit of God is needed if we are going to continue in the Truth. Not only will He teach us, He will remind us of things we need to know. The message in this portion that stands out is the potential danger that exists in forgetting what God has said and done — potentially hazardous. We mustn’t forget what we have seen God do, heard God say and learned from His counsel. Don’t forget what you have learned. Abide by it and remember. We may at times forget our promise to Him, but He will never forget His promise to us. V’etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:11 Don't Forget! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Power of Words
July 22, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Zechariah 7:8–13, Deuteronomy 1:1—3:22, Hebrews 4:12, John 1:12, Matthew 24:35
The name of this week’s portion is D’varim which means “words.” Moses recounts the story of their journey from Egypt until that time. He felt compelled to repeat those things which the Father had revealed to them, to the people. Messiah himself often said, “Again I say to you.” So if it’s good enough for Moses and Messiah, it should be good enough for us. Words, especially the Word of God, are powerful tools to effect and change people. However, change isn’t always automatic; it requires a response from that person. Having certain things repeated can be like that of a teacher in a classroom reviewing for a test. The material has been reviewed. Notes have been (should have been) taken. All that’s left is to be tested over the material. Some will pay attention, and some will not. Just because His words are rejected (ignored), doesn’t mean they are obsolete. Our hardened hearts and rejection doesn’t diminish or undo His purpose and Will for our lives. Let us learn what it is He is wanting us to learn in our given season. There is no reason why we should have to take re-takes on a test. Let us hear Him clearly and function in the purpose He is calling us to walk in. After all, His Word is eternal. D’varim Deuteronomy 1:1 — 3:22 Power of Words If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Step by Step
July 15, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 8:1–5, Isaiah 53:4, Numbers 33:1–2, Psalm 37:23–24, Romans 8:28–29
The name Massei means “journey.” In this weeks portion we see how the Children of Israel’s journey was documented from Egypt to the land of Canaan. It describes the stages of their lives until they reached Moab. Each place that the Children of Israel camped represented a specific stage in their spiritual development and maturity. Tent pegs were not pulled up until what needed to happen to them served its purpose. Every step we are to take has already been orchestrated by the Creator. Every season has a reason; everything in life serves a purpose. If we have been called according to His purpose, then we are being conformed to the image of His Son. Meaning that each step, even the missteps can be turned for good. Just like the same thing happened to the Children of Israel. Our journeys are designed to provoke a change within us. Just as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. Chastening is part of the process — it represents some of these stages. His Word, not necessarily our feelings and certainly not our opinion, is what teaches us how to journey and how to make our way towards our destiny. Mattot/Massei Numbers 30:1-32:42 / Numbers 33:1-36:13 Step by Step Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
July 8, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Matthew 21:12–13, Jeremiah 7:11–12, 1 Samuel 2:30–35, Deuteronomy 3:23–26, Numbers 25:10–13
In our last portion we read where Pinchas demonstrated zeal for the Lord because the House of the Lord was being defiled. Rather than condemnation, Pinchas received a commendation — made priest. We also read in Matthew 21 where we see Yeshua going into the temple of God overturning tables and using a whip while others were defiling His holy temple. He states, “It is written, My House shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves”. If we do not honor Him, and especially in a space dedicated to Him, how long should we expect that He will remain in that sacred space? When He departs, the space will not remain empty. It will be inhabited by another presence; one that is an oppressor. If we do not lead and respect what is his, He will replace us with those who will. To some degree, God has entrusted His reputation to us. We are to be careful how we represent Him to others anywhere we are. We are to sanctify His Name which includes being respectful of His house. Genuine respect and zeal for God’s house leads to promotion. Let us have a zeal for His house that compels us to see His Will fulfilled. Pinchas Numbers 25:10-30:1 R-E-S-P-E-C-T If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
The Words of a Few Affect Many
June 17, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Deuteronomy 1:26–33, Proverbs 26:11–12, 2 Peter 2:19–22, Numbers 14:39–43, Numbers 13:1–3
Unbelief and disconnect can affect the body at large. The speech and actions of a few can affect many, either for good or for bad. We see in this weeks Torah portion how ten men affected millions to their detriment. Joshua and Caleb would impact future generations - those who would posses the land. Instead of moving forward in faith they wanted to investigate it first. The ten spies saw the giants and deemed it impossible to take over. God had already promised the land to them, they simply needed to believe and take back what was theirs. They mentally gave into what they were accustomed to and that was being in bondage and living in defeat. They ignored the call to be free under God’s sovereignty and to overcome with the promise of His Word. If we focus so intently on man to the point that we consider our own counsel to be superior to God’s Voice and we neglect our calling, we are repeating the sins of the ten spies. Let us not repeat old ways of thinking. He promised He would be with us so let us walk in faith and obedience. Shelach L'cha Numbers 13:1-15:41 The Words Of A Few Affect Many Join us for our Shabbat service with Bill Cloud and the Jacob's Tent Family! If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Purge the Inner Man
February 25, 2023 • Bill Cloud • Exodus 25:1–2, Matthew 6:22–23, Luke 18:10–14, Deuteronomy 10:8–9, Matthew 3:8–12
Everybody has a part to play! He has given us talents and resources to be used for His purpose. In this week’s portion, the Father calls His people to bring their different contributions, so that the tabernacle may be built. This indicates that ALL of us have a role to play in establishing the Sanctuary. However, in this process the portion we bring must be that of a cheerful giver and a heart of humility. We as a body cannot expect to bring gifts of mediocrity and expect it to bring forth fruit, much less be acceptable to the Father. We must purge those things that have a tendency to get in the way of us from walking in His fulness. God wants us to be part of the building process of His Sanctuary. How we participate in this process matters as much, if not more than if we participate. Things such as pride and rebellion have no place in the building process. He has given us a pattern to follow. Take the pig, for example: Lying on its side, a pig appears to meet the qualifications of being clean, but upon an INWARD inspection, we see they are disqualified. May we reflect that of the ark. The inner pattern was the same as that of the outward. During this process some of these things can be hard to hear and may sting a bit, but we can’t afford to be offended or bitter if it is the truth He is imparting to us. Galatians 4:16 says, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth?” We have to allow the Holy Spirit to have his way in the tempering process. Allow Him to search us, throughly and proclaim to live by truth so that our contributions for our Sanctuary may indeed be found acceptable. If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
I Am He!
December 31, 2022 • Bill Cloud • Acts 9:13–14, Deuteronomy 32:39, Genesis 44:18–23, John 17:20–21, Genesis 44:30–34
This portion begins with the culmination of events that were years in the making. Demonstrating how that, in an instant, one’s world can change. The Hebrew term ויגש vayigash, in the plain sense, means “to approach,” but it implies a meeting of two seemingly opposite forces. Judah, unaware that he is speaking with Joseph, gets into the Egyptians lord’s space which initiated a life-altering result. The point being, certain kinds of conflict can be constructive if it brings about life. Labor pains are stressful and noisy but the end result is new life. We may not understand some things that happen to us, but one day, perhaps when we least expect it, God will reveal Himself and His plan just as Joseph did. And in an instant, everything will change. If you are enjoying this live stream, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.