The Iron Man Race, Coveting versus Giving Thanks, Encouragement and Endurance

Joseph F. Dumond

Isa 6:9-12 And He said, Go, and tell this people, You hear indeed, but do not understand; and seeing you see, but do not know. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn back, and be healed. Then I said, Lord, how long? And He answered, Until the cities are wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land laid waste, a desolation, and until Jehovah has moved men far away, and the desolation in the midst of the land is great.
Published: Aug 17, 2007

Sighted Moon News Letter 5843-023

20th day of the fifth month 5843 after creation

August 4, 2007

Shabbat Shalom Brethren,

For the past two weeks, I have been mulling over this topic. I have not known how to say it or even if I should. When I went to mail it last week I could not. But since then Yahweh has caused me to see some things, as different people called and e-mailed. Speaking on things from the heart is not an easy topic for me.

Two weeks ago I went to visit the Brethren in New England. We were able to show those who came the specimens from Noah’s Ark and the pictures I had taken there. One gentleman said he was unsure about coming and being preached to, but thoroughly enjoyed my talk. It was more like a conversation than a sermon. He learned a great deal which he had not planned on doing. I was pleased to hear this from him.

It was during this time that I learned of the tough times our brethren in New England are going through. As we talked all Friday night and Saturday we shared a great deal. Although I could not solve those problems presented, it was good to be able to talk. To have someone just listen, and not pointing an accusing finger.

On Sunday I drove from New Hampshire to Lake Placid New York to watch my sister compete in an Iron man competition. As I drove I thought about the brethren much of the time. But came up with no answers.

At Lake Placid, I was so impressed with this Iron Man event and with my little sister for just competing in it. I was extremely impressed. It is a huge undertaking with months of training just to get to this stage. I have written an article at the following link for you to read if you like. “My Sister the ironman” It is more than just an Iron Man competition. But the article along with the other one I have written seem to be forming the answer to many problems that many brethren are having all over. Many fail to thank those who help them, or fail to thank those who teach them or fail to thank those who do something for other brethren. I am not speaking of lip service, but a sincere thank you from the heart.

Although this article is still in the rough form I feel it needs to be put out now and can be fixed later. It is about giving thanks and coveting. You can read it at: “Giving Thanks.”

Then while I was thinking on these things some e-mails came in and seemed to be confirming the thoughts I am pondering. These were unsolicited, which was even more special.
What is it that is happening to many smaller groups and even to the bigger groups who are trying to follow this way of life? I am talking to both Messianic and Church of God people as well as other Sabbath groups. The answer for me seems to be in understanding and combining the things I am referring to here today.

I am talking about Encouragement and Endurance and Coveting and giving thanks to others for what they do. For just being in the race.
In light of giving thanks I have listed some of the thank-yous I have received. But here is one that arrived while I was thinking on this topic

Hello Joseph,
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your work and insights. I tell all my family and friends to read your website. I have printed your articles and handed them out to people without computers. I believe you are one the right track especially with the jubilee cycle and your article “times up” is so fascinating and actually makes sense. I work in real estate and allot of my fellow brokers are Christian believers and don’t know about the Hebraic roots of Christianity, your articles put so much in perspective, at least for me. I know it has caused many I have given the articles to to stop and think and research. It is hard for most Christians to let go of what they have been taught, I think only the ones that are truly seeking truth and willing to do the study and let go of past teachings will hear the message and turn and follow Yahweh on these truths. So many it seems are swayed by there pastors to ignore the feasts and Sabbath, they don’t want to give up eating pork or lobster or Easter or Christmas etc…habits and customs die hard. There are very few messianic believers in my community, I wish there were more. ………………………

I also received a phone call from a person out west who was very excited about the things being said here. They too were sharing as much as they could with others.
Both of these last two points helped to motivate me to keep on going. As I too wonder if this web site is worth it or whether any one cares. I say this not so that you will write me, no, but to show you that I too feel down at times in this walk or way of life. It is very often a lonely walk. It is uplifting when some one comes along and thanks me or encourages me to do more or tells me how much they appreciate what I have written.

I say me or I, but in truth I am referring to all brethren. We all need to be encouraged when we are down, or when sin has over taken us. We don’t always need to have some come and point a finger and tell us our sin. Some times encouragement and praise would be better. Have you told the Pastor or Deacon or your speaker in your group how much you profit from those things they teach? Have you thanked the people who have hosted or provided a place to come together and meet? Have you written to the person who convenes a Feast site so many can meet and share in one place? Have you written or called your Parents lately? What about an old member who left years ago, have called to just say hello and see how they are getting on? When you heard someone was sick or in the hospital did you call or visit or send a card? Did you offer to baby-sit for the new young couple buried in diapers? Call an old friend.

As I read the e-mails from one group, as they come apart, I wonder if the whole situation there was not a lack of praise and thanks being offered to all involved. I do not know for sure but I say this as I watch them degenerate into accusations and law suits. It is sad indeed.

Yes brethren a small bit of encouragement could inspire some to new heights. All you have to do is say those words. Spend some of your time to help another. You’ll be surprised at how goof you feel.

Shalom

Joseph F Dumond
www.sightedmoon.com
Write to admin@sightedmoon.com

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