RESTORATION MAGAZINE FALL 2018 ISSUE by RESTORATION Magazine

Issue 4 // Volume 1 // fall 2018

RECONNECTING TO THE ROOT Inside This Issue... Editor’s Corner The Fall Feasts Day: The Appointed Times of YAH

An Hebraic Perspective of Prayer by Angela Malakah Phillips Like Little Children by Kelly Vonner

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From Sukkahs to Temples by Jeremy Vonner

Soul Music: Malkah Norwood

RESTORATION MAGAZINE is published for FREE distribution in the public interest. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission. All Rights Reserved. RESTORATION MAGAZINE is published by Restoring the Branches Ministry. Editor & Graphics Designer: Kelly Vonner Cover Image: Dominik Martin @unsplash.com Email: restoringthebranches@gmail.com

Mission Statement The mission of Restoring the Branches Ministry is to reconnect YAH’s people to the root and truth of His Word. We have been called to take YAH’s healing to the nations, remove the stumbling blocks out of the way of His people and teach as well as model the importance of serving YAH in spirit and truth.

Photo by Trent Erwin on Unsplash

Are we brave enough to ask the Most High to reveal or expose the error in us? Do we love Him enough to walk away from our iniquity and live righteously before YAH as we walk with Yahshua (Jesus).

validity of the Potter and Creator of all. We have traded moments of self-reflection for man’s approval. We have failed to see that we are cleaving to vain imaginations and not to the Rock.

My husband constantly reminds our congregation of Romans 15:4—“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope”.

But YAH

It is to our benefit to understand where we have erred in our walk with YAH. He is faithful and just to forgive, and as I heard so eloquently by Sister Onleilove of propheticwhirlwind.com, the Bride is to be preparing for The Groom—Yahshua, the Lamb of YAH. So where have we erred? We have clothed ourselves in religion and not in righteousness. We have adhered to organizations and people who are not seeking the Kingdom of YAH first. We have exchanged the truth for lies. We have called good evil and evil good. We have abandoned fellowship with the Light and have chosen to walk in darkness. We have questioned the

But yet we have hope and an anchor in Yahshua. YAH desires repentance and HalleluYAH for such a gift. While it is called today, let us respond with the words of Job. I pray that YAH allows you to see the scripture with new eyes. I pray He calls you to a new level of obedience in Him and love for Him. Sh’ma Israel, understand with your hearts and be healed. Job 6:24 (NKJV) "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred. Job 34:32 (NKJV) Teach me [what] I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'? Shalom,

Kelly Vonner 4

the appointed times of YAH

Yom Teruah—Feast of Trumpets: During Yom Teruah, we celebrate the public return of Yahshua and the gathering of His elect. (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). This festival commemorates the blowing of the trumpets that will precede His return. Seven angels with seven trumpets are described in Revelation 8-10. Yahshua will return with the blowing of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Yom Kippur—Day of Atonement: During Yom Kippur, we focus on the fact that Yahshua gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. (Leviticus 16:29-30; Leviticus 16:20-22; Revelation 20:1-3). This Holy Day pictures our High Priest, Yahshua, making atonement for our sins, which allows us to be reconciled to YAH and enter into the “holiest of all” (Hebrews 9:814; Hebrews 10:19-20). By fasting on this day, we draw closer to YAH and picture the reconciliation of mankind to YAH. Yahshua is essential in this process as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:4-5; Hebrews 5:10) and as our eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28). Sukkot—Feast of Tabernacles: The Feast of Tabernacles teaches us that when Yahshua returns, a new society will be established with Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yahshua, assisted by the resurrected saints, will set up His government on the earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4; Leviticus 23:39-43; Matthew 17:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-9). Rule under His laws will spread from Jerusalem throughout the world to usher in an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14).

Last Great Day--The 8th Day: The Last Great Day is the harvesting of humanity. Yahshua has promised life to those that believe and to raise them up at the last day (John 6:40). The Eighth Day teaches us that Yahshua will complete His harvest of humans by raising from the dead and extending salvation with the opportunity to have their names written in the Book of Life (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 11:25-27; Luke 11:31-32; Revelation 20:11-13).

What is prayer? Is it simply talking to Yah? Telling him all of your troubles? During my time in the Christian Church I was fond of singing an old gospel song that said “If you confess the Lord call him up...call him up and tell him what you want”. As I have grown and matured in the study of Torah I have come to appreciate the ability to gain deeper insight through the study of Hebrew words. Let’s look to the Hebrew language for deeper insight. Tefillah is one of the Hebrew words for prayer. Strong's Concordance #8605 tephillah: pr ayer Original Word: ‫תְּ ִפלָּה‬ Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: tephillah Phonetic Spelling: (tef-il-law') Short Definition: pr ayer

NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin: from palal Definition: prayer The root word of palal means to fall down to the ground in the presence of one in authority to plead a cause. This same root also means to go above and beyond nature, while also meaning an act that is in line with nature and the law. These definitions may seem antithesis and in opposition to one another, but if we look at how this root is used in the story of Yaacob seeing Yosef after thinking he was dead or the story of Pinchas executing judgment against one who was trespassing the law and thereby stopping a plague against the people. In both instances, the idea is conveyed that Tefillah represents divine intervention meeting judgment and execution of the law. In the story of Yosef’s reconciliation to Yaacov, this Father was joyful at discovering his son still lived 6

and not only was he alive but was the 2nd most powerful man in the land of Egypt. Yaacov knew that surely Yah had intervened and spared Yosef’s life. Yaacov also knew the role he and each family member had played in creating a situation where Yosef’s life was threatened. Yet YHWH had shown Yaacov’s family great mercy. He must have marveled at YHWH’s great mercy. They were being saved from famine and in addition Yosef was not bitter or driven with vengeance. He looked upon his family with great mercy and compassion. His son was returned to him.

desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our supplications before you for our righteousness (#6666-Tsedaqah-merit or rights) but for your great mercies (Daniel 9:18).

In the story of Pinchas we see great extraordinary zeal for Yah exemplified at a time when those around Pinchas were compromising. Pinchas rightfully executed the judgment of Yah amongst the people, thereby agreeing with YHWH that sin did not belong in the camp or in his midst. Yah then delivered the people because of Pinchas’ righteous act. When we come to YHWH to petition with a request of need for ourselves or others we are hoping to see Yah move in a miraculous way, but the law requires that one breaking the law must be judged. Through self-examination, acknowledgement, confession and repentance, we receive YHWH’s judgment with mercy and forgiveness because of our reconciliation to him through Yahshua HaMashiach. We are able to be declared righteous in Yahshua’s name and now our prayers can be heard.



Acknowledge that we have erred.



Confess and Repent where we have gotten off the path/missed the mark/sinned .



Teshuva-return to the righteous path.



Make amends, apologize, replace, repair, and restore.

“If my people , which are called by my name shall kana (Strong's # H3665- to humble bring down low, subdue self) themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “If I regard (ra’ah Strong's #H7200-approve) iniquity (Strong’s #H205- aven-to pant and exert one’s self in vain, wickedness related to a false idol) in my heart YHWH will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18 KJV). “O My ELOHIM Incline your ear and hear; open your eyes and hear; open your eyes and behold our

YHWH is a Righteous Judge and a Powerful King. Prayer, Justice and Action are inextricably interwoven. In prayer we must examine our own hearts in the shadow of YHWH’s Scriptures (word/ Torah).

YHWH is our righteous judge, and if He is to intervene in the matter we are bringing before him, we cannot expect him to ignore the law as a judge. Instead we know that he must render judgment through our relationship with Messiah and our own acknowledgement and confession of Sin. The judge is prepared to deal with us in mercy. Only once the four steps of this process have occurred should we petition him for his intervention in our affairs; however we can ask for his help in completing this process of repentance. “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him” (Philippians 2:13 CEV). What a merciful and Right Ruler who upholds the law but makes a way to extend mercy to us! YHWH is also a powerful King who must be approached in the manner He prescribes. The Judge Renders Judgment—The King Grants Favor! Through the process of self-examination, confession and action, we are refined. We’ve discussed how our refinement takes place. Now let’s look at the result of having gone before YHWH, our judge, in the 7

correct manner. A bodah (Strongs #5656) occurs. Abodah is a refinement and purification of our hearts and nature. This is the work of overcoming things such as pride, anger and jealousy. It is the circumcision of our hearts and the writing of the law on the tablets of our hearts which prepares us for Echad (Strongs # H259-unity or oneness) with our ELOHIM. It is in this way we become “Set Apart” Khodesh (Strongs #6942)—His vessel for his use/ service. We are now in a position to petition him for ourselves and others. We are now ready to intercede. This is not a one time occurrence, but a lifestyle. Just a side note YHWH’s feast days are about this process. “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked” (Deut 10:16 KJV). “A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26 KJV). “Behold, the days come, saith The LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, The LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith The LORD, I will put My law inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their GOD, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know The LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith The LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:32-34).

The Rules of Engagement

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, [say they], and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as [ye do this] day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell 8

in (Isaiah 58:1-12 KJV).

This chapter in Isaiah paints the picture of a conversation taking place between Yah and his people wherein his people want to know why is he not responding to their pious acts toward him. Yah declared their acts mean nothing to him because they don’t care about the things he cares about or the people he cares about. They approach him in fasting and prayer while overlooking the hungry, the naked, the homeless and the imprisoned. They continually oppress, accuse and lie on others while asking Yah for blessing and intervention. We’ve examined the first step in understanding what prayer is and how we must deal with transgression of the law in our lives before we can even approach Elohim in supplication. Now in Isaiah 58 we looked at what causes Yah to look upon and listen favorably to our supplications. This Chapter illustrates that Yah expects a lifestyle of compassion. We must be mindful of and help those who are the most vulnerable among us. We must also put away oppressing others in words or deeds, accusing others and lying on others. Yah promises that when we do these things he will lift us from obscurity and he will answer before we even finish making our request known. There is so much more to be shared regarding the subject of prayer and I hope to share more in the near future. Communication with our Elohim will be our greatest blessing now and for eternity. Let’s do all we can to give him all of our best. Questions for Reflection When YHWH shows us something in our hearts, and actions that are missing the mark for His will in our lives, the following questions might be helpful in taking us through the process of Tefillah:

my heart condition? My actions?

4. Based on scripture and the evidence of my thoughts and or behavior am I guilty? 5. Am I willing to confess and repent? 6. As I repent what action should I take to make amends and or return me to the path of righteousness? 7. How am I helping the hungry, homeless, imprisoned? 8. Do I oppress others with my words or actions?

9. How should I behave when I think another is wrong in their actions? Should I accuse or is there another way to resolve the matter? 10. Am I habitually lying or telling half truths? Isaiah 49: Read about the restoration of Israel and how YHWH will use his servants.

Angela " Malakah" Phillips has been aptly described by such words as Motivator, Revolutionary, Firebrand, Scholar, Poet, Trailblazer and even Warrior; And while all of these descriptions are accurate of this beautiful Daughter of Zion, her undeniable legacy that she offers the world is best described by the words Mother, Sister & Friend. Learn more about Mrs. Phillips at www.mothermalakah.com.

1. What does scripture say regarding this situation in my heart, or my behavior regarding this matter? 2. What have I been doing? Is it contrary to scripture? 3. What does scripture say is the consequence for 9

By Kelly Vonner

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Yahshua saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of YAH. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom as a little child will by no means enter it. And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 Yahshua is clear—“whoever does not receive the kingdom as a little child will by no means enter it”. So what does it mean to receive the kingdom of YAH like a child? It means obedience without full understanding. My husband and I have three boys. Our sons trust what we are instructing them about the Shabbat and Holy Days even though they do not have full understanding. They trust that mom and dad will always be honest and tell them the truth. While we only know in part, we must trust that YAH is truth and all His ways are righteousness. In trusting our Source, we obey fully. Each feast cycle uncovers more revelation of YAH and each Shabbat has the potential to reveal another layer of rest in Him. It is our job as children of YAH to trust our Father. It is in trusting and obeying that understanding comes, and as we grow to understand with our hearts, healing

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takes place. Receiving the kingdom as little children means believing and doing. YAH’s word will never return void. It will always accomplish its purpose. If we know the kingdom is reserved for those who do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21), then our actions should be seeking His will (Hint: go back to the beginning of the book and forsake all traditions that cannot be proven). If we know that flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of YAH, then we must chose to be born of the Ruach (Spirit) and grow in the knowledge of YAH and Yahshua as children born of the womb grow and develop physically. To be born of the Spirit is to be born from the womb of the word and filled with the incorruptible seed of YAH, the Promise of the Father, the Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit). But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of YAH, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of YAH. John 1:10-13 As children of YAH, we must receive His kingdom without reservation. We must be willing to bear the 11

fruits of what His kingdom produces. We must seek it first above everything else. We must understand that the kingdom of YAH is one of power, strength and glory. It is a kingdom that will consume all the other kingdoms and stand forever. We must choose to be overcomers. We must choose to walk in victory. We must choose to lay down every sin and weight that easily entangles. We must choose to remember all the words of YAH and teachings of Yahshua, return to the ancient and good path, and resist the adversary, who seeks to slow and/or stop our growth and maturity in YAH. “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of YAH, these are the sons of YAH. For you did not receive the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of YAH, and if children, then heirs— heirs of YAH and joint heirs with Mashiach, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together”. Romans 8:12-17 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of YAH! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of YAH; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:1-2 Be encouraged. Choose to be imitators of YAH as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). Choose to walk in the footsteps of Mashiach. Choose to look up to the Father and trust every word. Seek His righteousness and believe as innocent children. Walk in forgiveness with the brethren. Look up and joy in the coming redemption of our loving Father for salvation is coming! Kelly Vonner has been married to Pastor Jeremy Vonner since 2006. YAH has blessed their union with three sons. She is the creator of RESTORATION magazine and leads Restoring the Branches Ministry with her husband. Kelly is the author of A Boldness for Him: Honoring God by Our Obedience. She works as a school administrator in West Tennessee. 12

The Transition from Sojourners to Saints

Pastor Jeremy Vonner As the believers of Messiah, the Feasts of YAH are highly anticipated appointments with our Creator. The Feast of Ingathering also known as Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, is to be celebrated for eigth days with the first and eighth day designated by YAH as holy convocations. Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to YAH. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made my fire to YAH. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to YAH. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it (Leviticus 23:34-36). This feast is full of love and rejoicing as saints gather from afar. One of the main themes of Sukkot is the sukkah (booth). Assemblies, congregations, fellowships, camps, and churches go camping and/or build booths to dwell in. As all of YAH’s people make their journey back to Him through Messiah (Yahushua), we have views and understandings that may differ. As brothers and sisters of one body, all views should be taken into consideration and evaluated with the scriptures we have available. I have a perspective on sukkahs during our anticipation of Sukkot that I am excited to share using the Old and New Testament as references. I pray that we can look at the sukkah (booth) with our spiritual eyes and increase in our knowledge of YAH. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of

www.restoringthebranches.org the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:17 -18). The majority of Israel’s history has been a nation of people on the move. Once YAH showed His power in Egypt, He led the Israelites and they followed Him; other times in history Israel has been on the move because of disobedience. Consider that even with nice homes, jobs, comfortable lives, assemblies and etc we are still nomads awaiting transition from one form of glory to a greater form of glory like our Saviour. This concept is central as we continue our journey and grow to understand what Abba YAH desires of us. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). “Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may 13

know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:39-43 with additional references in Exodus 23:16, 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:13, 16). What is YAH teaching us? The word Sukkah ‫ ֻסכָּה‬is translated to tabernacles or booth 8x’s in the Torah. Only one time out of the first eight is it not referencing the festival. “And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth” (Genesis 33:17). The first time ‫ ֻסכָּה‬is used is when Jacob (Israel) journeyed to Succoth ‫סֻכֹות‬ after his meeting with Esau. YAH lead Jacob to Succoth ‫ סֻכֹות‬which is built from ‫ ֻסכָּה‬sukkah. Jacob built booths for his cattle and he never knew that from his loins YAH would bring Israel, His flock, to Succoth! “And the children of Israel journeyed from Ramses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, besides children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle” (Exodus 12:3738). The place where YAH lead Jacob on his journey was the first stop for Israel as they began theirs. After the Egyptians were swallowed up by the sea, the Israelites journeyed for three days and found no water. Marah is where they murmured and YAH made the waters sweet. From there they journeyed to Elim where there were seventy palm trees and twelve wells. In Succoth and Elim they had what was needed to build sukkahs--the leaves from palm trees. In Exodus 33:8 it says, “And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle”. Was every man at his ‫ ֻסכָּה‬or was he dwelling at something else. The people were at their tents ,‫ אֹהֶל‬and not in the door of a ‫ ֻסכָּה‬sukkah/booth. In Numbers 9, the Children of Israel have been in the wilderness for 2 years. Verses 15 through 23 gives us detail on how YAH was among them and how He was a King to them. When the cloud went up, they would take up their belongings and follow. If the cloud stopped then they would stop and abide under the cloud until it moved again. The Hebrew word used gives us something to ponder on. In regards to the Israelites following the cloud our English may say journey but the Hebrew is “ ‫ נָּסַע‬Nasa” which means to pull up. It could be described easily as in “pulling up the tent or booth” but there is no mention of that in Hebrew. All we see is ‫ יַחֲנּו ְּבנֵי יִש ְָּּראֵ ֵֽל‬pitched Children

of Israel? Tent is just what the translators assumed. The Israelites had to pull themselves up and follow the cloud that redeemed them. The word “chanah” ‫ ָּחנָּה‬is used 6x’s in verses 17-23. They are translated in English as pitched 2x’s, rested 2x’s and abode 2x’s. This Hebrew word literally means to decline. So yes this could mean declining the tent or booth. Unfortunately there are no Hebrew words identifying the tent or sukkah. In these same passages the Tabernacle is translated from “miskahn” ,‫ מִשְּ כָּן‬but nothing is said about what they pulled up or declined down. I submit to you that the only noun to attach to these verbs of pulling up or declining down is the body. The people are the booths! Our bodies are temporary places to pull up and sit down. The text was clear that these were done at the command of the LORD (Numbers 9:18, 20, and 23). They also kept the charge of the LORD on the journey and resting of their bodies (Numbers 9:19 and :23). Listen to Cephas (Peter), a disciple that grew into an apostle filled with the Ruach taught by Yahshua, “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” (2 Peter 1:1314). This is the same Peter that recommended making three sukkahs (booths/tabernacles) for Yahshua, Moses, and Elijah (Mt 17:4). He purposely called his body, our body, and Christ’s fleshly body a sukkah. “Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body” (John 2:18-21). This was more than a teaching, it was revelation of YAH’s divine will for humanity beginning with Israel. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). In 2 Samuel 7, Nathan, the seer, informs King David that his seed will build him a temple to dwell in. “Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle” (2 Samuel 7:6). This is true because Israel as a nation would not let Yah be “IN” them. Apostle Shaul (Paul) says; “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth 14

unto an HOLY TEMPLE in the Lord: In whom ye also are built together for an HABITATION OF GOD through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). YAH made our ancestors build sukkahs to show how empty and disposable we are. The “Mishkahn” or Tabernacle in the midst of the camp that held His presence was a symbol of what we could be with him within us. Apostle Shaul states something showing the purpose of the human body. This is why Israel was supposed to accept Yah and set the example for all nations. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). YAH has desired to do something different with humanity and recreate himself within us by transitioning us from glory to a greater glory. This is such a phenomenon that Peter says; “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into” ( 1 Peter 1:12). This Sukkot make sukkahs, rejoice, love, tend to the poor, but know that YAH has big plans for you. Know that your body is not yours but a temple for Him. Our ancestors started the journey as sukkahs; we will take the baton from them and be temples filled with the Ruach HaKodesh. Shalom and may YAH bless you and keep you!

Jeremy Vonner is founder and pastor of Restoring the Branches Ministry of Humboldt, TN. He has been married to his wife Kelly since 2006 and they have three sons—Jeremiah, Joshua and Josiah. Jeremy is also the author of Lost and Without an Identity Until Now: God’s Restoration of the Slave Descendants. Jeremy and Kelly currently reside in West Tennessee and host weekly Shabbat Gathering in Humboldt, TN. You can learn more about Restoring the Branches Ministry by visiting restoringthebranches.org.

Soul Music: Malkah Norwood ‘Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me with Your free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted unto You.' -Psalm 51:12-13

The album, “Malkah”, was birthed out of raw repentance and contrition. I personally had to do a lot of introspection: mind, body, and soul examination. I cried out to The Most High to save me, cleanse me, and to create in me a pure heart that I may be worthy to sing His praises and testify of His unfailing love aloud. I sincerely desire to do what YAH requires of me, to which can be absolutely terrifying and unsettling at first glance but necessary to perfection and growth in Him. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen; I have faith that the specifics I prayed for, as well as the wickedness YAH has yet purged out prepared me to stand confidently as a musical artist bearing His name without fear or condemnation today. So, like a true artist, I was inspired by this refining process! I journaled various attitudes and expressions during the phases of my journey. I began writing, producing, and recording as the Ruach Ha’Qodesh incited transparency of me. All of the songs on the album such as “Humility (A Song of Repentance)” and “Obedience” didn’t take very long to create as I was also influenced to convey my 16

visions through creative conceptual music videos in pairing with the songs’ releases. The sounds and vibration of rhythms flowed like water providing a greater understanding of where YAH was taking me musically. I believe the songs I’ve publicized so far have resonated with people in such a way that they too recognize in themselves where they are in seeking out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I’m truly glad to be able to worship and share as the transition of self-righteousness over into YAH’s good pleasure becomes first-nature. “Malkah” is an introduction of this new creature The Most High is molding. As YAH Himself declares to those whom are called into His marvelous light: “You are the light of the world! A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden!” (Matthew 5:14). I no longer keep hidden the goodness that is YAHUAH Elohim! Worship through the limitless freedom YAH gives to those who Love and obey Him is all I need to continue moving forward as His true worshipper. “Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, he is a renewed creature – the old matters have passed away, see, all matters have become renewed!” -2 Corinthians 5:17

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