Shalom! As this is my first blog, I would like to tell you a bit about myself. I have been a Messianic Sabbatarian since I was introduced to the Messianic congregation at FCC Petersburg, VA, in 2011. A Messianic Sabbatarian is basically a 7th day Sabbath-Keeping Christian. We hold a firm belief in the entire Bible, with the conviction that neither the O.T. 9i.e. the Tanak) nor the N.T. (i.e. the Brit Hadashah) can stand alone. The Tanak forms the foundation for the Brit Hadashah and the Brit Hadashah completes/fulfills the Tanak. As a Messianic Believer with a background in the Hebrew language (20 years as a Hebrew Linguist in the US Air Force) I tend to use Hebrew terminology rather than the Greek of the N.T. or even English. For example, “Elohim” is God… it is what He is, not His Name (much like, I am human); I believe his personal name, given to Moshe (Moses) at the burning bush, is Yehovah/Y’hovah, as in the Hebrew language this is the only pronunciation of the tetragrammaton (i.e. yod-heh-vav-heh) that makes sense to me. All names in the Bible have meaning. Yehovah would mean “He causes to be,” or “he creates something from nothing.” Isn’t that a fine description of who He is?
For those who feel his name is too sacred to be said, “Adonai” or “ha-Shem” are acceptable substitutes. And though we are commanded not to take his Name in vain, I use His Name at all times, but only with the respect it is due; because we are told His Name is excellent (or splendid; majestic) and (B.8:1,10) and we are instructed to sing praises to His Name (B. 18:49). If we are Forbidden to use His Name, why did He even give it to the Moshe and again to the prophet Yeshayahu (Isaiah) (see Isa. 42:8). I also use the Hebrew name Yeshua/Y’shua instead of Jesus, Messiah, or ha-Mashiah vs. Christ, Miriam for Mary, Yosef is Joseph, Ya’akov for Jacob or James, Yehudah/Y’hudah is Judah or judas, etc. As I realize this can be confusing for some, I will try to clarify such usages of the Hebrew in my initial blog(s) at least the first time they are used.
I keep a spiritual journal, and my desire is to share with you some revelations that are given me through daily devotional time spent with Elohim. I often quote from the devotionals that I read, so I will always recognize the sources of such inspirational quotes. With that in mind, I would like to share my journal entry from 1/12/24, based on Gen.39:23, “Yehovah was with Yosef and gave him success in whatever he did.”
{Excerpts from “our Daily Bread,” “God’s Worker,” by Amy Boucher Pye] “…Elohim used Yosef to further his work while he was in prison. Because Elohim was with Yosef he showed him kindness and granted him favor. The prison warden put Yosef in charge and didn’t have to pay attention to matters there because Elohim gave Yosef ‘success in whatever he did.’ ”Elohim promises to be with us too. Whether we’re facing imprisonment — literal or figurative — hardship, displacement, heartache or sorrow, we can trust that He’ll never leave us. Just as He enabled…Yosef to run the prison, he’ll stay close to us always.”
[Here begins my own thoughts] I thank Elohim for his mercy, blessings, and favor in my life. Though in prison, I know that he can and will use me to further his work. Because I trust in him and in his faithfulness, he is with me always, showing me his loving kindness and granting me his favor. I believe with all my heart that Elohim wants more for me in this life and that He is preparing me for something greater than I can even imagine. Yes, Yehovah Elohai [my God] is with me and He will give me success in whatever I do. He will make me prosper, even in my less-than-ideal circumstances. Therefore, whatever I do, I work at it from the soul, as for Adonai and not for people. It is to the Adon [Lord] Messiah I am giving service!
“Saving Elohim, You never leave me, even when I face the hardest of circumstances. Please give me hope and eyes to see your work in my life.” [From “Our Daily Bread”]. In Yeshua’s Name. Amen.
Danny Harvey is serving a lengthy sentence in a southern California prison. He is a widower in his 60s with three grown children who retired after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. Want to learn more about Danny Harvey? He has a pen pal profile at PenPals.Buzz. He can be reached by mail at: Danny Harvey #15444-006, FCI Terminal Island, PO Box 3007, San Pedro, CA 90733-3007.
