Sunday, March 2, 2003 Greetings Brethren, The next new moon will most likely be seen tomorrow (March 3rd) evening after sunset. It possibly will not be seen until March 4th at sunset so we need your help in locating this new moon. Please send your reports to New Moon. This next new moon will either be the beginning of the new biblical year or it will be the 13th month of this year. We should start receiving reports soon after the next new moon from brethren in Jerusalem as to the stage of the barley. If barley is in a stage where the harvest of barley could begin with the wave sheaf offering then this new moon will be the one to start the new scriptural year. Evidence that barley is the sign by which the scriptural year begins can be found in many scriptures. The first point of evidence from a practical vantage point is found in Joshua. The wave sheaf was not offered until the Israel entered the Promised Land by crossing the Jordan River. (Joshua 4:1, 5:10-12) In Deuteronomy 16 verse 1 we are told to observe the month (new moon) of Abib (young ears of grain). The Hebrew word Abib is from an unused root (meaning to be tender); green, i.e. a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month Abib or Nisan according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. The context of the wave sheaf offering can be found in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16. In verse 9 of Deuteronomy 16 we find that when the sickle is first put to the grain that seven weeks shall be counted to the Feast of Weeks. Leviticus 23 verses 9-14 the new grain of the fields could not be eaten until wave sheaf was offered before Yahweh. Both scriptures coincide with the first barley harvest being offered to Yahweh before the grain may be eaten. This is to remind Israel that it is by Yahweh's blessings that they are not only keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread free from the bondage of Egypt but we are celebrating the beginning of Yahweh's harvests. Supplementary evidence of Barley as the sign by which the scriptural year is determined can be found in many other verses throughout the scriptures. Exodus 12 when looking for the month of the Passover it is called the first month and the beginning of months in the first verse of chapter 12. In Chapter 13:4 of Exodus Abib is called the month in which Israel was set free. In chapter 9 verse 31 of Exodus we find that the barley and flax were destroyed by hail (one of the plagues against pharaoh) but the wheat and emmer where not hurt. Since the barley was in ear (Abib) it was destroyed. Although the Feast of Unleavened Bread is tied to wave sheaf offering the barley's stages are not tied to a specific date for the beginning of the harvest. The barley harvest is entirely dependant on Yahweh's blessings. The vernal equinox is a guide because it points to the amount of sunlight and the temperature of the ground which is important in the growth of crops but it is by Yahweh's blessings that crops grow. There are many factors that determine the growth of crops. This is a short summary as to why Abib is so important from a scriptural and an agricultural point of view. Abib may not be convenient depending on one's work but we are to be ready at all times to defend and observe our faith. We pray that as we attempt to emulate the faith of Messiah Yahshua that we are willing to give all that we have for the most precious gift of eternal life. Please pray for the safety of those risking their life to search for Abib. 
March 3, 2003
The moon will be only 5 degrees and 25 minutes above the horizon. 
March 4, 2003
The moon should be easy to see, 17 degrees and 30 minutes above the horizon. Please keep the following brethren and sisters in your prayers. It takes a lot of humility to go before the assembly of Yahweh with petition for help so please remember these brethren in your daily prayers. They are in desperate need of Yahweh's healing touch. prayer list Rushing Family - family problems, Langford Luster and Family - asking for Yahweh inspiration in the family's life., David Rosa - looking for employment, Carmen Alicea - seeks salvation and healing, Shirley Reopelle - Shirley has a virus and other health problems., Karen Bordzuk - Karen needs spiritual and financial help., Delbert Ellis, Chris Nelson, Walt Hoffman, Andre Gale and Family, Twanda Luster, Julie A. Oakman, Jerry Cornwell, Justin Cain, Pendlebury Family, Andres Lopez Jr. and Sr., Barry Weaver, Michael and Marie Fegans - Michael needs prayer for freedom from incarceration so that he can take his rightful place with his family., Samuel Ndoumbe, Linda Dupree, Dan Hoskins, Gladys Joyce, Mayra Luisa Vega, Virginia Rivera, Derrick Holmes, Ernestine Walls, James Fauth, Bruce McCall Family - Bruce's great grandson is in desperate need of prayer., Anna I. Velez, Henry Ruiz - liver problems, Gary Guenther, Chloe S. Kurzon, Tom (Mordecai) Mitchell, Jason Kissee, Holly S. Forster, James Meyer Family, Spears' Family, Tori Blair, Jenny Hopson, Blackburn Family, Marie Harris, Annette Dosold, Mike Cly, Matt Nesser, Ron Orr Family, Castillo Family, Eloise Carson, Joseph Meyer Family, Lee Christopher Kearns, Jonathan Kearns, Jennifer Brindley, Barry Wood, Jim and Alice Maring, Steve Foster, Jayne Crosson, Tom Browand - Tom has a larger than golf ball sized tumor., Roger D. Thompson and Family, Pam Fiello, Tad Bennethum, Carl and Cheryl Meyer Please keep the Wilks and the Wells families in your prayers. Both families have suffered the loss of a loved one. May Yahweh through Messiah Yahshua give them comfort and encouragement in this time of grieving. Their loved ones, our brethren are sealed until the time of the end. Yahweh Bless, James A. Meyer |
