Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day on the biblical calendar. On this day the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year, “not without blood,” to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:34). Heaven’s books were opened, sins laid bare, and forgiveness sought through sacrifice.
Yet even this solemn feast pointed forward to something greater. The writer of Hebrews declares: But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11–12)
On Yom Kippur, the final shofar blast declared that heaven’s gates were closing. Kippur means “covering”: either the blood covered your sins, shielding you from judgment, or you stood exposed before the Holy One. There was no middle ground.
The sprinkled blood on the mercy seat covered Israel’s sins for a year, but it foreshadowed Messiah Yeshua’s perfect atonement. His blood doesn’t just cover sin temporarily — it removes it completely. Those who trust in Him are clothed in His righteousness and inscribed in the Book of Life. But for those who refuse His covering, the shofar announces judgment. When the gates close, no one enters by their own merit.
For me, Yom Kippur is not only a time to search my own heart — it’s a call to intercede for every soul who still needs salvation, for Israel, and for the nations. This day reminds us that the gates will not remain open forever. For believers, it is both a song of praise — Yeshua (Jesus) is our atonement — and a solemn warning: the countdown is moving swiftly toward the moment when the doors will shut and no second chances remain.
Let this day stir in you both gratitude and urgency: gratitude that you are covered in His blood, and urgency to pray and witness while there is still time. The hour is late, the trumpet is near, and eternity is at hand. May we be found faithful, clothed in His (Yeshua’s) righteousness, interceding for the lost — until the final shofar sounds and we stand secure in His presence forever.
Your family in the L-RD with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah George & Baht Rivka, Obi (Baltimore, Maryland), Elianna (Married living in Missouri)
Proverbs 24: 17-18 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls; don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles. For Adonai might see it, and it would displease him; he might withdraw his anger from your foe. CJB
The public assassination of Charlie Kirk was a bombshell that disturbed many across the globe to say the least. His wife, family, friends, and all those who loved and admired him are experiencing heart-wrenching grief, pain and unbelief. The horrifying public murder of this young man is seared in the hearts of many. My heart goes out to his wife, children, family and friends of this fellow brother in Messiah.
Unfortunately, however, there are those who are celebrating his death. SMH! Imagine that! People are happy that he was murdered! This should not be! Posts on social media and inappropriate comments are insensitive to the gravity of the murder of a fellow human being.
As believers, in Yeshua we should never celebrate inwardly or outwardly when our enemies fall and suffer affliction regardless of who suffered because of them. The Word of G-D is clear on this matter, and celebrating could cause G-D to withdraw His wrath from one’s foe. What should our response be? According to G-D’s Word, we should pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44-48)
We ought to be praying for the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk. We should be praying in all the ways that the Holy Spirit of G-D is directing us. The suspected assassin also has a family. His father and mother were instrumental in getting him to turn himself in to the authorities according to the news outlets. Can you imagine what his parents are going through? As a parent, I can’t imagine the devastating pain and grief of turning an adult child over to the authorities for a murder. And, if convicted, in the state of Utah, the shooter could get the death penalty. Whoa! Unimaginable as a parent! Yet, no one is talking about the pain of the “enemy’s” (suspected assassin’s) family, and as believers in Yeshua we have to pray for all… the victims and the perpetrators.
We are to pray for our enemies as commanded by our L-RD and Savior and we are not to celebrate any harm they might endure. We do not have the license to celebrate evil done to an enemy. Some of us don’t want to pray for our enemies. I get it! We feel they deserve punishment, and rightfully so. I get i! But that isn’t the point of this blog.The point, praying for our enemies is required.
Truly, I don’t want to pray for my enemies! But, that is not an option as a believer in Yeshua. I still must pray. We still must pray. We have to pray and if we don’t know how to pray or we are having a difficult time praying, then we are to ask ABBA to help us.
If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me. John 12:32 Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
If we truly belong to the L-RD and Savior Yeshua and want to obey His directives…then we have to pray for our enemies, forgive and encourage others in the Body to do the same. When Yeshua hung on the cross for us wretched, despicable and disobedient humans after being horribly tortured, HE (Yeshua) modeled praying for one’s enemies. We were His enemies, yet He died for us while we were still in disobedience. Love and praying for one’s enemies doesn’t get any better than the example set by our Savior. Read the account of Yeshua’s execution. (Luke 23) He died for the world. The cross is still calling all to repent now, while it is today.
We are living in extremely dark times and evil is ramping up exponentially, and maybe at times seems to bewinning. But, we have been warned in the Word of G-D that this would happen and thus we should not be caught off guard but prepared. Evil is seriously trying to destroy, kill and deceive all, whether cemented to the hem of Yeshua’s garment or not. And, now more than ever we have to hold onto the Word, if we call ourselves believers in the One true G-D.
As believers are called to take our grief, pain, anger, hurt, confusion, sadness to Him who is near the broken-hearted. (Psalm 34:18) We do not have the luxury to be in our feelings and give rise to celebration when an enemy stumbles or falls. As believers in Yeshua, we cannot celebrate the demise of a fellow human being. We are called to a higher standard. We are held to a higher standard. We are called to exercise the will of G-D as a witness of who we belong to. We are obligated to pray for our enemies. Is this call easy? You know the answer! But, we have a Helper, His Spirit who will and does lead us into all truth and appropriate responses.
If you have thought or spoken celebratory words for any kind of damage or death of an enemy, please repent. If you have posted vile comments, liked vile and derogatory comments about your enemy, let me encourage you to repent and take down any posts on social media. Any derogatory celebratory rhetoric you may have posted or spoken about this recent situation or any situation where evil seems to prevail…seek our Heavenly Father for repentance. Come out from among the evil doers in thoughts and actions. Let your light shine brightly. Let your salt season your arena as a child of the Living G-D. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Let us be encouraged to pray for the loss of a fellow brother in Messiah who was murdered in public. Let us be encouraged to be persistent in prayer for all those who have been victims of evil in recent months. Let us also pray for our personal enemies as we stay alert in prayer. Let us be consistent in lifting up various enemies in the hope that He (ABBA) will give light to their hearts. (Ephesians 1:18, John 3:16-18, John 17:3, Matthew 5:44-48) According to the sages, Pray for your enemy that he serves G-D. (ref: CJB, p 1392)
Finally, let us pray for one another in the Body! Our hope is in the blood of the L-RD!
King David said in Psalm 8: 4-5 (CJB)When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place – what are mere mortals, that you concern yourself with them; humans, that you watch over them with such care?
So what should our response be to these two passages?
I think we might want to exclaim: Glory to the Most High G-D who was and is to come! Glory to the King of the Universe who created oceans, seas, mountains and more. Thank you for the coming of Your glorious Kingdom and the redemptive work of our L-RD and Savior Yeshua. Thank you that You are always Good and Your Mercy is everlasting. Thank you that You are not like humans and You can always be relied on always. Thank you for Your protection, provision, sustenance and nurturing. Thank you for the time, talents and skills You have given each of us. Thank you for our friends, families and enemies. Thank you for nudging us, encouraging us, disciplining us so that our lives might reflect You. And, because you are holy, holy, holy and the most holiest…thank you for teaching us to respond, speak and live in ways which are pleasing to You. Thank you for being a forgiving and loving Father and giving us multiple chances to repent and grow closer to You. Thank you for your listening ears to our prayers. Thank you for Your salvation through Yeshua, AND SO VERY MUCH MORE!
Adriatic Sea…Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com
Sitting here by the Adriatic Sea in Tučepi, Croatia, I am overwhelmed by its beauty. The movement of the sea, the rocky mountainous terrain, blooming flowers, towering trees and rock formations which all exemplifies the fingers of our Creator. The vastness of the sea barely littered by human hands is a sight to behold. The mountains towering over the city and surrounding the sea reflects the beauty of G-D for us to admire and appreciate. This creative beauty gives us reason to pause and worship our Father.
I am amazed like the psalmist David that G-D would concern himself with us humans and that He watches over us with care. That He would create such beautiful places for us to live and care for. His love is beyond our comprehension, and yet available for us to embrace and cling to. According to a commentary in the Complete Jewish Bible, Israel’s sages teach that each person should proclaim that it is for my sake that Adonai created the world, and I was created to proclaim his greatness!
Therefore, regardless of whatever state we find ourselves, we can always find beauty around us and find something worth proclaiming the greatness of G-D. We can always look up to the Heavens, scour the earth and see the greatness of our Father. We can always proclaim His glory in the little and large matters of life. Today, while it is today relish in His Greatness and His Goodness!
So, today is a great day, and I am relishing in the goodness and blessings of our G-D!
Since the death of my son, I haven’t felt like myself. I don’t recognize myself most days and some days I just feel like I am floating through waiting for my turn. Parts of me died with him, but parts of me resurrected with a new vigor for the L-RD. I embrace this new vigor for the L-RD.
Since the death of my son, I think about him and all our family members who have preceded me, and I wonder how they are doing and what they are doing. I miss them so much and of course wish we could have a chat. I know, I can’t talk to them or see them other than within my mind’s eye, but like a child I wish I could.
Since my son’s death, many things have changed…some for the good, and conversely not so good. I am still wrestling with the timing of his death and his absence from our lives. My grandson just started high school, and I know my son Aaron wanted to be part of his high school years. From my limited perspective, I have difficulty understanding why G-D took Aaron at this time. I could say more, but…
My point, no matter how much we say we love and trust G-D, I believe, in our human bodies we struggle with G-D’s timing and His will sometimes. And like Paul who wrote most of theletters in the B’rit Hadashah (New Testament)…paraphrased…that which I should do, I don’t do and that which I do, I should not do. Romans 7:13-25.
So, to sum up my dilemma as I am growing through my grieving…who can save me? Who can heal my broken heart? Who can forgive my plethora of sins and grievous acts? Who can restore my shalom and so I can hear the sound of joy and gladness? Who can create a clean heart within me and a resolute spirit? Who can rescue me? Thanks be to G-D, our ABBA (HE WILL/HE CAN) – through Yeshua our Messiah, our L-RD, whom I love, believe in and pledge my allegiance to.
Know my struggle is real like many who have lost a child (children). The pain has not subsided, but maybe that’s the point…to grow my dependence, hope and faith in the L-RD.
Like the tide of the ocean that comes on the shore and quickly recedes; such is life.
Strained, Stretched, Struggling
Dr. Dee
A few Scriptures worth pondering: Jonah 2:9, Acts 4:12, Ezekiel 36:26, Titus 3:5
Matthew 24:33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!
The parable of the fig tree is not just a message to observers — it’s a summons to the faithful. The fig tree puts out its leaves first, then comes the fruit. Spiritually, that’s a call to live in readiness even before the final harvest arrives. Yeshua (Jesus) tells His disciples, “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).
In Hebraic thought, readiness is active, not passive. The Hebrew word for “wait” (קוָה – kaw-vah) carries the meaning of hopeful tension, like a watchman on the wall. It’s not merely waiting — it’s preparing, expecting, anticipating with purposeful action. As the fig tree moves from dormant to fruitful, we too are called to shift into alignment with the coming Kingdom.
Botanically, a fig tree must be pruned and cultivated to yield good fruit. Without care, it can overgrow and produce inedible figs. This mirrors the parable Yeshua told in Luke 13:6–9, where a fig tree had no fruit for three years. The vinedresser asked for one more year to dig and fertilize. Yeshua is the vinedresser, calling for repentance and fruit-bearing readiness in His people.
The wise virgins in Matthew 25 kept oil in their lamps as they waited for the bridegroom. This oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit and ongoing intimacy with G-D. Readiness is not about storing canned goods—it’s about keeping your heart in a state of holiness, filled with the Spirit, and aligned with G-D’s Word.
Let the fig tree awaken your spirit. These signs are not meant to debate — they were given to give us a call to action. Stop watching the clock and start preparing your heart. Live as if the King could step through the door at any moment. Be clothed in righteousness. Keep your lamp full. Stay on watch. The hour is late, and the King is not far–He is at the door.
Your family in the L-RD with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George, Baht Rivka & Obi – Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna – Married living in Missouri
On my son’s recent birthday it was a difficult day to breathe and keep a happy face for others. Most of the time, I feel as if no one understands my deep sorrow or even cares to hear about my deepest pain. But even during my grief and sorrow, I am grateful to G-D, HaShem who has chosen to deliver me/us through Yeshua, if we pledge our allegiance and love to Him. I am grateful for the time I had with my son, and I am grateful to have been his mom. I am also grateful for his son who is growing into a godly young man and we communicate often.
A Special Gift Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com
Yet, in the midst of my sadness, I looked forward to spending time with my grandchildren this summer. They are here with us! They are so full of life, love and energy. They are a reminder of why even during our grief, we can experience happiness and fun. This morning we had a wonderful Bible study and I was grateful for the opportunity to intentionally invest in them. My prayer…they will remember the words of the L-RD and act accordingly all their days and know that I loved and cherished them very much.
Therefore, let me encourage you…love others like they are a gift from above for today maybe the last day you will see or speak to them. Be kind to those who pass your way, and every day pray and ask G-D through His son Yeshua, empowered by His Holy Spirit to lead you into His perfect will even when it is hard. Ask G-D to help you to always be the best version of Him as you navigate this life, so that others will be drawn to Him.
Remember: 1 Peter 1:24– For all humanity is like grass, all its glory is like a wildflower — the grass withers, and the flower falls off; 25 but the Word of Adonai lasts forever.
YOUR goodness (Hashem’s) is running after your people and your love exceeds the understanding of humankind. And, though, we are dreadfully sinful and full of narcissistic desires, you keep showing your love, grace and faithfulness each day to every single person on planet earth through your creation and sustaining power.
What do you mean Dr. Dee? How does G-D faithfully demonstrate His love to all?
Let me list a few ways:
Are you reading this post? Consider all that allows you to read.
Is your body still responding to stimuli?
Did the weather show up where you are currently living?
Do you have water to drink?
Did or do the flowers and trees blossom, grow, and/or provide food/shelter?
Does the sea continue to vomit food and nourish humans and animals?
Do the lakes flow and provide living habitats for various species?
Does the air provide CO2?
Did the sun rise and set on this day or the days before?
Do you hear the birds singing and the wind whistling?
How about the rhythm of raindrops dancing all around?
Did the clouds form and/or dissipate on this day or the days before?
And the list goes on and on and on and on!
The glory of G-D is evident in nature and benefits everyone, including animals irrespective of one’s belief about G-D and/or their current social or economic status. As we examine nature, we get a glimpse of the artistic, majestic and awesomeness of the invisible G-D revealing Himself in magnificent and indescribable visible ways. We sometimes look at nature and take the beauty around us for granted. However, each day G-D’s handiwork is on display for all to gleam and appreciate. And, may I add to love, honor and worship Him more.
Let me ask you this: What other god sustains as the Creator, HaShem? What other god desires a personal relationship with his subjects? What other god touches hearts in profound ways, protects, provides, nurtures and communicates? What other god provides salvation through Yeshua? There is none! [Jeremiah 10:6-16]
The sun has not failed to rise or set as of the day of this writing in 2025. The weather continues to impact this planet, which He controls. The crops grow and nourish both humans and animals as does water. No one can say, I am NOT blessed of Adonai! The very breath we breathe is manufactured by G-D for He made the earth by His power and established the world by His wisdom. When He thunders, the waters in the heavens are in turmoil and He causes the clouds to rise from one end of the earth to another. [Jeremiah 10:12-13] G-D created and sustains all things for His purposes and glory.
So, the next time, you find yourself roaming around outside; take a moment to scrutinize the great outdoors and consider the landscape, trees, mountains and the birds. Behold the beauty of the planet G-D has created for us. (Psalm 95:3-7) Thank Him.
Next time, you find yourself roaming around outside; with a grateful heart, thank G-D for the air you breathe, the plants which provide food and beauty, and the water, which quenches your thirst and cleanses your body and possessions. Worship Him.
Next time, you find yourself feeling lack; thank G-D for His provision and be appreciative for all that you have…not what you want, but WHAT you already have. You might find you are very rich beyond your realization. Fall in love with Him.
Remember, we serve an Immensely Almighty G-D who desires and deserves our worship, obedience, love and fellowship. Get outside and behold the artistic landscape of our Creator with fresh lovingly eyes. Glorify and reach up to the One true and living G-D who sent Yeshua for our redemption. He is Echad…His Creative Goodness endures forever!
You don’t even know if you will be alive tomorrow! For all you are is a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. James 4:14 CJB
Oh, how true! The sudden and unexpected death of my son has struck my heart in many ways and sorrowfully emphasized the truth of G-D’s Word.
The sunny morning of October 19, 2024 was a typical Saturday morning until about 8:45 AM. Just a quick overview: My son and his fiance went for a hike up Stone Mountain in the park where he collapsed and died (unconfirmed) of a heart attack. According to his fiance’, she caught his head before he hit the ground, no pain, no words, just one tear streaming down his cheek.
Aaron’s last steps…
In the short video clip of him walking prior to his death, there is no indication that he was going to die in moments after the filming. In the clip, he is saying that they needed to pace themselves because it was going to be a long walk. He looked amazing in the video, so full of life, handsome and smiling.
The day before his death, we spoke briefly in the kitchen and we had plans to have a family dinner either Sunday or Monday before I was scheduled to fly to Europe. But, everything changed when the phone call came that he had collapsed. I immediately jumped out of bed starting praying and texting all the believers I knew would pray, as well as the leader of the Community I belong to.
My fiance and I rushed to get where we needed to be to see about Aaron. Once we arrived at the hospital he wasn’t there though he should have been. I “knew” in my heart something wasn’t right. Why was it taking the ambulance so long to get to the hospital? I believe he had died already.
Once he got there, they attempted to revive him, and for a split moment we thought he was coming back when the doctor said they had a slight pulse, but the pulse soon disappeared and the doctor called it. As they were working on him I saw some of their work and there was such numbness coming over me that I can’t really explain. His fiance’ was with me the whole time and endured the loss of her future husband.
But, as a believer I felt inadequate and disappointed that my “faith”, prayers and the prayers of others did not bring Aaron back to this side of heaven. We hear miraculous stories of near death experiences, people coming back from the dead, etc., and though I wish Aaron was still here, I realize that each person’s days are numbered. [Psalms 90:12; 139;16]. But, there is still that wishing, should-of, and more.. that I am still grappling with each day.
My heart is still broken and I still want … but obviously, not my will but the L-RD’s. So much more to say, but this is all I can muster for now.
I am sitting in our home looking out the window and reflecting on my recent birthday. This is the first birthday without my son in 36 years. Regardless of my whereabouts, he would either text and call and/or we would spend time together. On my last birthday, in March 2024, we went to the gun range and then we shared a meal. My grandson and my son’s fiancee joined us. We had a great time. So, needless to say, I have been thinking and missing Aaron a lot.
I am still grabbling with Aaron’s passing, but I sense I’m moving forward and not getting stuck in my grief. It is easy to just get stuck, and there are days when I can barely do anything. I recently reconnected with a friend whose son died suddenly some years ago and talking to her has been comforting. In G-D’s word, we are told not to grieve as those that do not have hope, i.e., hope in the resurrection. My hope in the resurrection is to see Messiah first, my son and other family members, as well as others; and to dwell in the House of the L-RD forever.
13 Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people 14 do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way G-D, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. 15 When we say this, we base it on the L-RD’s own word: we who remain alive when the L_RD comes will certainly not take precedence over those who have died. 16 For the L-RD himself will come down from heaven with a rousing cry, with a call from one of the ruling angels, and with G-D’s shofar; those who died united with the Messiah will be the first to rise; 17 then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the L-RD in the air; and thus we will always be with the L-RD. 18 So encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Suffering usually brings about the question – WHY ME? As believers, our response to suffering ought to be why not me? Yeshua said we would suffer and we would have trials and tribulations in this realm. But, what about…
If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that my youngest adult son, Aaron passed away on October 19, 2024. And, as I have mentioned before, my healing is one heart beat at a time. Some days are better than other days. Today is a pretty good day. It is a gorgeous sunny day in Europe, quietness blankets the neighborhood and I’m not crying as I am writing this post.
Earlier today, I was thinking about why me, why did my son have to die and I started to weep, but in the next moment I thought…why not me, for Yeshua said I would suffer in this life, (paraphrased). Yeshua died and His mom wept as did His Father. So does that make suffering less painful or easier? You know the answer, but it shouldgive us some comfort and perspective. I’m not there yet.
My son’s death has been the hardest emotional earthquake I have ever known. I have had many emotional storms and losses throughout my life. The passing of other family members though devastating hasn’t compared to the losing of my son. Previous failed relationships though hurtful and disappointing, again no comparison. Divorce, loss of material wealth, Covid, surgery, sickness, all seem inconsequential to his passing. Yet, his death is a cross I have to bear for the rest of my life. I’m figuring I will get past the devastation of his death, but I will always carry him in my heart and I will always love and miss my son.
Aaron would not want me to be as sad as I am. I can hear his voice in my head, Ma relax, I’m good.I’m working on that part as well, i.e., trying to relax – be at peace! Aaron used to tell me that we (believers) do not have a clue as to how much G-D truly loves us, so I have to believe he, Aaron is with the L-RD. And, yes, I believe Yeshua loves us, but some days when I am really sad and feeling isolated, I want to feel the love of the Father and see His face. I desire a big hug from the L-RD!
I realize there are some of you who have also lost a child or children and your hearts are broken as well. I know the pain. I pray in some small way, my sharing will bring some sense of something. I don’t even have a word for something, but hopefully you get it.
In Psalm 34:18, it reads, The L-RD is close to the brokenhearted. For those of us who have lost children or a loved one, let us be comforted by this Scripture. And, when we doubt this to be true, let’s seek ABBAfor confirmation and peace.
So, during my times of suffering…why not me?I deserve suffering. I’m no better than the next person, but I’m grateful for HIS promise of comfort, love and Shalom.
