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)
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
This morning I read the entire book of Colossians, the letter from Yeshua’s Emissary Sha’ul to the Messianic Community in Colossians in the Complete Jewish Bible. As I read through G-D’s words this morning, I was profoundly reminded of the remarkable and incomprehensible love He has for His people. He demonstrated His amazing love through His son Yeshua providing redemption, i.e., the forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation. Yeshua, who is the visible image of the invisible G-D, is supreme over all creation, and in connection with G-D created all things; those seen and unseen. [Col 1:14-16]
Rabbi Sha’ul wrote an eloquent prayer to the community of faithful believers that is appros for believers in Yeshua today.
Colossians 1:9 Therefore, from the day we heard of it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all the wisdom and understanding which the Spirit gives; 10 so that you may live lives worthy of the Lord and entirely pleasing to him, being fruitful in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God. 11 We pray that you will be continually strengthened with all the power that comes from his glorious might; so that you will be able to persevere and be patient in any situation, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father for having made you fit to share in the inheritance of his people in the light. [ESB]
Are we praying for each other in the same manner that Sha’ul prayed for the community of Colossians? Are we modeling the profession of our lips in our homes, communities, workplaces, etc.? Do our lives represent fruitfulness and growing in full knowledge of our Master Yeshua? And if not, why?
Prayer, I believe, is one of our spiritual obligations, which draws us closer to the Father, strengthens our resolve, and keeps us focused on WHO is in charge, as well as reminds us of our fragility. I used the word obligations, which might imply a burdensome duty, but really prayer should be a want to, can’t wait to, need to, delightful and fulfilling time of loving and communicating with ABBA.
Prayer is a communication vehicle, which molds and empowers our relationship with HaShem. Prayer is our means of hearing and being equipped by ABBA to do His will. I believe that we must focus on prayer all through the day and night keeping ABBA first and foremost. Yeshua was very clear about prayer prior to His murder on the cross. He told His disciples to always pray to the Father on His merit and authority; and the Father would hear and answer their prayers. [John 16:23-24] Yeshua did not say to pray to Him. We have this same promise as we choose to be faithful to Yeshua and follow His commandments.
I also read an article from the Messiah Magazine, Issue 27, which First Fruits of Zion publishes. In this article which recounted various near-death-experiences, one individual who had an NDE found himself dead and before the throne of judgment. According to the article, the man was surprised by G-D’s mercy towards him. His confusion was resolved when he began hearing the prayers of his community through the angels. After returning to this realm, he related the exact details of the prayers to his community that he never heard before his NDE.
I have read many stories about the experiences of those who have what’s been coined NDE or near-death-experiences, but this was the first one which mentioned the profundity of prayers and actually hearing the prayers of others; and G-D displaying mercy based on the prayers of others for the person unaware. I hope that makes sense? Whether you believe this story or not, I believe our prayers are vital in this life for those we pray for irregardless if they know we are praying for them or not. I believe when we pray according to G-D’s will He answers those prayers according to what He deems is best.
Therefore, as we pray for one another, as well as ourselves, let us pray with eternity in mind, full of love and G-D’s best for each other. Let us pray that we will grow in faith and application as we navigate through this life, and let others see the fruit of our following Yeshua, so they might be drawn to Him.
My prayer for us: May the mediation of our hearts flow from our lips and may others recognize our commitment and love for our Creator and Savior through Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ. May we humbly serve as members of G-D’s Kingdom in ways which please Him. And, when we fail, quickly run to Him with contrite and sincere hearts knowing that He has promised to forgive and restore us. When our faith is weak and the burdens of this life overwhelming, may we ask ABBA for help to walk in the power of our comforter, the Holy Spirit knowing that He will reveal all truth to us and strengthen us. Help us to live demonstrating our love to You, ABBA and others by keeping your commandments. In the name of Yeshua.
Let us not be overwhelmed by fear, but in Him walk in the power of His love and mercy.
Today is National and Global Day of Prayer, September 26, 2020.
Let us pray for our nation today and every day; repent from our wickedness as a nation and individually, which grieves the heart of our Creator, G-D, and Savior of this United States of America and this world.
Let us love one another in spite of our diverse differences!
Let us know and respond accordingly that peace will NEVER come about through violence, but only through repentance and our love first for our G-D and King and then for one another!
Let us look to ABBA (Father, G-D) for all that we need for HIS LOVE IS RUNNING AFTER US TO RETURN TO HIM.
There are many articles and blogs on the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic. This pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in folks. People have learned a lot about each other because of the stay-at-home orders; life has changed and some of us have handled the changed well and others miserably.
The world has changed drastically right before our eyes; and at times, I have felt hopelessly consumed by the negativity which blankets the news, and sometimes friends and family. Recently, some of us watched the movie, American Gospel. The documentary detailed the heretical messages being perpetuated in some of the churches in America and abroad. After watching the movie, my mind considered many points I believe pertinent to COVID 19. However, I just want to mention the main focus which is Yeshua (Jesus) – WHO is more than enough in all matters…COVID or not!
Many times, we find ourselves consumed with our own narcissistic desires and/or fears that we fail to see that Yeshua is the cornerstone not just in the Bible and the Universe, but He is or should be the cornerstone to all those who claim to believe and trust in Him. What is the meaning of “cornerstone” anyway?
A cornerstone of a building is an important part of construction as it is the first stone to be set and determines the position of all the pieces to be laid afterwards. Cornerstones have been part of building since the Great Pyramids. (Link: https://www.reference.com/world-view/cornerstone-building-9d8b9413986edfa1) Based on my research, cornerstone is an architectural term which is used twice in the Renewed Covenant of the exalted Yeshua.
Ephesians 2:20… being built on the foundation of the emissaries and prophets, Messiah Yeshua himself being the chief cornerstone…World Messianic Bible
I Peter 2:6… Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen and precious…World Messianic Bible
So, to those of us who are putting our faith in Yeshua, we realize that He is the cornerstone of our community of believers, our very lives on which our hopes of salvation in this life and the life to come depend. However, to those who do not believe and deny the saving mercy of Yeshua the cornerstone…He is their stumbling block and foolishness to them.
This pandemic has taken us by surprise and has made all of us vulnerable, some of us afraid and has reminded us that life is uncertain. All we have and need is in Yeshua! There is no one greater than Him or who can help us in our times of trouble.
Therefore, my family in the Body of Yeshua, be not dismayed, discouraged, depressed or downtrodden! But rejoice in the L-RD who is sufficient and let not your heart be troubled;(John 14:1) for in this life we will have troubles. But in Yeshua we have Shalom, protection, love, mercy, grace and so much more. Share the Great News of salvation in Yeshua so that others will rejoice in Him regardless of their plight in this life.
Recently, I learned about encouraging videos on YouTube, “Lion of Judah”. I enjoy listening to the various ministers’ words of encouragement. Right now, especially during this pandemic, we need to be encouraged in the L-RD, hold on to Him, believe His Word and act accordingly!
Please listen to the following videos and be encouraged. You can find additional videos on YouTube. If you need prayer, send me an email and I will pray for you!
There has and is so much talk among religious groups about the “mark of the beast…666” that one might be completely confused as to the appearance of the anti-Messiah. If you are woke…you know the spirit of the anti-messiah is prevalent in every area of life. Look at the news, check out the behavior of your children, spouses, look at the violent graphics of some video games, human trafficking, drugs, murder, rape and complete mayhem can be found on every corner of this dwelling place, we call earth. These are extremely dark times, and if we are not careful, we can be lulled to sleep by the viciousness of this world via our apathetic attitudes. , We are called in G-D’s word to watch, be diligent, and occupy until He comes! Who comes? Yeshua the Messiah.
Now, I am not an end-time theologian by any means! And, the events which are described in the Bible and teachings from others makes me, and I am sure others afraid of the devastation which is coming upon this sinful world. However, in all that I have read and learned; I do believe that AI (artificial intelligence) is going to play a huge part in the appearance of the anti-messiah.
First of all, in order to buy and sell food, we need some sort of financial system. Right now, we can use cash, credit cards, Bitcoins, etc. However, as we move closer towards the end, a cashless society will become more prevalent. There are some societies that are already cashless. Look at India for example or Canada, United Kingdom, France with the United States not far behind.
Some would suggest that a cashless society provides
convenience, but is convenience the most important factor when it comes to
managing our finances? Consider this quote from Potential Problems
Associated With A Cashless Society according to worldatlas.com:
The move towards a cashless economy is heavily debated and controversy-prone. Several points have been raised about the negative effects of cashless transactions. In a cashless country, the complete control of transactions, individual use of money, information about public monetary assets, and interest rates are with the nation state and third-party providers. An individual’s money is under external control and is subject to external regulations and restrictions. Negative interest rates might become applicable. Also, in a cashless society, individual transactions and incomes become accessible to legitimate parties like police or tax officials, and chances of hacking also increase.
To point is clear. Yet, what about our poorer communities, who depend on cash to buy food and gas? Or those who have credit issues and cannot get a banking account and have to rely on Western Union, Money Grams, etc. In my opinion, a cashless society could lead to the appearance of the anti-messiah, because the very funds you need to survive would be controlled by an evil dictator.
What about chips and not the eating kind?
We are seeing a rise of people getting chips under their skin in order to open their cars, garage doors and more. Recently, I saw an article where people are having chip parties. Seriously? Could this lead to the “mark of the beast”? If all of one’s information is stored on those chips, some giant AI god in the sky can constantly monitor one’s behavior. They are already monitoring us. But, anyway, what about the doctor telling a patient, spouse, or parent…well if you put this chip in your loved one’s arm, not only will they be healed, but they will never get sick again or they will be super human? Do you think folks would agree to this? How about working parents inserting chips into their child, so they can be monitored as they work? Consider your cell phones, smart TVs, laptops, Alexis devices…aren’t they already constantly listening and monitoring? And, of course, we can’t forget about Facebook, Google, Twitter. Recent news articles have informed us on their snooping into our lives and violating our PRIVACY rights! We have NO privacy. But, anyway, the list could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
Finally, what about DNA altering? Could this be the “mark of the beast” in that the DNA is so altered that G-D’s original fingerprint on that individual is destroyed? What about crisper…gene editing? Read for yourself.
My point…the mark of the beast, I believe will be a willingness on the part of the recipients to receive it whether it is inserting a chip into the body, using the cashless method to pay for goods and services or altering some DNA code or all of the above. It is an act of our will to receive and do things contrary to G-D’s design for His people. Those who choose satan over the Creator-G-D, will have to choose his mark in whatever form to their demise.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, let us be not deceived… in all things ask G-D and hear His voice, least even the elect will be deceived in the end.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers
also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess
him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise
of men more than the praise of G-D.John
12:42
We are exactly the same as the leaders of Yeshua’s day. We may call it “PC” (politically correct) or some other nefarious term, but really, we are afraid to speak the truth when it is contrary to the popular belief of others. We, and I meanwe, are afraid of ridicule, persecution, rejection not to mention physical harm or even death! Many times, we are afraid to speak up concerning our beliefs in G-D, because we imagine the worst of what man can do to us, rather than trust what G-D will do for us and through us!
Yet, our actions based in fear are the results of our preconceived notions of how the end will materialize. However, we can’t know the “end” until the “end” comes…which may turn out in a way which was beyond our comprehension, good, and yes, possibly bad. Therefore, we must trust in G-D’s best for us and have faith in Him regardless of the outcome.
Fear, unhealthy fear is a debilitating force, which retards our growth and impedes our obedience to G-D’s teachings. The leaders in the above passage were afraid of being ostracized from the synagogue; and, like many of us, we are afraid of being ostracized at work, in our churches/synagogues, among our friends, family, social media, etc. Contrarily interesting, many of us are also afraid of success in our personal and professional relationships even in our marriages. We are frightened of the “good” or “great” that could be within our reach; therefore, we erroneously judge “our today” by “our yesterdays”. We predetermine our outcome by speaking negativity, and thrive in self-fulfilled prophecy and arrogance when things turn out just like “we knew they would”.
Yet, I believe in the Scripture, which suggests that all things work for our good (Romans 8:28) when we love the L-RD. His forgiveness, grace and mercy allow us chances to experience newness as we grow in Him. A common saying, but apropos; each morning is a new opportunity. What are the new opportunities? A plethora of experiences both great, good and not so good, which bring us closer to the Father, forgetting and forgiving our past and pressing forward in Him. Consider these two Scriptures which align with this truth:
Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before… Phil. 3:13
Then Yeshua (Jesus)
declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit
for the kingdom of G-D.” Luke 9:62
Consequently, we cannot walk in newness, if we are hanging onto the horrors of yesteryear and/or the “good ole days”. We must realize that the awful things which happened to us do not determine our final destination in Yeshua. We must choose to forgive ourselves and those who betrayed our trust, so we can freely walk in the newness of being in Messiah. Regardless, of the atrocities, losses, etc., like Yeshua, we must choose to forgive in order to realize true freedom.
I believe, if we view our past as lessons, we would not embrace our negative personal histories and allow them to massage our souls. Yeshua is our story when we trust in Him. He is our Creator, Narrator, Guide, Model and so much more! If we believe His assessment of us as His Beloved, then our lives will always be pressing forward, instead of stuck in the murky or gloomy past of our experiences. Will life always be easy in Messiah? The answer is obvious! Yet, it is better to walk and trust in Him; than wallow in damaging and debilitating past experiences.
I know how difficult it is to let go of hurts, injustices, abuse and terror. But to live festering in all the bad things that others have done or the grievous things we have done to others and/or ourselves… is slavery at its best. Yeshua came to proclaim the Good News of the Coming Kingdom of G-D and to destroy our bondage to the tyranny of sin. (Romans 6:18) Yeshua did His part and continues to do His part. It is up to us to believe in His work on the torture stake, and the work He continues to do in our hearts when we trust in Him. It is our responsibility as His Bride to walk out the faith we claim in Him.
Will you believe in Him today and His ability to help you press forward in His newness? Will you ask Him to help you practically live out your faith? It is a daily-process, but worth the effort when we love the L-RD!
