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The New Normal or Not…

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Wedding receptions as we know are usually held after the official ceremony of the joining of a man and woman in holy matrimony. This is usually a joyous occasion to receive family and friends allowing the newly married couple to host guests and express their gratitude. 

The reception usually has several components in addition to hosting guests. It is a way of introducing the couple to society as husband and wife; creates lasting memories and it is a way for the couple to express personal, religious, and cultural traditions through music, food and decor.

round white ceramic plate near glass cups and groom sign
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Likewise, following a funeral, the reception or repast allows family and friends to gather to share memories, offer condolences and celebrate the life of the deceased. Further, memorial services/repasts express the religious, personal and cultural traditions through music, food and decor somewhat like a wedding reception. However, unlike a wedding reception, this sober celebration allows family and friends to say goodbye to the deceased and many times offer sincere or insincere follow up support to the bereaved.

After the wedding, many may talk about the event and reach out to the new couple, but as the weeks pass and folks return to their normal activities, frequent calls or check-ins cease. The same is true after a funeral. After a brief time, calls, texts, emails cease. The bereaved is left alone to grieve in the stillness, the darkness and the newness of daily living without their beloved.

Grieving is a hard and lonely road. And, few friends/acquaintances knew/know how to approach the subject, and therefore remained silent or distant. Most conversations usually danced around the elephant in the room as grieving percolated in my soul. Though conversations and check-ins are always welcomed, direct questions concerning my well-being were often longed for in regards to the death of my son. The new normal as some have coined is not normal, but a different forced reality. 

But, if it hadn’t been for Yeshua, my L-RD, Savior and King along with a few G-DLY people in my life, I probably would be in the abyss of depression and sadness even now. I thank G-D for the prayers and encouragement I received when my son passed. May HaShem bless them each moment of each day.

Aaron’s last steps as he climbed Stone Mountain – October 19, 2024

So now, approximately 16 months after his death, days are a little lighter and I am grateful. I have reconnected with a beautiful sister-in-the-faith who also experienced the sudden death of her son. Our reconnection and chats are uplifting and spiritually inspiring. However, not a day goes by that I do not think and/or mourn his absence. I still have difficulty looking at pictures when he is looking directly into the camera and I can see his eyes. Yet, if I focus on Aaron’s smile, I can see him in my mind’s eye, alive, happy and well. Of course, I would love for him to drop by and say hello…just wishful thinking, I know. But, I am holding on to the hope that we will see each other again in that glorious Kingdom of our Creator.

So why the rambling? I just want to encourage others. If you know someone that has lost a child (children) know that they are living with the pain of that loss each and every day. The pain does not go away, it just marinates in our hearts and either clarifies or clouds our vision. What do I mean?

As a believer and follower of Yeshua (Jesus), I know that ALL things work together for my good whether I like it or not; whether it was my choosing or my doing. And, although I struggle with wanting to be the boss and in control of my life, my son’s death has loudly and emphatically reiterated that I am not in charge. Not now, never have been and never will not be in control, especially as a believer in Yeshua. My control is only in choosing to live for Him and then allow Him to help me grow in trust, devotion and obedience to Him. Therefore, for me, Aaron’s death was and is clarifying. It is part of my sanctification as He transforms me.

For others, the death of a child might cloud or blind their direction and send them down paths of negativity and destruction. This ought not to be. And our prayers should be with those who die with their loved ones and have no hope. Though death is a temporary separation and it is painful, our hope is in the L-RD. When we have pledged our allegiance to Him, we believe we will be with Him in eternity.

So much more I could say, but I will wrap it up with this…put yourself in the shoes of someone who has lost a child, and remember to reach out to them every now and then. Don’t be afraid to bring up their loved one…we don’t want them forgotten and we want to talk about them. It brings comfort to talk about those we are separated from on this side of Heaven. 

I carried Aaron in my womb for 9 months. Today, I carry him in my heart … now and always.

May the memory of a child or children be a blessing and a comfort.

Loving ABBA,

Dee

The L-RD is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

BattleWound vs BattleScar

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Recently, I encountered a conflict within my soul when asked a personal question about my childhood. And though, I thought I was beyond conflicting feelings about that particular issue, I felt the pain of loss bubble up inside of me. Through this momentary sense of grating, I believe the L-RD dropped in my heart – battle-wound versus battle-scar. I thought hum…

The online dictionary definition of wound is break in body tissue, ex: cut, stab, gunshot, etc. and can extend to emotional hurt or a breach. On the other hand, scar means mark left on the skin after a wound heals, can mean an emotional wound.

a set of assorted pairs of scissors arranged alternately
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In light of these definitions, I am trying to figure out where the childhood pain I experienced lies. In the middle or on one of the extremes…scar or wound. Of course, I would like to stay unequivocally, I am completely healed of any past hurts or abuses, and in Messiah I am! Yet, on this side of heaven either extreme or in the middle can and will occasionally bubble to the surface. 

Life as an active believer is always challenging us to grow, die, grow, die, grow and die…grow in Messiah as His holy people; and die to our narcissistic selves and evil worldly pleasures. In other words, we are called to the process of sanctification. What do you mean the process of sanctification? When we are saved and pledge our allegiance to Yeshua the Messiah, our spirits are saved, righteous in His sight and sanctified. However, there is still work to be done in order for our flesh to align with our spirit. (Philippians 2:12, Psalm 2:11) We don’t profess the name of Yeshua and then sit. If sitting and doing nothing…has rebirth been truly established?

We are required to live out the faith and trust we claim to have in the redemptive work of Yeshua on the cross and live in the power of His resurrection with the help of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. This reality of living out our faith is a daily inward choice to choose Yeshua and obey His directives. We must allow the Holy Spirit to do the deep work in our souls to heal areas where we may still grieve, (battle-wounds). This is a daily process as we work and walk in the salvation of our Messiah.

brown gift boxes with red ribbons and rose
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And, let me be clear: We do not work to get saved. Salvation is a free gift of grace from ABBA through His Son, Yeshua, (Jesus). However, we do need to obey and live like we are born again, and that requires work as we die to our flesh.

So, when issues arise in our hearts from previous battle-wounds and we are feeling some kind of way, our job is to recognize this and seek the Father for healing, deliverance, forgiveness and more. However, when an issue bubbles up in our minds from some negative situation, and our attitude is gratitude for the victories and lessons; we can know it is a battle-scar. A battle-scar as in a memory of G-D’s steadfastness and goodness in that situation.  Therefore, I believe that a battle-wound still oozes bringing pain, regret, shame, etc. And, a battle-scar, the wound is healed and we can see, though dimly, how G-D moved in that situation for our growth. 

Life will bring you people and circumstances to reveal where you’re not free, yet.* This is the battle-wound. The YET, is the choice to choose freedom or not; healing or death. Two choices: freedom and healing only found in Messiah or death through emotional strangulation.  The choice is always ours.

Prayer: ABBA, today I choose Yeshua and the freedom He has afforded us because of His tremendous and bloody sacrifice for us on the cross. Today, I give you all my hurts that still try to bubble up and strangle my soul and cripple my growth. I thank you for all the times You held me even when I was oblivious to Your working power. Thank you for being a loving and forgiving G-D and Father. Thank you for sending Yeshua so that we might have access to You. Thank you for hearing our prayers. May we continue to grow in intimacy with You and continue to be amazed by your awesome working power in our lives.

*Quote from Michael Jr., Christian Comedian

Dr. Dee

The Signature of Messiah…

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The signature of Messiah — love that awakens revival!

John 13:34–35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

Every letter bears a signature, and the signature of a living epistle is love. Yeshua (Jesus) declared that the world would recognize His disciples not by power, knowledge, precision, or even miracles — but by love. This was not a poetic suggestion; it was a prophetic declaration. Love is the unmistakable mark of authenticity, and it is the primary way Yeshua reveals Himself through His people.

This love is not sentimental or shallow. It is patient when misunderstood, enduring when wounded, sacrificial when costly, and courageous when it would be easier to withdraw. It loves without applause, forgives without leverage, and stays when walking away would feel justified. This kind of love cannot be manufactured — it is the life of Yeshua expressed through surrendered hearts.

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Love is also the doorway to revival. Before awakening ever fills cities, it must first fill hearts. The world is not waiting for louder voices or sharper arguments — it is waiting to see love made visible. When the people of G-D walk in genuine, Christlike (Messiah) love, resistance weakens, hearts soften, and spiritual hunger awakens. Love disarms hostility, restores trust, and creates space for truth to be received. Revival begins when love becomes undeniable.

A life marked by love reflects the very nature of G-D and makes Yeshua recognizable — not distant or abstract, but near and tangible. When love governs our actions, the gospel becomes believable. When love leads the way, heaven touches earth quietly but powerfully. This is how the early Church turned the world upside down — not by force, but by love that could not be ignored.

Therefore, let love become the signature written across your life. Love deeply where it costs you. Love boldly where fear once ruled. Love beyond comfort until the heart of Yeshua is unmistakably revealed through you. Let this love ignite revival — first within you, then through you. May your love disarm resistance, heal wounds, awaken hunger, and open hearts to G-D. This is how the world will know Him. This is how revival begins. Be known by love.

Your family in the L-RD with much agape love,

George & Baht Rivka (Southern Florida)

*Reposted with permission, Dr. Dee.

He was unrecognizable…

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Remember the movie, The Passion? It was a very powerful movie about the life of Yeshua (Jesus). During the torture scene at the cross, I wept and covered my eyes. But the sounds of the hammer hitting the stakes thundered in my soul beyond what I can explain. I could hear the cries of so many in the theater in addition to my own weeping. My heart was deeply and disturbingly moved. Oh, that Yeshua suffered and died for humankind. The word of G-D says that Yeshua was so marred or disfigured that He didn’t even seem human.

Just as many were appalled at him, because he was so disfigured that he didn’t even seem human and simply no longer looked like a man. Is. 52:14 CJB

Yet, as we look at some images of the crucified Messiah, the images are extremely sanitized. Just sprinkles of blood on perfectly smooth light beaten-free skin. But, our Bibles paint a very different story. He was beaten, scourged, spat on, and a crown of thorns was placed on His head. He was ridiculed and judged as a blasphemous criminal; yet He was without sin or deceit. He was insulted, but He didn’t threaten or try to defend Himself. He bore our sins in His body. Bore, think about that word. Bore means…make a hole, drill, pierce. He (Yeshua) bore our sins (yours and mine) as if they (the sins) drilled, pierced making holes in His flesh! WOW! What kind of love is this?

red neon light signage
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He himself bore our sins in his body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed. 2 Peter 2:24

He suffered on our behalf because of His great love for us!

Who does this? Who would give up their son for wicked and evil generations? Who has done this or would do this besides Yeshua the Messiah? NO ONE! Still, we live our lives apathetic to the depth of His suffering for humankind. Oh, that we might turn from our wicked ways, repent and rejoice in all He has done for us, and live on fire for the L-RD! That we might long to be with Him and share His love with others.

This morning when I was reading Zechariah 12:10 CJB –

… and I will pour out on the house of David and on those living in Yerushalayim a spirit of grace and prayer; and they will look to me, whom they pierced.” They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son; they will be in bitterness on his behalf like the bitterness for a firstborn son. 

The part of this prophetic passage which spoke to me was and they will look to me, whom they pierced. In a biblical commentary, it suggests that when Yeshua returns we will see His pierced and marred body, glorified, but with the evidence of the sins He bore. In John, most of us know the story that Thomas doubted the resurrection of Yeshua until he saw Him and placed his hand in Yeshua’s hand and side. John 20:24-31 CJB

My point… I think, we as believers in Yeshua might consider as best we can the depth of Yeshua’s suffering in His body because of our wickedness. He hung on the cross in our place…my place. (I should be up on that cross because of my own evil deeds.) When we see Him, His body will have the marks of His redemptive work for us. I can only imagine that seeing the L-RD will be overwhelmingly joyous to say the least, but, also, we might experience some sadness with gratitude and love for how he accomplished salvation for us. I don’t know, but His suffering is beyond what I can fathom and His great love is even more astonishing!

Therefore, the next time you look at a sanitized image of Jesus (Yeshua) hanging on a cross with a few drops of blood looking like He’s asleep…know that is a lie! Yeshua suffered, died and it wasn’t pretty! (Isaiah 52:14). Without some understanding of the gruesome torture of our Savior’s ordeal, I believe we are destined to live compromised and truly unappreciative of the profundity of His once and for all redemptive work.  

open bible
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Prayer: ABBA, help us to realize daily that the work of our Savior, Yeshua during His torture leading up to His death was horrifying, gruesome and gut-wrenching for all who witnessed it, as well as for us who believe and are committed to Him. Yet, conversely, this was Yeshua’s act of ultimate love for the world. And we are grateful. You, ABBA, gave your only begotten son, that the world might be saved. (John 3:16-18) Help us ABBA, to never take our salvation for granted, but to grow daily in you by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen us and quicken our discernment to know and walk in truth and love. Hear our cry, for you are our G-D and there is none like you! Thank you for your gift of grace, mercy, love and salvation through Yeshua and forgive us our many sins as we forgive others. May your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I love you ABBA,

Dee

You are my witnesses…

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“You are my witnesses”, says Adonai …

What does that mean to be a witness of Adonai (the L-RD)? When or how are we to be His witnesses?

Most of us might answer; to demonstrate the love of the Messiah through kindness, generosity, sharing the great news of the coming Kingdom and more. We might also suggest that being a witness for Adonai should occur wherever we find ourselves in front of others, including spouses, family, friends and enemies. And, I completely agree.

However, I believe there is an intimate time when we should show up as a witness for Adonai. Consider the rest of the Scripture: 

lush green rice terraces in bali with mount agung
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You are my witnesses, says the L-RD, my servant, whom I chose, so that you would know and believe me and understand that I am the one. Before me no god was formed; after me there has been no other. Isaiah 43:10 CEB

What do you mean, you might ask? For a moment focus on the words know, believe me and understand … I am the One. Now as most of us know, the book of Isaiah was written to the nation of Israel and speaks of prophetic judgement and redemption throughout the book. Yet, as believers in Yeshua, we are given the same mandate, i.e., to know G-D, believe Him and understand that He is He. How can we do this?

The word witnessing has several meanings. However, for the purposes of this blog, the dictionary meaning which is apropos; be the place, period or setting in which (an event or development) takes place.I believe that this kind of witnessing (development) begins during private prayer, worship and study of the Scriptures. Yes, again, we are called to public witnessing, no doubt about it! But for public witnessing to be authentic, genuine and Messiah centered, we must spend the time in prayer so that we can get to know and develop our knowledge of G-D and thus our relationship with Him. Still, knowledge without trust (believe Me – G-D) and understanding that He is Echad (One); our efforts to share the coming Kingdom of G-D is likened unto a noisy brass cymbal or trying to drink coffee from an empty cup. 

How can we share about our Heavenly Father if we aren’t actively pursuing Him consistently and daily? How can we know and believe Him, and understand that He is G-D and there is no other, if we are not dependent on His Spirit to reveal His love, truth and purposes to us? 

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There are many brass cymbals banging to the tune of their own agenda and empty cups without drink. But, we believers in Messiah have been called to live and proclaim the truth of His plans for humankind. We have been given two mandates in the Word of G-D which encompasses everything we need to know and do. In Matthew 22:36-40, it reads:

Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law? He replied, “You must love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart, with all your being,[a] and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.[b] All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. (CJB)

This blog is focused on witnessing or loving G-D first; and in order to love G-D first, we must spend time privately getting to know Him and developing in Him. I believe that this first witness to Him consequently flows into all the public witnessing and the G-Dly living He requires.

My point, consider reevaluating your prayer times and your efforts to read, study and meditate on G-D’s Word. Ask Him to reveal where and how you might improve in these areas so that your public witness might please Him and draw others to Him. Be sure to repent and keep pushing forward to please Him in prayer and study. Make prayer (worship, thanksgiving, repentance, petition, listening and doing) a priority as part of your daily existence. I also believe that our prayer life is a witness to the Father of our gratitude for the redemptive work of our Savior. 

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Before I close, I want to share a quick testimony. The other day, my husband decided to drive us to Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina for sightseeing and lunch. Blagaj is about two hours from our home. This is a beautiful area of the country with gorgeous mountainous terrain. As we were approaching the toll booths, I heard that I needed to pray. So I silently prayed for our safety as we were traveling. Moments later as my husband was switching lanes to the left of him, a car came speeding up and honked as we were merging into the lane, nearly hitting our vehicle. We were both startled, but grateful that we did not have a car accident. Then later that evening as we were beginning to make a left-hand turn close to our home while the ongoing traffic was clear… all of a sudden a car came speeding and was within inches of hitting us, (second time in the same day). All I could see at that moment was the luminous piercing lights of a speeding car about to hit the middle of our car on the passenger side. My husband swerved out of the way and I am here writing to you. My husband was shaken and admitted that he was scared. He said, he knew he was clear to make the turn. The car came out of nowhere! We were both shaken but grateful we were not in an accident. I was in awe that I had been warned to pray prior to these two events in one day, and I was reminded that I hadn’t prayed before we left home. [Shame on me] But, praise the L-RD, we serve a loving Father who wants us to be safe and have times of enjoyment on the earth. He will remind us to pray at times when we forget because He cares for us.

Be encouraged…never give up on doing the intimate work with the Father through prayer, study and meditation. Our private witness sets the momentum for overflow into our public display. Be encouraged to work on your relationship with the Father daily through Yeshua, empowered by the Holy Spirit because you/we are His witnesses.

Growing,

Dr. Dee

A Grateful Heart…

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thanksgiving turkey with mashed potatoes and green beans
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How was your Thanksgiving to my American friends? Here in Central Europe, Thanksgiving as a holiday is not a thing. Thanksgiving is just another day. No turkey, no mac and cheese, no collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato pie…man, I am getting hungry! Wow, I miss those Thanksgiving feasts with my family and friends.

However, as believers in Messiah, thanksgiving is more than food and fellowship. Thanksgiving is a heart-felt deep gratitude for our Savior who died that we might have life abundantly in Him. Abundance in grace, mercy, forgiveness of our sins, protection, eternity and anything else ABBA chooses to grace or bestow on His children.

So, what are you thankful for today? I’m sure the list is extensive, but have you thanked the Father for what you have? Are you content with what you have or are you grappling for more?

In these fleeting moments of life, let me encourage you to be grateful and thankful for everything in your life…the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Take nothing for granted, but in all things praise the L-RD for He is the author and finisher of our faith. He loves us, grows us and sustains us as we continue to trust and love Him.

selective focus photography of yellow school bus die cast
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Know that we are holy people traveling this life to eternity. On our journey, it is imperative that we live like we have accepted Yeshua as our Savior, learn to love our Creator, obey His teachings, study His Word, love our neighbors and do good. We must learn to love Him for who He is and not just for what He can give us.  We must be thankful for our wonderful and majestic Creator. And, when we fail, and we will fail, we need to confess, repent and receive His forgiveness. 

He, ABBA is clear that we can do all things through Yeshua our Messiah, but we have to lay down the idols in our lives and humble ourselves before Him. Today, my friends…be encouraged, as I am encouraged as well. Let’s forge ahead in our pursuits to love and honor G-D with all of our hearts, thoughts and actions. Let’s remember to pray for each other and keep the eyes of our hearts on the One True and Living G-D. 

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ”Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

I am thankful for all things in my life whether I “feel” grateful or not…can you say the same? If not, ask Him to help you develop a grateful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6.

Loving Him,

Dr. Dee

One Year Ago…

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One year blew away and where did the time go! I spent time at the cemetery on my son’s first anniversary, (October 19) of his death. And though my heart is settling, it still seems surreal. Every day I think and mourn the death of my son, especially because he isn’t here for his son. But, I hold onto the promises of G-D believing I will see him again and that helps as I grieve his passing.

While in the US, I also had a chance to see family. Family that was estranged for a lengthy period of time, but Aaron’s death has brought us closer together, and for that I am forever grateful. So much has changed since his death, not just his physical absence, but even the way I view life and ultimately my own passing.

red petal flower
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I have a vigor and hope in the L-RD like never before. I am grateful to ABBA for the work He is doing in my life and those around me who are like-minded about the coming Kingdom of the L-RD. I have several g-dly people in my life that have comforted and encouraged, as well as admonished me this past year; and for all of them I am extremely thankful. 

As a mother, the death of a child is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. The pain, regret, deep sorrow, loneliness, and agony are emotionally devastating and overwhelming to say the least.  Yet, in my heart brokenness, ABBA has comforted me and continues to bring comfort and peace when my heart weeps. I am learning to live with the pain and not let the loss of my son hinder my growth in the L-RD. My grief has strengthened my faith in Yeshua though that may sound strange to some. 

Death on this side of Heaven is the result of sin and we all must meet the death-stranger someday. However, death is not the end, if we are in Messiah, Yeshua! Death is just slipping into eternity to be with Him. We can be grateful for the saving mercy of our Savior.

a marker and thought bubbles
If I could talk to Aaron…
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So, if I could speak with Aaron right now or see him for a moment, I would say… I love and miss you son so very much, and I can’t wait to see and spend time with you again. I thank G-D for the years He allowed you to be here with us. I carry you in my heart daily. I miss our talks, texts, fun outings, your barbecue :0) and even our squabbles. I am grateful that I got to be your mom. And, by the way Aaron, your son is doing okay. You would be proud of him.

The pain of losing Aaron is deeper that I can express, but the hope of Glory in Yeshua keeps me anchored as a child of ADONAI.

To all the moms and dads that have lost a child or children, I beg you to seek our Heavenly Father. To boldly take your pain to Him in prayer. He has promised to be near the broken-hearted. (Ps 34:18) Seek Him for comfort and peace. Refuse to get stuck in hopelessness, despair and anger, but be grateful for the time G-D allowed your child to be on this side of heaven. Trust Him, the Savior (sometimes hard), as you endure the suffering of loss. Honor Him and your beloved child (children) by staying under His covering and loving care.

Praise ABBA in all things!

Dr. Dee

The day the books are opened!

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torah and shofar
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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.

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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)

Posted with permission…Dr. Dee

A Difficult Obligation

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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.

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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.

human standing beside crucifix statue on mountain
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 be winning. 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)

man in white and brown plaid button up shirt
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

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!

Dr. Dee

It’s a Great Day…

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Today is a great day as I am reminded about the goodness of the L-RD!

Taste and see that the L-RD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

blue sea near mountains
Adriatic Sea…Photo by Luca Sammarco on Pexels.com

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! 

spiaggia san michele in sirolo italy
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! 

How about you?

Dr. Dee

scenic view of rocky turkish coastline
Adriatic Sea …Photo by zeynurmel on Pexels.com