I haven’t written in a while and I’m not sure where this blog will go. Let’s see.
Recently, I visited my daughter in Las Vegas and we had a lovely time. Las Vegas, my least favorite place, actually looked very nice compared to the area where I am living in Europe. The roads in Vegas are well spread apart, her area – no graffiti and no trash in the streets. The area overall was very nice and I had a new appreciation for that part of Vegas.
Summerlin Mall in Las Vegas
My original plan for going to Vegas was to attend the wedding of a very dear friend. We attended the wedding. It was a very beautiful ceremony with a lovely reception. I met several folks that had traveled to the wedding as well as great friends from CO. I love weddings and I’m happy we were able to attend.
Of course seeing my daughter was the highlight of our trip. We spent much needed quality time laughing, shopping, dining and more. To say that I miss her is an understatement, but I enjoyed our time together.
Prior to our trip to Vegas, I had an awful allergic reaction to an allergy shot I was given. I had swelling in my face, neck and hives/rash on my face, arms, legs, back, and more. It was a terrible experience and I was afraid I would have to attend the wedding looking crazy! But, thanks to ABBA, most of the rash was gone and the rest was hidden under my clothing.
So, now I am back in Europe and already thinking about another trip back to the US. Needless to say, I miss my family so very much and wish we were all together in one general area. We speak often on the phone, but it isn’t the same as being together for various events like Father’s Day, 4th of July and more.
I was thinking about my family this morning and remembering some of our fun times together. I thought about my son Aaron and some of the times when we barbecued together or just sat by the fireplace and chatted. I thought about his trips to visit me in Colorado and our last camping trip together at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. My son loved doing family stuff together and could make fun out of simple things like having a meal together or just sitting and chatting. I really miss him every day more than any words can suggest.
Until the next blog, stay well, safe and connected to the Father through Yeshua. Remember who you belong to and WHO holds all things together. Relinquish self-reliance and any other idols distracting you from loving our Savior and submit to Him daily. If you love Messiah, know that your allegiance is not on planet earth but with Him now and forever. According to Philippians 3:20 – remember: But we are citizens of heaven, and it is from there that we expect a Deliverer, the L-RD Yeshua the Messiah.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. May our ABBA bless you and keep you all the moments of your life and May He give you Shalom!
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The first declaration Yeshua (Jesus) gives in the Sermon on the Mount is not a command, but an announcement: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” To understand the weight of that statement, we must hear it through the Hebraic understanding of ashrei, the word that opens Psalm 1: Ashrei ha’ish — “Blessed is the man.” But ashrei is more than a casual word for happiness. It carries the sense of deep joy, spiritual flourishing, and the settled well-being of a life rightly aligned with G-D. It is almost as if Scripture is saying, “Oh, what a great blessing belongs to the one…”
That is the force behind Yeshua’s words: “Oh, what a great blessing belongs to the poor in spirit.” At first, this sounds completely upside down. The world would say, “Blessed are the strong in spirit. Blessed are the self-confident. Blessed are those who have mastered their lives, built their image, secured their future, and need nothing from anyone.” But Yeshua begins the Kingdom life in a place the world does not celebrate: poverty of spirit.
To be poor in spirit is not to be worthless, hopeless, or defeated. It is to stand before G-D without pretense. It is the honest recognition that we do not possess the resources of the Kingdom in ourselves. We cannot manufacture righteousness. We cannot produce holiness by willpower. We cannot transform our own hearts through religious effort. We come empty-handed, dependent, and surrendered before the King. And Yeshua says, “Oh, what a great blessing belongs to such a person.”
Why? Because the poor in spirit are able to receive what the proud cannot. A full heart has no room. A self-sufficient soul cannot be filled. Pride resists the rule of G-D because it insists on ruling itself. But the poor in spirit have stopped pretending. They have come to the end of self, and that very place becomes the doorway into the Kingdom.
This is the mystery of ashrei. Blessing is not first about outward abundance. It is not the applause of men, the comfort of easy circumstances, or the confidence of self-sufficiency. True blessing is the deep condition of a life rightly positioned before G-D. And there is no posture more rightly positioned before Him than humility.
The Kingdom does not begin with human strength. It begins with surrender. It does not open to those who are full of themselves, but to those who know their need. The poor in spirit are blessed because they have made room for heaven’s reign. They are not clinging to pride, performance, reputation, or religious appearance. They are open before G-D, ready to receive what only He can give.
This is why Yeshua adds the promise: “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He does not say, “theirs may be,” or “theirs might become.” He says, “theirs is.” There is a present reality in this promise. The Kingdom belongs to those who come low enough to receive it. Heaven’s rule begins to take root in the heart that has stopped resisting the King.
A person poor in spirit is not empty forever. They are emptied to be filled. They are humbled to be lifted. They are brought low so that the life of the Kingdom may rise within them. This is why ashrei is so important. Yeshua is not calling the poor in spirit unfortunate. He is declaring them deeply blessed. He is saying, “Oh, what a great blessing belongs to the one who knows his need before G-D, because that person is ready to receive the Kingdom.”
The world may not recognize that as a blessing, but heaven does. The world sees need and calls it weakness. Heaven sees humility and calls it the doorway. The world admires the self-made. Heaven fills the surrendered. The world celebrates those who appear to have everything. Yeshua blesses those who know that without G-D, they have nothing. And to them He says, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
So the blessed life begins here: not in pretending we are strong, but in acknowledging our need; not in striving to prove ourselves, but in surrendering ourselves; not in filling our hands with what the world calls success, but in opening our hands before the King. Ashrei are the poor in spirit. Oh, what a great blessing belongs to those who have come to the end of themselves, because they are standing at the doorway of the Kingdom — the beginning of the truly blessed life.
Do not despise the place where G-D brings you to the end of yourself, because that is often where the Kingdom begins to break forth. The poor in spirit are not forgotten, weak, or disqualified; they are blessed because they have made room for the reign of heaven. Let go of the need to appear strong, sufficient, or in control, and come before the King with open hands. Your need is not a barrier to His blessing; it is the doorway for His fullness. Oh, what a great blessing belongs to the one who is empty enough to be filled, humble enough to receive, and surrendered enough to carry the Kingdom.
Your family in the L-RD with much agape love, George & Baht Rivka (Maryland) Printed with permission…
Recently, I heard a comment that G-D and satan speak through the same “wavelength” in our minds. And, immediately, I thought seriously? Then how would we be able to tell the difference? And, why would G-D speak through the same “wavelength” as the evil one? Wouldn’t the G-D of the Universe have His own radio station or channel? Why would He need or want to speak on the same frequency as the evil one? Yet, I do believe G-D and satan speak to us internally, but I do not believe it is on the same channel, frequency or with the same impact.
I have been pondering this question and seeking answers. We know that we have spiritual discernment given to us by the Spirit of G-D. This discernment as we stay plugged into the word of G-D validates who is speaking to our hearts. As we grow in Messiah, and depend on the Holy Spirit, we will know which is G-D’s voice and which is the adversary’s voice. G-D’s voice aligns with His Word and speaks truth! Thus the reason we must know the word is because the adversary knows the Word and will skew the Word. Do a quick Google search and there is a nice chart which concisely outlines both voices based on traditional theological thought. [Voice of G-D vs the adversary]
But for now, I found this brief essay and with permission as stated below, I would like you to read and comment.
WHEN GOD SPEAKS AND WHEN THE ENEMY ECHOES
Many questions linger in my heart about the voices that speak within and around us. How can one truly detect the voice of God and that of Satan? How can one differentiate between the two voices when they sometimes come through the same person, even a righteous one? How do we know when God is speaking, and when the enemy has subtly stepped in? These are not light questions. They are matters of spiritual sensitivity and maturity. Sometimes I wonder deeply, and I say within myself, when I see Jesus Christ in heaven, I will ask Him these things. For it is one thing to hear, and another thing to discern the source of what you hear.
Something remarkable happened in the region of Caesarea Philippi, recorded in Matthew 16:13–23. Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They answered with different opinions — John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Then He turned the question directly to them: “But who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter answered boldly, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirmed him, saying, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” In that moment, Peter spoke by divine revelation. God used him as a vessel to declare truth. Yet, shortly after, when Jesus began to reveal His suffering and death, Peter took Him aside and said, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” Then Jesus turned and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
The same man whom God used to speak was the same man through whom Satan spoke — without delay, without warning. How is that possible? Yet it happened before our eyes in Scripture. This shows that being used by God at one moment does not mean one cannot be used by the enemy the next, if discernment is absent. Peter moved from revelation to reasoning, from the Spirit to the flesh. And Jesus, being spiritually alert, discerned immediately the source of the voice speaking. It was not about Peter’s personality; it was about the influence behind his words. As it is written, “You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” The moment a voice begins to oppose God’s will, no matter how caring or logical it sounds, its source must be questioned.
It must take someone in the Spirit to discern such a shift. This is where spiritual growth becomes essential. The voice of God aligns with His Word, His will, and His eternal purpose, even when it is difficult to accept. The voice of the enemy often appeals to human emotions, comfort, fear, or logic that contradicts divine instruction. The Bible says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Discernment, therefore, is not optional; it is a necessity. We must stay connected to God through His Word and Spirit so we can recognize when a voice changes tone, even if it comes through someone we trust. For indeed, not every good intention is God’s intention, and not every familiar voice carries divine direction.
From The Minister’s diary,
March 21, 2026.
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Just got back from a quick trip to the US. Literally landed on Monday after 14 hours in the air and left on Thursday of the same week! But, I got to see my grandson, family and friends, so it was worth the grueling long haul. I had a lovely time with them chatting, eating and laughing. I am grateful for our time together. I also had the opportunity to stop by the cemetery to visit my son’s burial site.
Initially, I “felt” okay at his plot, but as I was leaving… whoa…the water broke. Wow, I thought, this is not getting any easier! I am not really sure why visiting his site is so difficult. I mean I realize he is not there and only the remains of his human shell are buried. But, my heart hurts and longs for him and leaving the site just feels a certain kind of way. I don’t have words for the pain.
As I reflect on the grieving that I am still seeped in, I can only rely on the saving grace of our Savior, and console myself with His word which clearly states, He is with the broken hearted and all things work for my good. And though this DOES NOT feel good nor was my son’s death desired, I continue to hold on to …Iam not in charge and G-D is in charge. He has made this decision for His purposes and the greater good. I don’t know who’s greater good, my son, my son’s son, family, friends or me…but I love the L-RD and I have to accept his will. I want to accept His will!
I guess I am a little bit of an overthinking person, and I want to know and understand…and yeah be in control. This causes me grief and grief to others, because it isn’t always enough for me just to be told something. Or even to just read something. I want to understand why. So overthinking is a challenge for me. But, in time I will get better with the help of the Holy Spirit. One of the many things I love about the Spirit of G-D is that He will let you know about yourself and will help you grow if we allow Him. 😊
Anyway, I don’t really have a point, just sort of rambling. We all have burdens to bear in this life and my son’s passing is one of mine. I recently heard from my Rabbi who also lost his son. They still experience challenging times, but he looks forward to the resurrection. He said, he prays that I will focus on the resurrection of my son. He’s right and these words were comforting. I am grateful to have a loving and faithful Rabbi.
It is easy for me to think about all the things my son could or should have done. The people he left behind, the ministry, the goals he desired, and the list goes on and on. But, obviously that wasn’t G-D’s plan. But, knowing that he was a believer, I need to focus on seeing him again and not on his lack of existence in this life. It’s hard to say the least. Maybe one day, I might get there.
To all the parents, especially moms who have lost a child or children, the road of grief is what it is, but our hope is in Messiah. Stand firm or weakly in faith and strength for the folks who are still needing you as you navigate this life. It’s difficult, but in Messiah all things are possible.
March 1, 2026 military operations… another conflict in the Middle East. At the time of this writing, there are somewhere between 86-120 armed global conflicts depending on the reported source.
Currently, the news is littered with the strikes, devastation, deaths, destruction and more being dished out in the Middle East. Yet many other wars continue to destroy other communities worldwide. Not to mention, the slaughtering of Christians and others in various parts of the world. And, we can’t forget the other crimes we hear and read about in our local news. WOW! Things are pretty grim in our world and extremely dark if we are only looking at world events.
Our hope is not in this present age or any age on planet earth. Our hope is in Yeshua the Messiah, who explicitly told us there would be wars and rumors of wars. (Matthew 24) We can’t help ourselves. We are depraved human beings and we have a sin problem. If we aren’t fighting on the battlefield, we are fighting amongst ourselves in our homes, churches and communities! We can do better.
Now, my post is not about the spiritual or political basis for war nor am I going to divulge into end-time prophecies. My hope is to encourage us to keep our eyes on Yeshua as we are living in this time of global upheaval and know we are secure in Him.
It is easy to get caught up in the hype of the news, political/social spats and/or erroneous biblical eschatological discussions. However, anything that inspires fear and takes our focus away from the truth of HaShem’s Word should be avoided or at least limited. Let me clarify, I believe we should be informed about current events, but our trust is in Yeshua and not in the news. Our hope is in Him and His promise to never leave or forsake us. Our focus is first on Him…through prayer, studying the word, asking Him for direction, obeying and encouraging others. Even if we get afraid, our protection and stability is in Him. Not this world which is passing away.
Each day we have to make a choice as followers of Yeshua…moment by moment. We have to decide where our allegiance is anchored. If our allegiance is in HaShem, Creator of the Universe through Yeshua the Messiah, and empowered by His Spirit, then our response should look accordingly. Our Scriptures are our instructions for what our response should be.
The current wars and rumors of wars as stated in Matthew 24; Mark 13:6 is a global reality which has grabbed our attention and ignited various individual feelings. Yet, as believers and followers of Yeshua, one of the most powerful and effective ways we can respond to this crisis is through intercession. The chaos which we witness in the natural is a call for us to do battle in the spiritual realm as we are led by G-D’s Spirit. And, though prophecies will unfold according to G-D’s design, we still ought to be praying and interceding.
Here are a few focused suggested points for prayer. Please add to this short list of prayer suggestions and Scripture references.
Pray for guidance toward de-escalation in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America.
Pray for peace and reconciliation.
Pray for the military personnel and their families.
Pray for the protection of civilians…children, pregnant women, the elderly and the displaced.
Ask ABBA for the softening of hardened hearts in governments and in public.
Pray for the comfort of those who have lost loved ones.
Pray that hearts would turn towards the Sar Shalom, Prince of Peace (Yeshua) and respond.
Pray that G-D’s people will stay sober, diligent and pray with thanksgiving.
Scriptures: Matthew 24:4-8; Mark 13:5-9; Psalm 122:6; Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9; Psalm 33:13-20; 34:19.
Finally, check out some legitimate organizations that are helping with war displaced families, food, supplies, etc., and consider how you might be able to serve. But, please pray daily. May HaShem hear our prayers and find our dedication to Him pleasing. Dr. Dee
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.
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 34:18ESV
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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:
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?
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.
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.
