Author: Jeff

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Pentecost/Shavuot

Spiritual viticulture: What Pentecost teaches us about thriving in God’s vineyard

Adobe Firefly digital painting depicting a vibrant, colorful scene of spiritual viticulture. A hand reaches out to hold a bunch of richly detailed grapes in shades of purple, yellow, and orange, surrounded by lush green leaves and golden hues. The background features an abstract, textured blend of blues, greens, and yellows, evoking a vineyard. Bold white text overlays the image, reading "Spiritual viticulture" at the top, and "What Pentecost teaches us about thriving in God's vineyard" below. The Hallel.info logo is visible at right.

Shavuot (Pentecost) isn’t just a harvest festival. This study explores its profound spiritual lessons about harvest and growth. Just like Wine Country grapevines need careful tending, so too our spiritual life requires intentional connection with God. This Festival of First Fruits remind us that everything is a gift, not our own achievement. Through challenges and Heaven’s empowerment by the Word (Yeshua, or Jesus) and the Spirit, we’re transformed from disconnected branches to fruitful participants in God’s redemptive work. It’s about gratitude, resilience and being part of something much larger than ourselves — Heaven’s harvest of the Earth.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Transformed by struggle: God’s refining process (Genesis 32; James 1; Obadiah)

Digital painting created with Adobe Firefly, featuring a vividly colored, expressionist portrait of a man looking upward with intensity and hope. Radiant strokes of orange, blue, and white burst from his head, symbolizing spiritual transformation. The background blends dark purples and blues, contrasting with the bright halo effect. Bold white text reads: “Transformed by struggle – God’s refining process,” with references to Genesis 32, James 1, and Obadiah. The bottom right corner includes the hallel.info logo.

This study explores spiritual growth through struggle, using biblical examples like Jacob’s wrestling with the divine messenger and apostle James’ instructions for encountering and conquering difficulties in life. The key themes include trusting God during trials, maintaining faith amid challenges, and understanding that struggles refine our character. These passages highlight how believers in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah are transformed through perseverance, seeking wisdom and clinging to God’s promises, ultimately preparing for the fullness of redemption.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Purity from the inside out: Heaven provides the Way (James 4; Genesis 32)

A digital painting (created using Adobe Firefly) of a man with closed eyes and a peaceful expression, softly illuminated with radiant light suggesting inner transformation. The background is dark, enhancing the glowing effect around his head and shoulders. Overlaid text reads: “Purity from the Inside Out – Heaven provides the Way – James 4; Genesis 32.” The image represents spiritual renewal and inner cleansing through divine intervention, reflecting themes from the Bible passages. The hallel.info logo appears in the top right corner.

Ya’akov’s flight away from his father-in-law in Genesis 31-32 and Israel’s exodus from Mitzraim (Egypt) foreshadow the work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). This study examines James 4 and related passages to see God’s consistent plan of transformation, drawing near to believers and calling them to holiness. The New Covenant’s promise of internal change, includes God’s writing His Torah on hearts. The Word and the Spirit enable believers to live as a “kingdom of priests” dedicated to Heaven’s purposes.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prayer Prophets and Writings

Transforming pain: The Hannah principle (1Samuel 1–2)

A woman with tied-up brown hair is leaning forward in emotional distress, resting her head on her clasped hands. Overlaid text reads: "Transforming Pain" with "The Hannah principle, 1 Samuel 1–2" underneath. The image promotes a message of finding spiritual growth through suffering, inspired by the biblical story of Hannah. The logo and URL “hallel.info” appear in the top right corner. Image source: Adobe Stock.

Hannah’s prayers in 1Samuel 1–2 teach us about honest heart-wrenching grief, persistent faith and surrender to Heaven’s will. In this study, we also explored the parable by Yeshua (Jesus) of the persistent widow in Luke 18, James 5’s instruction on prayer for the sick, and John 11’s account of Yeshua’s weeping at Lazarus’ tomb. We discussed how Hannah’s desperate plea for a child mirrors humanity’s need for redemption, emphasizing community support, authentic prayer and hope in God’s ultimate plan of resurrection and restoration.

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Torah readings

Readings: May 17, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 30:22–31:2; 1Samuel 1:1–11; and Acts 13:16–41 highlight God’s sovereignty in fulfilling His promises and the importance of faith. In Genesis, Rachel’s barrenness ends with Joseph’s birth, showcasing divine intervention. 1Samuel depicts Hannah’s fervent prayer leading to Samuel’s birth, emphasizing heartfelt supplication and paralleling Miriam’s prayer on hearing she would bear the Messiah. Acts presents Paul’s sermon, tracing Israel’s history to Yeshua (Jesus), urging belief in Him for salvation. Collectively, these passages underscore God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of trust in His plan.

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Discussions Parenting tips Torah

Children: Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion (Genesis 29–30)

Adobe Firefly illustrated banner featuring three joyful young girls running through a vibrant field with sunlight and colorful brushstroke-style background. The large bold text in the center reads, “CHILDREN,” with the subtitle below: “Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion – Genesis 29–30.” The hallel.info logo is visible in the top left corner.

Children are a divine blessing and essential to God’s covenant. In this study, we zeroed in on the bigger lessons from the sibling rivalries in Genesis, focusing on Leah and Rachel’s struggle to bear children (Genesis 29–30). Contrary to a frequent refrain on social media, children aren’t an inconvenience, but a sacred trust for passing faith between generations. Modern society is slowly recognizing children’s importance as birth rates plummet to civilization-ending levels. Scripture reveals the crucial role parents play in teaching God’s words and modeling trust across generations.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

No place too hidden: God’s all-present mercy (Genesis 28; Ephesians 5)

Adobe Firefly digital painting banner illustrating Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28. The scene shows Jacob lying on the ground, gazing upward in awe, wrapped in warm, ethereal light. A glowing staircase ascends into radiant clouds where a divine, luminous lamb-shaped figure appears in the sky, representing the Messiah. Angels ascend and descend the ladder amid golden and blue celestial light. Large bold text reads: “No Place Too Hidden – God’s all-present mercy. Genesis 28; Ephesians 5.”

Jacob’s ladder vision in Genesis 28:10-17 shows how God sees everything and desires closeness with us. Using passages from Psalms, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ephesians, this study unpacked how nothing escapes God’s sight. The key message? God isn’t just watching to judge, but wants to connect with us. The Messiah bridges Heaven and Earth, transforming us from who we were to who He wants us to be.