Author: Jeff

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Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings Trumpets

Trust the Promise-keeper: How to stand firm as the Earth reels

"Lessons from God's appointments: Trust the Promise-keeper. How to stand firm as the Earth reels." Adobe Firefly AI layered-paper style image for Yom Teruah, showing an Asian man standing in strong stance with his fists raised up while tumultuous waters and swirled skies are around him.

יוֹם תְּרוּעָה Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing [Trumpets], Num. 29:1; Lev. 23:23–25, aka Rosh Hashanah) is an annual Biblical wake-up call to remember our Creator and His eternal purposes. In a world chasing after false idols of self-actualization, we would be wise to heed the voice of the Prophets, who revealed the true path of repentance, lawfulness and love for God and neighbor.

This study explores how as lawlessness increases in the world, the people of the Holy One of Israel must stand firm, not compromising the foundations of the 10 Commandments. The outpouring of God’s Spirit is not for self-promotion, but to transform hearts and restore the land. In the face of coming judgments, we must trust the one true God — the I Am, Who was, is, and is to come — and find our strength in Him alone.

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Discussions Torah

Discernment in a deceptive age: How to sharpen our spiritual senses (Deuteronomy 29–30)

"Discernment in a deceptive age: How to sharpen our spiritual senses (Deuteronomy 29-30)." Adobe Firefly AI generated artwork of two wooden picture frames, the left one showing a man wearing glasses obscured by grey clouds, the right frame showing a woman wearing glasses with one lens seeing a smiley emoji and the other lens seeing an angry face emoji.

The Torah readings of נִצָּבִים Nitzavim and וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30) confront us with a stark choice — life or death. Yet this is no mere intellectual exercise, for the decision before us demands a profound internal transformation via Heaven’s tag-team Comforters, the Word and the Spirit. In this study, we’ll see that these ancient yet ever-more-relevant words speak to the very core of our being, calling us to align our thoughts and desires with the ways of the Almighty. In a world that tempts us with the allure of secret knowledge and the false security of human systems, we are challenged to discern the subtle yet vital distinctions between the paths that lie before us. It is only through the power of God’s Spirit working within us that we can truly choose the way that leads to “abundant life” (John 10:10).

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Discussions Life With God Parenting tips

Parenting on the edge: When negligence becomes a crime (Deuteronomy 24:16)

A blonde haired mother and red-headed teenage son in a kitchen

This study on the Torah reading Ki Tetze discusses contrasting approaches to justice between recent cases in Michigan and Georgia, where parents were charged for not preventing their children’s actions, and North Korea’s practice of punishing entire families for an individual’s wrongdoing. It compares these to the Torah’s principle of personal responsibility and prevention of harm.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

How to empower the next generation to walk in righteousness (1Corinthians 5)

"How to empower the next generation to walk in righteousness (1st Corinthians 5)." Adobe AI layered-paper-style image of a woman against a background of large flowers.

The Scriptures call us to holiness and faithfulness. In this study of the Torah passage כִּי־תֵצֵא Ki Tetze (“when you go forth,” Deut. 21:10-25:19) focusing on a parallel passage in 1st Corinthians 5, we will see that tolerating unrepentant sin weakens the witness of the community of believers. Confronting sin with grace is an act of love — for the individual and the congregation. As we strive to walk uprightly, may we have the courage to uphold righteousness and the humility to receive correction. Only then can we fulfill our purpose to be a holy people.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Impartial judgment: The Torah’s blueprint for ethical leadership (Deuteronomy 16, 19)

"Impartial judgment: Torah's blueprint for ethical leadership" (Deuteronomy 16, 19). Adobe Firefly AI image of an ancient near east man with a white beard reading a stack of parchments with a New York City-like Central Park and skyline seen in the background.

Are we truly responsible for one another? We’ll see in this study of the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18-21:9) that leaders must take accountability for justice — even when a crime seems distant or unsolvable. The laws of ancient Israel aren’t just relics; they reveal a universal call to judge righteously, without bias or self-interest. Whether it’s the murder of an unknown victim or the integrity of our daily decisions, the Torah insists we recognize the divine mandate for justice.

In a world increasingly detached from morality, these lessons feel more urgent than ever. Righteousness isn’t optional. It’s essential.

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Discussions Torah

Unlock Heaven’s secret to true freedom (Deuteronomy 14–16)

"Unlock Heaven's secret to true freedom (Deuteronomy 14-16)." Adobe Stock photo of a man's two fists lifted up against the sky with sunset lighting on clouds and a shackle between the wrists breaking.

The Torah reading רְאֵה Re’eh (“see,” Deut. 11:26–16:17) lays out a pivotal choice: blessing or curse, life or death. Will we cling to the world’s seductive but fleeting allures, or embrace God’s vision of true and lasting freedom? As each of us journeys from bondage to our past to the Promised Land, the LORD calls us to reflect His generous, restorative heart.

Through Torah instructions like debt release, tithe, Sabbath rest and the festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, the Creator invites us to loosen our grip on earthly treasures and find our true security in Him. This is no mere ritual, but a foretaste of the coming Messianic era when God will dwell with His people forever. What will you choose — the path of life or the road to ruin?

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Discussions Torah

Spiritual inertia: How Messiah maintains momentum in our walk with God (Deuteronomy 9–10)

"Spiritual inertia: How Messiah maintains momentum in our walk with God (Deuteronomy 9-10)." An Adobe Stock photo shows a silhouetted man pushing a car with a sunset in the background.

“Hear, O Israel”: The Shema’s call to hear the words of the LORD and obey them resonates with both the ancient Israelites and modern believers in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). This study of Torah reading עקב Ekev/Eykev (“because,” Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25) underscores the need for humility, reverence and trust in God’s promises over assuming Heaven is blessing based on our righteousness.