The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 2

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

Changing the Name of God

This week (Sept 23) on Shabbat Night Live, the Greeks needed to change a few things when Christianity came their way. They needed a Greek god, a Greek Jesus, and less of anything in the Bible that was Hebrew — including the name of YeHoVaH.

Dr. Miles Jones shares where this came from and how the Name has changed since the original inscriptions at the Exodus.

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section, and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:00) What is the relevance of what Lipkin refers to as the Zionist-Christian world with regard to the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism in the West? Might this dynamic become a bulwark against sectarian conflict, or will it simply enlarge the focus of resurgent antisemitism that has arguably taken its place in Western nations?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) Similarly, how can this vast community of believers be viewed as more prescient than many secular political leaders or brokers of information with regard to the dangers of radical Islam? How do the auspicious intelligence failures that preceded the attacks of 9/11 demonstrate the comparable risks of dismissing both spiritual prophecy and the passions engendered by theocratic movements?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How does the resistance of the academic community to such concepts as the invasion of the Hebrews into Canaan demonstrate a pervasive unwillingness to justify the history of the Jews? How does this entrenched attitude betray an element of political motivation that has resulted in a reluctance to conduct such common practices as thoroughgoing surveys of this region?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) How does the discovery of the foot imprint in the environs of the West Bank demonstrate an ironic assimilation of ancient Egyptian symbolism of conquest for the Hebrews’ claim to the Promised Land? In light of Deuteronomy 11:24, how can this be viewed as part of a larger pattern that is illustrated by persecuted individuals and subjugated peoples who become vindicated through the will of YeHoVaH?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Similarly, how does the further discovery of sites of worship and processional routes within these foot-shaped structures underscore the fundamental orientation of the ancient Hebrews toward ceremonial in their devotion to YeHoVaH? What eventual effect might this recognition have upon many denominational churches that strive to adopt contemporary, secular structures and imagery in the name of relevance?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) As suggested earlier, the Hebrews’ appropriation of their slave masters’ imagery may serve as an illustration of divine approval for their ancient settlement. How does this also demonstrate the weakness of “woke” politicized arguments that accuse Western Civilization of cultural theft from oppressed peoples?  Should the foot symbolism be viewed as thievery, borrowing, or influence?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) How does the linguistic distinction between the “heavy” or “hardened” heart of Pharaoh suggest the continuity of YeHoVaH’s plan for our salvation? How has the former phrase’s connotation of eternal punishment been allowed to encompass the importance of affirmation of belief and obedience, as expressed by David in Psalm 95 or by Yeshua’s words to his disciples in Mark 8:17-19?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) How does an awareness of the historical and geopolitical context of many biblical narratives serve to answer the challenges of agnostic scholars who would dismiss such figures as Moses or Josiah as fictional creations? Why are such secular paradigms as outlawry, military conquest, and imperialism essential to our recognition of the plausibility of scripture and the profundity of our doctrine?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Similarly, how does the prospect of an ancient Israelite colony on the eastern side of the Jordan River call into question the received notion of Palestinian sovereignty in this region, one that continues to roil the peace process in Israel and the West Bank? Could Gilead and the Golan Heights conceivably become sites of renewed Jewish influence, or are they destined to remain flashpoints in a seemingly endless conflict?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 54:00) If indeed the cryptic words of Deuteronomy 29:15 refer to an absent faction of Israelite settlers who preceded Moses into Canaan, how does this interpretation underscore YeHoVaH’s desire for unity among his disparate children? How might the establishment of modern Israel as a gathering of Jews from throughout the world and its unexpected survival in the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973 be justly viewed as a prophetic fulfillment of this text?

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 1

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

Discovery at Jacob’s Altar

This week (Sept 16) on Shabbat Night Live, the story of the Exodus seems straightforward to most people. But to serious students, there are dead ends and gaps in the narrative that leave us with unanswered questions.

Israeli resident and tour operator Aaron Lipkin embarked on a mission to solve the mysteries of the Exodus — but he had no idea where his curiosity would lead him! Hear, in his own words, why this ONE discovery may change archaeology forever!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:00) How does the urban settlement of Samaria demonstrate the enduring resonance of the Six Day War of 1967 as a watershed event of the past century? How do the ongoing controversies regarding this decades-old conflict suggest the unfolding of YeHoVaH’s providence regarding the Hebrews and their proprietary rights to this region?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) Why is the utilization of folktale or traditional narrative by biblical scribes to explain events in the Book of Genesis continually weaponized by skeptics as ostensible proof of the Bible as mere fiction? Why is the symbolic use of language in a pre-scientific age, such as allegory or epic similes, usually justified and defended by scholars for every culture but our familiar Judeo-Christian civilization?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How does the academic notion of objectivity when applied to a non-scientific subject like spirituality serve to undermine the integrity of such immaterial phenomena as family relationships, especially those that are grounded in religious belief and the practice of worship? Why has the notion of Intelligent Design aroused such vehement opposition within the scholarly community, despite its abstraction?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) How does the politicization of education in the United States demonstrate the weakness of academic disbelief with regard to continuing discoveries in the Near East that support biblical narratives? How does this ironic example of “objectivity” indirectly reveal the hypocritical agenda of the academic establishment that is aimed at destabilizing the integrity of Western values?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Why do the various categorizations of academia – historical period, political dynasty, or narrative genre – tend to collapse upon the discovery of ancient sites such as altars? Why does this verification of sacrificial worship result in a cumulative verification of events and personages that compels a re-evaluation and redefinition of received ideas, to the chagrin of the educational establishment?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) Similarly, how do such findings underscore the contemporary political divisions over Israel’s legitimacy as a sovereign state? How can such a challenge to the entrenched deference among many scholars toward the Palestinian claim serve to threaten not only the academic world, but also the geopolitical dimension involving Israel’s relationships with its Arab neighbors and its alliances with other Western nations?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) How does the particular practice of wet-sifting in archeological excavation serve to illustrate the providential nature of the discovery of ancient biblical sites? How can we discern the revelation of divine truth in the unearthing of even minuscule evidence of the Hebrew presence in the midst of such crude attempts at prevention as restricted access and vandalism?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) Similarly, what is arguably the greatest significance of the discovery of the Mount Ebal Amulet? How is its proto-alphabetic provenance and its pre-paleo Hebraic reference YHW underscored by the almost alarming repetition of “cursed” within its text?  Can this be interpreted with justification as an ominous warning to those who would deny the biblical account of its geographical location or profane its sacred purpose?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Why is the possible vindication of the Hebrew presence in this region, along with its deity, language, and scriptural narrative, greeted with such apprehension and opposition by the academic establishment? Aside from the prospect of a revision of received knowledge, what essential weakness within the intellectual ethos of many scholars is exposed by a discovery such as that upon Mount Ebal?

Behind the Scenes with Michael Rood – Episode 2

by with One Comment Michael RoodShabbat Night Live Q&As

This week (Sept 9) on Shabbat Night Live, Luke and Kayte Abaffy’s interview with Michael Rood for their groundbreaking documentary, The Way, brought the story of countless believers around the world who have traded Easter ham for Passover lamb and Sunday church for Saturday Sabbath.

Behind The Scenes with Michael Rood presents, for the first time, the raw footage of that interview — if you appreciate Michael Rood’s amazing teachings, you’ll love this candid and endearing series!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section, and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 17:00) How has our present-day mass media been a mixed blessing for contemporary believers who seek to evangelize to the greatest possible extent? What is the most effective spiritual strategy for grappling with the outpouring of hatred that is often directed at religious broadcasters by atheist organizations and individuals who utilize and exploit the same types of media?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 21:00) How does the pervasive ignorance of many Gentile believers of the history and diversity of modern Judaism serve to impede their own understanding of Yeshua’s teaching regarding spiritual authority? How have many otherwise curious and searching members of the faithful been misled by an ill-informed approach to salvation based upon a superficial reliance upon expressions from the New Testament which lack proper historical context?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 25:00) Similarly, why do many professed Christians casually shift their denominational loyalties in the course of their faith lives yet shun any awareness or deference toward the Jewish Feasts as part of their ethos as believers? How might this be viewed as contempt for the past as well as an example of Western culture’s persistent skepticism toward perceived superstition?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 29:00) As with the distinction that is maintained by most evangelical Christians between the Old and New Testaments, how is their common failure to recognize the demarcation of the Torah as the Five Books of Moses a serious impediment to the practice of their faith? Can this syndrome be tenably viewed as one of willful ignorance, or of remnant antisemitism?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 33:00) Similarly, how have many professed believers failed to take seriously the imperative of Jeremiah 1:10 to “root out and to pull down” corruption in Judeo-Christian culture?  Has this been a function of cynical and mercenary figures within the clergy who fear losing illicit profits, or of the lingering stereotype of this eloquent prophet as histrionic and melodramatic?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 39:00) Why has the maintenance of faith life continued to be difficult for believers who are confronted with accusations of being “legalistic” or “judgemental” in the mere practice of their worship, despite our constitutional right of religious freedom? How has the notion of obedience become so politicized over recent decades as to give rise to an organization such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 43:00) Similarly, how has the principle of altruism – a fundamental tenet of all designations of Christianity – also become finessed and even redefined in such a way to benefit those with self-interest? How does such a reductive and materialistic approach tend to distract the faithful from true empathy toward those who are less fortunate in such matters as health or persecution?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 47:00) How can the possibility of growing within one’s faith be viewed as arguably the greatest challenge posed by YeHoVaH to his creation? How does our free will, combined with our vulnerability toward sin, offer us the opportunity to worship and practice our faith, but also the bounden duty to exemplify that faith in our actions to such an extent that we achieve genuine spiritual formation rather than merely paying lip service to a poorly-understood creed?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 51:00) Apart from historical accuracy, why is it appropriate that Michael Rood should adopt the vestments of Mordecai in his teachings from Israel? How is this figure from the Book of Esther, who is largely unfamiliar to many evangelical Christians, uniquely poised to serve as an example of vindication of the Hebrews and of YeHoVaH’s providence for those who have yet to learn the significance of the Feast of Purim?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 53:00) Despite the politicization of public discourse regarding genocide – whether historically verified or feverishly imagined by members of the radical fringe – what are the plausible reasons for the upsurge in anti-Israel sentiment over the past decade? Are the Jews and their nation yet again in genuine danger of becoming the Western world’s scapegoats, or are we witnessing a decadent antisemitism that will soon lose expression?

Behind the Scenes with Michael Rood – Episode 1

by with No Comment Michael RoodShabbat Night Live Q&As

This week (Sept 2) on Shabbat Night Live, we go behind the scenes! Several years ago, Luke and Kayte Abaffy interviewed Michael Rood for their groundbreaking documentary, The Way, a story of countless believers around the world who have traded Easter ham for Passover lamb and Sunday church for Saturday Sabbath.

Behind The Scenes with Michael Rood presents, for the first time, the raw footage of that interview — a special, two-episode series that gives you a real-life glimpse of the man behind the ministry!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 18:00) Why is the dedication of one’s life to serving YeHoVaH in some capacity, whether personal or professional, such a challenge for many believers? How does the simplicity of prayer underscore the complexity of defining, developing, and maintaining a private apostolate when there is no guarantee of its effectuality in a hostile and sinful world?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 21:00) Why has the enduring popularity of Fiddler on the Roof as musical and film, along with the source stories of Sholem Aleichem, nevertheless made little impact upon the spirituality of many professed Christians? Has this been a function of residual antisemitism, which is still prevalent, or evidence of an unwillingness to explore the genuine Hebrew ethos of scripture?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 25:00) Controversies continue regarding the politicization of our nation’s military, particularly regarding its growing egalitarianism toward gender and the practice of Islam within its ranks. How might the deterioration of hierarchy and discipline here be attributed to an absence of Judeo-Christian spirituality in training and in recognition of Just War Theory in military ethics?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 29:00) How do Yeshua’s words against the Phariseeism of his own times tend to resonate in today’s heavily materialistic and agnostic world? How can his demarcations of arbitrary and man-made legalism be viewed as precursors of the growing power and personality cults of present-day leaders, such as political figures, captains of industry, and presumptive medical experts?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 33:00) Alternatively, how do Paul’s admonitions to his readers assume greater contemporary significance when situated within the contexts of Temple worship and maintenance of the Feasts, as designated by the Torah? What is the most potentially damaging aspect of disseminating these texts as mere aphorisms without this framework for believers who attempt to evangelize?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) How do ongoing debates regarding the validity of the modern-day Jewish calendar serve to dramatize the challenge facing all believers who attempt to fulfill their duties as priests, prophets, and kings? Why is a crucial factor like the ancient reckoning of time so often ignored or treated in an arbitrary manner by many Christian denominations?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) Similarly, how have examples of biblical miracles such as the raising from death of Lazarus (John 11) and the daughter of the synagogue leader (Luke 8) been trivialized or dismissed as mere folklore or even propaganda by both believers and agnostics? How can the faithful strive most effectively to reconcile belief in divine power and the empiricism of science when faced with the Simon Magus figures of our own age?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 44:00) What could be the likely cultural impact of a revisionist view of Yeshua as a truly masculine and provocative public figure, one who challenged hypocritical authority and advocated a recognition of the Laws of Moses and a return to principles of obedient worship? Could such a conception inspire greater unity among today’s denominational Christians, or instead serve as an example of the “sword of division” (Matthew 10:34)?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 49:00) What is the unforeseen danger of the popular academic trend toward graduate degrees in divinity studies? How might otherwise devout or curious lay professionals develop skeptical or ill-defined conceptions of doctrinal elements within scripture, which could ironically weaken rather than enhance their secular apostolates within the working world?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 55:00) In light of Israel’s perseverance as a major player on the geopolitical stage, along with the ongoing relevance of its centrality in biblical archaeology, how might its prominence lead to a reconciliation of the divisions within modern Judaism? Would such a development most likely be initiated through political diplomacy and international trade, or through evangelical efforts among gentiles?

Tim Mahoney’s Journey Home

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

This week (August 26) on Shabbat Night Live, you are in for a special treat — a “double header” of sorts. Filmmaker Tim Mahoney is coming out with 2 new movies, one of which will be released NEXT WEEK (Sept 2)! You’re going to get some behind-the-scenes information about these two movies in a special interview with Tim Mahoney

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:00) How should today’s believers who are eager to learn about the history of their faith attempt to reconcile their workaday spirituality with the remnants of biblical archeology, whether they confirm beliefs or raise further questions? Aside from recognition of YeHoVaH, what is the common ground between knowledge of artifacts and an individual’s prayer life and interaction with one’s neighbor?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) In the study and teaching of YeHoVaH’s message, how does our reliance upon documentation, text, and traditional school settings provide only a partial impression of our responsibility as his followers and evangelists? Apart from providing an environment for learning the Bible, how should parents view the home as a place to explore the full range of living the divine truth within our world?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How do the ancient Israelites offer an enduring example for contemporary family members of how to negotiate such issues as abuse, personality disorders, or clinical depression, that can threaten the integrity of home life and spirituality? How might verses in Psalms or Proverbs serve to enlighten us about the command to “honor thy father and thy mother?”
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) Similarly, how do the children of Israel under the leadership of Moses continue to demonstrate our own lack of trust in YeHoVaH throughout our earthly sojourn? How can our contemporary world, with its abundant material wealth and pursuit of power, be tenably viewed as the equivalent of the vast and barren desert that threatened the Hebrews with undernourishment and an attendant loss of faith?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Despite their own personal testament of belief in and worship of YeHoVaH, why do so many professed Christians also acknowledge the difficulty of placing their full trust in his providence and guidance? How should today’s believer cultivate this ethos of conviction and genuine dependence in both private prayer and personal engagement with our neighbor?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 36:00) Similarly, how might this unconditional trust in YeHoVaH as heavenly father be impeded by our very human but inherently flawed refusal to forgive others who have wronged us, even those who are no longer present in our lives, either through estrangement or death? How might the countless references to divine forgiveness in scripture be viewed as an admonition against the false pride of maintaining a grudge? 
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 40:00) How can the concept of “patterns of evidence” in biblical history be viewed as an archetype that transcends such categories of reference as archeology, textuality, or oral tradition? How might the diverse and conflicting theories regarding the location and significance of Mount Sinai in Judeo-Christian history ironically result in a greater recognition of the spiritual dimensions of narrative by disputing believers?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 44:00) How might the ongoing exploration of such subjects as the Exodus and the discovery of the true Mount Sinai serve to reorient the public’s attention to the ancient significance of the Sinai Peninsula and its centrality for the three major faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? How could this potentially serve as an alternative point of reference from Jerusalem for eventual peace in the Middle East?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 48:00) How might today’s believers, accustomed to advanced communication, prolonged life, and relative material comfort, be likened to the “stiff-necked” Israelites, who repeatedly complained of their predicament in the midst of divine miracles? What sort of spiritual guidance should be sought by those teachers and evangelists who must share the exasperation of Moses?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) The final sentence of Joshua 24:15 is often emblazoned by evangelical Christians as a proclamation of personal faith, yet the complete verse offers a more challenging context for such a statement. How does this passage offer a straightforward acknowledgement of free will in its presentation of choice to the believer between worship of YeHoVaH and recourse to familiar but false forms of solace?

Understanding the Fall Feasts

by with No Comment Faith and FamilyTedd's LettersVideo Blog

By observing the Fall Feasts, we progress through repentance and redemption in order to experience His joy.

Leviticus 23 reveals God’s plan to meet with His People, Israel and those who have been grafted in through faith in Israel’s Messiah. It tells of a time when Moses heard the voice of the Lord saying:

“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.”

The last three holy convocations or “festivals” that the Almighty commanded the Torah observing people to celebrate are:

  1. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah)
  2. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and
  3. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Each of these feasts occurred in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, the month called Tishri.

Yom Teruah, the first of the Fall Feasts, heralded the arrival of the seventh month. It also began what is known as the Ten Days of Awe between Yom Teruah and the Yom Kippur. This is the period in which the penitent would humble themselves in preparation for the Day of Atonement.

During these 10 days we are to forgive those that have wronged us… but more importantly, we should look within and ask forgiveness from those we ourselves have wronged.

Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day of the year. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Torah observant people traditionally observe this holy day with fasting and intensive prayer.

Sukkot is the harvest festival that commemorates the Israelites’ wandering the desert following their Exodus from Egypt. The week-long period is observed by building and spending time in a sukkah, a temporary outdoor structure that represents our temporary life on earth as we look toward eternity with the King of Kings.

On Yom Teruah (The Feast of Trumpets), the sound of the ram’s horn calls upon each person to repent and confess his sins before his Maker.

Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) is that ominous day when peace is made with God.

During Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles), Israel obeys God’s command to rejoice over the harvest and the goodness of God.

By observing the Fall Feasts, we progress through repentance and redemption in order to experience His joy.

Perhaps most significant, the Fall Feasts remind us that we are laborers in his field. The fields are ready and it is time for us to work for the greatest harvest of all — the Harvest of Souls for a celebration that will last for all eternity.

Why the Mustard Seed?

by with 2 Comments Video Blog
I try my best not to question the Word, but often I come across imagery that just doesn’t translate into something meaningful to me. That is, until I take a deeper look.

One example of this is when Yeshua compares our faith and the Kingdom of YeHoVaH to a mustard seed. I get it — it’s small and grows into something big. Yet, I am quite sure there are smaller seeds and bigger plants or trees that could have painted this picture just as effectively, if not better.

But, what if that wasn’t the only message that Yeshua was trying to get across? 

Let’s start with the metaphor where the parable of the mustard seed is first used. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Yeshua likens the Kingdom of YeHoVaH to the mustard plant.

“And He said, “To what shall we compare the reign of Elohim? Or with what parable shall we present it? Like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth, and when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all plants, and forms large branches, so that the birds of the heaven are able to nest under its shade.”
– Mark 4:30-32 (ISR)

What exactly did Yeshua imply by “greater”? I have a feeling that it does not suffice to say size alone.

Mustard is an herb. While it is quite large compared to other herbs, what is so special about it is how densely it grows. Wild mustard spreads quickly, densely covering the surrounding area. Due to this trait of the plant, it greatly suppresses weeds from growing.

This was HUGE to me! So often the Scriptures refer to the harvest of the wheat and tares. This imagery reveals to us that the Kingdom of the Almighty has the power to suppress the growth of the tares! It is the Kingdom above all kingdoms. Praise Yah!

The mustard seed is also likened to faith.

“And Yeshua said to them, Because of your unbelief, for truly, I say to you, if you have belief as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move. And no matter shall be impossible for you.”
– Matthew 17:20 (ISR)

When we look at the characteristics of the mustard plant, there are a few details that can be pondered on:

  • Germination takes place in the cool season.
  • It flourishes in fertile soil, and grows rapidly.
  • Within 4-5 weeks, the plant covers the ground.

The teacher in me loves homework, so I will leave it to you to dig deeper into these and see what connections YeHoVaH reveals to you.  

My final point is the most impactful of all.

I felt a yearning to research the Hebrew word for mustard, which is חרדל. Each Hebrew letter has a picture associated with it, stemming from the ancient Paleo-Hebrew alephbet. Here is the breakdown:

  • Chet (ח) – Fence/Inner Room
  • Reysh (ר) – Head/Person
  • Dalet (ד) – Pathway/Door
  • Lamed (ל) – Authority/Shepherd Staff

So, when looking at the Hebrew word pictures for the word mustard, we see that the innermost part of a person is the pathway or door to the Shepherd. 

The Hebrew word for mustard literally gives a definition for faith. How awesome is that!

I try my best not to question the Word, but often I come across imagery that just doesn’t translate into something meaningful to me. That is, until I take a deeper look.

Problem of the Heart

by with No Comment Faith and FamilyTedd's LettersVideo Blog

In recent days we have seen horrific crimes committed against our fellow man. People gunned down with little to no reason. Shooters with no more purpose than to kill their prey in the most ruthless ways. This is not what God had intended for us. Not in the slightest.

We can hate on our leaders, but this starts in our own home when we say, “This far, no further.”

This is not a gun problem. This is not a political problem. This is a problem of the heart.

You see, Yeshua (Jesus) said this is one of the most important things we can do…

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
– Mark 12:28-31

Where have we gone wrong with this world? We need to go back to the word of the Almighty, the Bible.

I’m not asking you take my word for it. Just stop for one moment, pull your Bible out and see what God has in store for you. He doesn’t want you to hate your brother or sister and you know we are all brother and sisters. He wants you to love them, to understand them, and to protect them as your own.

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
– Mark 12:28-31
​

Remember politics can only do so much. We can hate on our leaders, but this starts in our own home when we say, “This far, no further.” We have to take responsibilities for our future — now before it’s too late.

To the people of El Paso and Dayton, our hearts and prayers go out to each and every one of you.

Let’s all pray that this is the last time we have to come together and speak of such a horrible thing. Remember — God loves you. Today, love each other as he loves us.

Tearing Down The Legacy Of Hate

by with No Comment Faith and FamilyTedd's LettersVideo Blog

In my 58 years on this planet, I have noticed a trend if you will, of people being more and more influenced by hate.

I hate this neighbor, I hate this politician, I hate this person, I hate hate HATE!!!” It seems like the world is just growing a legacy of hate. And if you’re not careful, you will be trapped by the influence of hate in your life.

You see, hate is just another way Satan gets into your life and makes an absolute mess of your attitude, your emotions, and most importantly, the way you look at the world and the people around you.

If you live in the world of hate, Satan has you right where he wants you: In the pit of despair and hopelessness.

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

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
– Philippians 4:8

You see, the Almighty’s plan was to make this world a peaceful, loving place where people would treat one another with kindness and trust in a way that only God’s love can overcome life’s obstacles.

Are you surrounding yourself with negative people? Then break the bonds of hate and find people that treat you with respect, with love and happiness. Find relationships that see the good in people and your surroundings.

Remember when you live in hate — Satan wins.

Be an overcomer.

Today, right now, tell Satan to get under your feet and see the good in everything you can. Be the person Yeshua wanted you to be and change the world, one attitude at a time. You can be the change that YeHoVaH is looking for, one life at a time. God Bless.

The Breath of Life

by with No Comment Video Blog
I love how descriptive the Word of Yehovah is. We are often given metaphorical imagery to help us understand spiritual concepts.

These comparisons not only give us a tangible idea of what Scripture describes but, I imagine, that each metaphor also carries secret keys to understanding the physical world.

We are often called “the body of Messiah” in the Scriptures:

“For as we have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Messiah, and members each one of one another.”
– Romans 12:4-5

We also know that we are created in the image of Elohim. Imagine, then, all the ways that our bodies reveal the glory of our Creator!

Recent studies have shown that the average human body is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells- not including the at least equal amount of foreign cell bodies that live in us, too.

97% of all cells in the body fall into one of six categories: red blood cells, glial cells, endothelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, platelets, and bone marrow.

Over 70% of ALL cells in our bodies are red blood cells. This means that most of our actual body is responsible for carrying oxygen to other cells. The other really important thing that red blood cells do is remove carbon dioxide from our cell tissues.

Glial cells, once thought to simply be neuron-insulators, are now being investigated more deeply as some scientists believe they could be responsible for our creative thoughts. They make up 90% of our brain. Another important function of glial cells is, again, to transport oxygen and nutrients to neurons.

Endothelial cells create a one-cell thick lining in all of our blood vessels. They ensure a smooth ride for our oxygen-carrying RBCs.

Dermal Fibroblasts are found in our skin, and aid in healing when we are wounded!

Platelets, another vital component to healing in our bodies, specifically work to seal any breaks in the endothelial lining of our blood vessels.

Lastly, we have bone marrow cells that are responsible for the cultivating of our blood cells.

This means that 97% of the human body is directly involved with the transport of oxygen to our cells.

“And YeHoVaH Elohim formed the man out of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils breath of lives. And the man became a living being.”
– Genesis 2:7

We that make up the body of Messiah all have this breath of life! What an interesting parallel the Father has given us in the design of our own bodies.

Just as our cells minister to one another, we are to do the same.

We are each filled with the Ruach haKodesh, the Holy Spirit, and we manifest different gifts that we are to use in support the body of Messiah as a whole.

How amazing! Baruch Hashem YeHoVaH!

I leave you with this…

As these cells bring life-breath to the functioning tissues of our bodies, they also rid the body of waste.

“And, according to the Torah, almost all is cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
– Hebrews 9:22

Our blood moves throughout the body, cleansing it. Individual cells are the vessels for cleansing. They are carried by the blood and they are filled with the breath-of-life!

I encourage you to dwell on this thought. We know of the power of the Blood. It courses through our (endothelial-lined) veins.

Each of us has the privilege of being vessels of the Holy Spirit.

Let us continue to work together as one body of many members, until the day He is crowned as King of Kings.