Category: Rollyn’s Reads

Imagine you are Israel of old, preparing to go into the promised land.  Your leader, Moses—the guy you knew since birth—the father figure who explained YHWH’s laws to you—the pastor who directed your spiritual life–the leader who made sure physical needs were met, and the general who led you to many victories is not going…

Nitsavim begins with the words, “You stand today, all of you, before Elohim your God.”  Deuteronomy 29:10 What an acknowledgment.  Israel comes before the King of Kings to stand in His presence to accept the call to be a “righteous nation.”  As a body, Israel humbled itself as a nation and as individuals.  “Standing before”…

I was giving a riding lesson to one of my older students the other day and noticed her spirit was seemingly downcast.  Typically, she is an enthusiastic person.  I didn’t say anything until the end of her lesson, at which time I asked, “Are you doing ok?”  That’s when the tears started to flow. The…

Being kind to your enemy seems to be a problem these days.  Typically, when we go to battle with someone, we don’t think about long-term effects.  Considering a relationship with our enemy seems even more peculiar.  Often, we are anxious to destroy or plunder our enemy, so we never have to deal with them again.  …

One of the most favorite verses to quote, from either a secular or Biblical position, is found in the Messiah’s “Sermon on the Mount.”  I believe it has become a favorite for some because it gives a free pass to those who want to ignore poor decisions and not come under judgment.  Maybe you too…

The study of Re’eh means to see or behold.  So, what are we to see, and what are we to behold?  Deuteronomy 11 tells us that we will receive blessings by following YHWH and cursing if we follow any other god. This makes sense in that YHWH is life-giving.  He is spirit, and Spirit gives…

YHWH told Israel that He would send “The Hornet” against their enemies.  (Duet. 7:20) He made this promise to assure Israel that there would be nothing to fear when taking “The Land.”  Hornets, of course, pack a pretty big sting.  So, is Yah actually referring to a hornet that may inflect actual pain against Israel’s…

What happens when things don’t go according to your plans?  Will Yahweh still allow you to see? This week’s Torah selection begins with, “I pleaded with the Lord at the time, . . . Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan”. These are the words of…

You might have heard a saying that goes like, “God does answer prayers. it’s either yes, no, or wait.”  But is this always the case?  This week’s Torah study is called Devarim, or Words, Matters.  So, do the Sages believe words matter, or do they believe in words and matters?  In either case, our prayers…

A Little Zealous? When coaching for sporting events, I have witnessed the zealousness of parents. Their passion for their child to win would many times overlook the rules of the game or a call made by a referee.  To be “right” in their physical world, these parents would step on others.  It was embarrassing. To…