When Does the Holy Spirit Show Up?
Have you ever been to a service where people are calling out for the Ruach HaKodesh (known as the Holy Spirit) to descend on a body of Believers? Many times, it can get loud and even a bit chaotic in their efforts to “call the Spirit down.” Is this supported by the Scriptures?
Is it Possible to Stay Clear of Dischord?
We all know the New Testament story of Rabbi Saul being confronted by the voice of Yeshua when he was determined to destroy “The Way.” Up to the point of this encounter, Saul was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He held a place of honor and was esteemed by those who followed the traditions of men. In his mind, his efforts to contain religious discord was righteous. But was it?
How To Be a Giver?
Imagine for a moment that you were part of Israel coming out of Egypt into the wilderness. From sun up to sun down there would have been something to do. In this abundance of necessary cooperation, I’m guessing people who did nothing would not be appreciated. Most likely, these people wouldn’t even be welcomed in the camp.
Takers are typically those who complain and criticize while failing to lift a finger. Even today, they drain others. Personally, I don’t want to be labeled as a taker. I want to be known as a giver. What about you?
Who Do You Follow?
It seems that everyone is searching for God. There is a thirst for something or someone meaningful. Some call on a “higher power” or “personal truth” for their god. Others are turning to AI to fulfill their needs. But, for those of us who follow Yeshua (Jesus), we have come to know God as the Great I Am.
Though like Israel, those who follow YHWH, still seek earthly guidance from those deemed holy for insight. The tribes of Israel looked to Moses, priests, Joshua, the prophets, the judges, and then the kings. Who do we follow for direction?
What Does Being Holy Look Like?
Full beards and sidelocks? Is it a gown for a nun or priest? Is it full leg coverings and a hat. Suit and tie? In our quest to look holy do we ignore the deeper of meaning of, “be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy’” (Leviticus 19:2). And, by ignoring the deeper meaning, do we seek to have others view us as holy with our outward appearance?
As King David said in Psalms 51, “I was bought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me.” If true, how can we as sinners ever come clean before the Lord?
Many times, people want to define themselves by what they do. Though is this a Biblical model? Are we merely an expression of a scripted label or is there something more profound?
Over the next few weeks, I would like to step away up from trying to explain Torah’s sacrificial system and instead, approach the workings of sacrifice through the statements and workings of the Messiah as found in the Book of Mark and in the Book of Ephesians. In doing so, I believe we will find our purpose.
Got Questions?
Over the last few Sabbaths, a number of people have asked “how to keep” the soon coming Passover and Feast of Unleavened. Understandably, it’s a hard question to answer, due to different and cherished viewpoints. But in an attempt to direct you towards your own answers, I’ll do my best in providing some information if you care to peek.
People love to blame the puppet masters of this world for how they think, behave, and even respond. But is there another option in life? I believe the King of the Universe wants to cut the strings of the puppets so they can assemble for their kingly and royal priesthood purpose! Are you ready to accept His calling to assemble?
This week’s study is called, “When you elevate?” In the Biblical text, elevate can mean census which is to rise, lift up, or stand. So, if you were to be counted as a follower of Yahweh, how would you lift up His Name? And, when you are counted, what will be seen? Do you display the power of Yahweh? Would you like to?
Have you noticed a decline or an inability for people to listen to an argument contrary to their own opinion? Whether it’s schools, churches, governments, or families there is a noticeable spirit of rebellion growing against authority. Most recently, at the 2026 State of the Union, we had half of a political party not show up in defiance to a President. A first in our history.
Why is this type of disrespect happening? I would like to suggest a new era, where people put themselves above all others while shutting their ears. Is there some sort of root cause at the bottom of this cultural spectacle?
Throughout Torah, we can read about the personal strains within the anointed priesthood of Aaron. Those struggles included being swayed by Israel to build a golden calf and losing his two sons due to their disrespect towards YHWH. Like us, his battles were real. In his example, we can see that no matter how close we are to being a royal priesthood in Messiah, our need to compromise can affect our anointing.
The prophet Ezekiel was given words from Yahweh to address this reality. Those words made a clear distinction between those who stay true to the priesthood anointing and those who do not. Which raises the question, “Is there an anointed priesthood, and if so, what do they look like?”
Are You Able to Accept Love?
This week I was drawn to Exodus 20, where we are reminded to serve the fullest picture of Yahweh our Elohim. What is that fullest picture you may ask? I believe it is stated in the beginning and ending of the first four commands. A message of descriptive hope and love that explains the commands found between them.
Please meditate on the following verses (Exodus 20:1-7) every day leading up to this Sabbath. Let His Name begin to resonate with you, then measure your outlook.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of moving to a new home is the epitome of stress. The Employee Relocation Council has estimated that 60% of Americans rate moving as the #1 stressor in their life; more stressful than divorce, having a baby, or starting a new job. Studies have also shown that the idea of moving is a main cause for spouses or children to stay put in abusive relationships.
So why does moving hit us so hard? And, what does moving have to do with this week’s study?