Giving God His Share: Tithing Your Dollars (Maaser Kesafim) 💰

The biblical command of tithing (maaser) originally applied to crops grown in the Land of Israel, supporting the priests and the poor. But what about money made from business, wages, or investments? This practice is known as Maaser Kesafim (literally, "tithe of moneys"), and it's a fundamental part of Jewish life today.

Where Does the Obligation Come From?

Since most people don't grow produce in Israel, how did the ancient law of maaser transition to cover modern profits? The answer lies in both the actions of the Jewish patriarchs and later rabbinic interpretation.

1. Following the Patriarchs

The earliest roots of tithing money aren't found in a formal command but in the actions of Abraham and his grandson, Jacob.

• Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to a priest.
• Jacob vowed to give G-d a tenth of all his future gains.

These acts established a powerful tradition: dedicating a tenth of one's increase to a holy purpose. While we don't treat the patriarchs' practices as absolute divine commandments (mitzvahs) for the entire nation, their example set a moral precedent for giving.

2. Rabbinic Decree

The majority of Jewish legal authorities view Maaser Kesafim as a rabbinic enactment—a decree based on the biblical command to tithe crops. The rabbis reasoned that since G-d commanded a tenth of agricultural profits be set aside, the same principle should apply to monetary profits. It serves as a spiritual parallel to the ancient agricultural laws: Maaser Kesafim functions much like Maaser Ani (the tithe for the poor) and Maaser Rishon (the tithe for religious support).

Some minority opinions argue it's a full biblical obligation, but the prevailing view recognizes it as a powerful rabbinic law or a widely accepted custom.

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The Power of Custom

Even if someone follows the opinion that Maaser Kesafim is "just" a custom, the tradition gains immense weight over time. According to Jewish law, when a good custom is performed by an individual three times, it takes on the legal status of a neder (a vow). From that point on, it becomes fully obligatory, unless the person consciously had in mind that the act was done "bli neder" (without a vow).

Because the biblical tithe on crops is no longer practical for most people, many authorities encourage everyone to embrace the Maaser Kesafim custom to ensure they fulfill the spirit of giving a tenth of their bounty.

Who Must Tithe?

The legal debate over the source of Maaser Kesafim can affect those who rely on charity.

• If the tithing obligation is only a custom, some argue that those who need assistance themselves may be exempt from tithing their limited income.
• However, if it's considered a stronger rabbinic decree, the obligation may be wider.

Regardless of these differing views on a full tenth, one obligation is universal: everyone, even those relying on charity, must give at least a small amount to tzedakah (charity). The simple, bedrock principle remains: a Jew must never pass up an opportunity to perform an act of giving.

Maaser Kesafim is more than a financial obligation; it's a spiritual discipline. It acknowledges that all wealth is a trust from G-d and trains us to prioritize holiness and community welfare over personal gain.

Culled from Chabad

Giving Back: Unpacking the Ancient Art of Jewish Tithing 🌾

The concept of the tithe—giving a tenth of one's income or produce to a sacred cause or for charity—is deeply woven into the fabric of Jewish tradition, known in Hebrew as maaser. Far from a simple, single donation, maaser is a complex system of contributions outlined in the Torah, revealing a sophisticated approach to supporting religious life, community, and the poor.

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A Practice Older Than the Law

Before G-d gave the formal commandments at Mount Sinai, the act of tithing was already a recognized custom among the Patriarchs. The very first mention appears with Abraham. After a decisive military victory, he voluntarily gave a tenth of the spoils he captured to Melchizedek, described as "priest of G-d." (Genesis14:18-20) This shows that the principle of dedicating a portion of one's wealth was an ancient, intuitive act of devotion, laying the groundwork for the future law.

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The Three Pillars of Tithing

In the Torah, particularly following the establishment of the Priesthood and the Temple service, the system of tithing for agricultural produce grown in the Land of Israel became mandatory and multifaceted.

1. Maaser Rishon: Supporting the Levites

The first required tithe is Maaser Rishon, or the First Tithe. Once the initial contribution, called terumah, was separated for the Kohanim(priests), a full tenth of the remaining produce was given to the Levites. The Levites were a specific tribe that had not received a share of the land in Israel; instead, they were dedicated entirely to serving in the Tabernacle and later the Holy Temple. This tithe was their means of sustenance.

Interestingly, the obligation didn't stop there. A Levite who received Maaser Rishon was then required to separate a tenth of his receipt, called terumat maaser, and give that to a Kohen (priest). It was a beautiful tiered system: the farmer supported the Levite, and the Levite, in turn, supported the Kohen. (Numbers 18:21)

2. Maaser Sheni: The Jerusalem Feast

After both terumah and Maaser Rishon were separated, a Second Tithe, called Maaser Sheni, was required in the first, second, fourth, and fifth years of the seven-year agricultural cycle (known as the Shemittah cycle).

This tithe was unique: it was not given away. Instead, the owner had to bring the produce itself to Jerusalem and consume it there in a state of ritual purity, often with their family, transforming the mandatory act into a celebratory feast. If it was too difficult to transport the actual food—imagine carrying a huge load of grain hundreds of miles! —the owner could "redeem" it. They would take an equivalent sum of money, bring the funds to Jerusalem, and use the money there to buy food and drink, which they would then consume. The purpose was to encourage regular trips to the capital and foster a deep connection to the Temple and the holy city. (Leviticus 27:30-31; Deuteronomy 14:22-29)

 

3. Maaser Ani: Tithes for the Poor

The third and sixth years of the Shemittah cycle introduced a shift in focus. In these years, the Maaser Sheni was replaced by Maaser Ani, the Tithe for the Poor. This tenth was specifically set aside for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow—the most vulnerable in society—who could come to the city gates and eat to their fill. This ensured that the blessings of the land were directly shared with those in need, linking G-d's blessing to social justice:

"And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your G-d may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do." (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

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The Final Reckoning

The complexity of tithing required a final, mandatory check-up. Following the third and sixth years, on the Passover holiday, a process called Biur Maasrot—the "Removal of the Tithes"—took place. This was a critical deadline. All tithes Maaser Sheni and Maaser Ani that had been separated but not yet eaten, distributed, or redeemed had to be properly disposed of, usually by burning, to ensure the farmer was current on all his obligations. This act served as a public declaration that the owner had diligently fulfilled the commandments.

The entire Maaser system underlines a profound Jewish teaching: the produce of the earth is ultimately not ours. It is a gift from G-d, and our job as farmers and recipients is to manage that gift with responsibility, ensuring that those who teach, those who serve, and those who are struggling all receive their designated share before we enjoy the rest. Until a farmer separates the terumah and maaser from his harvest, the produce is known as tevel and is forbidden to be eaten or sold. The act of tithing is, in effect, the spiritual key that unlocks the bounty for personal use.

Who Did Cain and Abel Marry? The Mystery of the First Families

It’s one of the most puzzling questions in the Bible: If Adam and Eve were the very first people, and Cain and Abel were their first sons, where did their wives come from?

The simple, and somewhat startling, answer is this: They married their sisters.

The First Generation's Dilemma

When we think about the earliest moments of human history, as described in the Book of Genesis, we have to remember the unique circumstances. Adam and Eve were the only parents. Cain and Abel were the first children born on Earth. For humanity to continue, the first brothers had only one option for marriage—their own sisters. There simply were no other women around.

If this idea makes you uncomfortable, that's completely understandable! Today, marrying a close sibling is considered incest and is forbidden by law and social custom. However, in the very beginning, a different standard had to apply. Think of it as a one-time "loophole" necessary to populate the planet.

Once enough people existed, this practice stopped. The need for siblings to marry each other disappeared. By the time the third generation came along—Cain and Abel's children—they could marry their first cousins, which has never been considered incest according to Torah law.

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Where Are Adam and Eve's Daughters?

If Adam and Eve had daughters for their sons to marry, why are they not mentioned by name in the Bible?

This is a great question, and the Bible actually gives us a clue! Later in the Book of Genesis, it tells us: "And the days of Adam after he fathered Seth were eight hundred years, and he fathered sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:4)

This confirms that Adam and Eve had many children—boys and girls—over their long lives.

So why don't we know the names of these important daughters? The Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible, is not a complete record of every person who ever lived. It's more of a history book with a specific focus.

The text typically only records the names of people who fit one of three categories:

1. Leaders of Note: People who played an important, active role in the biblical narrative.
2. The Chain of Lineage: The men needed to show the family link connecting Adam to Noah, and later, Noah to Abraham.
3. Those Who Impacted the Story: Characters whose actions were central to the main plot.

Since Adam and Eve's unnamed daughters simply fulfilled the biological role of continuing the family line, their individual names were not recorded. They were essential to the story of humanity, but their names weren't necessary for the story of God's covenant with the leaders who followed.

The true focus of the Torah remains on the lineage that would eventually lead to the great figures of the Bible, leaving the first wives of Cain and Abel to remain among the quiet, unrecorded characters of history.

Culled from: Chabad.org

Why We Restart the Torah on Simchat Torah

It's true that we got the Torah for the first time on Shavuot, which is a holiday of celebration. So why do we wait months until Simchat Torah to celebrate finishing it and immediately starting it over again?

                                                image credit : Reach Initiative international

The answer is about having a second chance.

On Shavuot, the Jewish people stood at Mount Sinai. Everything was perfect, and God gave them the first set of Tablets (the Ten Commandments). They promised to follow the Torah completely.

But a short time later, they made a big mistake: the Golden Calf. When Moses came down the mountain and saw this, he broke those first holy Tablets. The perfect connection they had with God seemed to be lost.

For many months, Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people. Finally, forgiveness was granted, and on Yom Kippur, Moses came down the mountain with the second set of Tablets.

So, while Shavuot marks the day the Torah was first given during a time of perfection, Yom Kippur marks the day the Torah was truly received after forgiveness, repair, and a fresh start.

Simchat Torah, which comes shortly after Yom Kippur, celebrates this permanent, forgiven, and renewed connection—the one that lasts forever! That's why we dance and celebrate the completion and the immediate restart on this special day.

Passover(Pesach) - He Came To Abolish Work

credit: Chabad.org

The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan (April 10–18, 2017). It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

In Hebrew it is known as Pesach (which means “to pass over”), because G‑d passed over the Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian firstborn on the very first Passover eve. Read more here.

As the Jews and the rest of the World prepare to celebrate the Pesach(or Passover) or Easter, it is important to understand the significance of the Passover.

According to the Bible and Torah, G-d emancipated the Hebrews from Egypt after the last plague, namely the destruction of the Firstborns of Egypt, and we understand why He did that. Since Yisrael was G-d's firstborn and Pharaoh was holding on to His Firstborn, his own firstborns received YWH's retribution - like for like.

Those of us who have come to maturity through faith in the Moshiack, namely Jesus the Son of David, also know that He(Jesus) was the Lamb of G-d who took away the Sins of the Whole World, as was introduced by John, the son of Zachariah - the Priest.

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Today, my discourse is on an important subject. "Why Did Jesus Die on a Tree?"

The scripture  makes us understand that "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree"(Galatians 3:13). So, in that He died on the Cross(made of a tree) he bore our shame and sins on it, as it is written "...who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed"(1 Peter 2:24)

The Angel Gabriel already declared to Daniel that the "...shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and ...."(Daniel 9:26

I declare to you today, that the reason Jesus came, lived, died and rose again was so He could usher in "everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy" (Daniel 9:24).

The Night Comes First

In the Beginning, there was Darkness everywhere. The G-d's spirit uttered His voice and Light came.
He declared, "Light, Be", in much the same way that Jesus declared "Peace, Be Still". Forget about the English vowels and consonants when it comes to G-d's speech. He just declares and it(places, people, things) just appears. He did not DO any work to get Light out of Darkness.
That Light is from His Eternal Word, and radiates His "Shekinah".

credit:ohbeloved.blogspot.com.ng

The same pattern occurs throughout all human history. Before God blesses His children, the oppression of Darkness seems to reign first. Look at the Children of Israel in Egypt. They were subjugated to slavery first, then G-d spoke again out of Heaven and brought deliverance by the hand of Moses.

Little wonder G-d spoke in Genesis and set the order of the Day to be thus
"And the evening and the morning were the first day."(Genesis 1:5b). You will notice the same order throughout the entire seven creative orders. The Day is counted as "evening and morning". Unlike what is widely practised in the world today, in G-d's calendar, the order is reverse.
In case you like to understand the correct order of his calendar, see the HEBREW calendar. These were custodians of the Divine ordinance and the follow it up till date.

So what did G-d do? He spoke his Word and brought forth all living and seemingly "non-living" things.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

(John1:1-3)

 In other words, G-d did prophesy. He did "katartizo" or "restore" ALL THINGS by His spoken Word.  He katartizoed the aion into His own desire. 

See the same model in the book of Ezekiel 37, where Ezekiel prophesied (spoke forth to) those dry bones. Ezekiel did Prophesy as was commanded to do. And the Light came into effect.

This same principle should follow in our lives. Whenever the Darkness of Oppression comes, then we must understand that we can bring forth the Light out of Darkness by Prophesying our desire for that circumstance. When we speak, the Light will dispel the Darkness, because that Light is hidden in the Word of God the proceeds out of our mouths(Rhema). The Darkness cannot resist the Light. Why?

The Light does NO WORK. The Light(Shekinah Glory) IS REST. It is the Shabbat. It just APPEARS. The Darkness does not know where the Light comes from because it is embedded in the Word of God. 

The Death of Christ was the Night(Darkness), but His Resurrection began the Light(Day).

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

(John 1:5)

The Darkness is dispelled from your life the same twinkle moment you SPEAK forth(Prophesy) God's word to that situation. 

This is the reason why you must NOT think how it will happen. It is the Mystery of God. The Light is hidden in the Word of God!

SPEAK THE WORD NOW! UTTER IT! PROPHESY!

 

What is the Secret of G-d?

The Secret of G-d

The Secret of God is that which empowers him to bless, justify, judge, multiply, spread, renew and attract all things to Himself. The secret of G-d can also be referred to as "The Mystery of God" or the mystery of God. It is not known to every man on the face of the earth. Hence, the reason for the varied endowments and greatness of men.

There are key personalities in the Bible who came very close to understanding the Secret of God and this caused them to prosper and gain great influences across the globe. To mention a few are :Abraham, Isaac, Jacob(Isreal), David,  Solomon, Job, etc.

Interestingly, Job was of the stock of Edom, showing that G-d shows no respect to tribe or race, but whoever applies the principles embedded in his Secrets will get the same results. 

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Like Solomon, Job also understood these principles and greatly multiplied his influence across his geographic region of residence. "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.(Job1:1)...His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east."(Job1:3)

Jesus declared "Blessed father, thank you for hiding these truths(mysteries) from the wise, while revealing it to babes". The Secret of G-d is hidden in "babes" or "children". 

While he rode an ass colt into Jerusalem, He(Jesus) declared the "out of the mouths of babes(kids) , God has ordained(established) strength".  

What is the Secret of God?

 For the humble, hear and understand my speech. The secret of God is embedded in these three key principles: 1. Father to the Fatherless 2. Husband to the Widows 3. The Defender of the Poor. Read Job 29:12-25

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What are the Effects of the right Application of these Principles?

• Blessing & Prosperity
• Righteousness
• Sound Judgement(Or Wise decision-making)
• Multiplication (of Seed, Time & Harvest)
• Spreading
• Renewal( or Rejuvenation, Vibrancy)
• Favour ( and Acceptability)

credit: emeka-onuzuruike.com.ng

The Messiah also declared somewhere that except you become like a CHILD, you cannot see the Face of God, nor experience His Kingdom.

The Lord is My Inheritance

This word did not make much meaning to me in the past, as I wondered how on earth can G-d be the "inheritance" or "real-estate" of any man. But as I read through scriptures, it began to make sense. Let us first look at the fist place where such word was used.

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

{Genesis 15:1 (KJV)}

The keyword I like you to see here is "reward". It is like saying, I am your "benefit, profit, remuneration, real-estate, and the like". So how did Abraham comprehend such an expression from YHWH? 

According to Google, the word "inheritance" means "a thing that is inherited." And some synonyms include:    legacy, bequest, endowment, birthright, estate, heritage, bestowal, bequeathal, benefaction, provision, patrimony;...

Understanding the significance of this word will change a man's life forever. 

If you are a student of the bible or scripture, and you know about the dividing of the land of Israel among the 12 tribes, then you would have discovered that one of the tribes of Israel was "cheated"(please notice my parenthesis on the word cheated) of being assigned any inheritance in Israel. That tribe is the tribe of LEVI.

Now, see what the LORD said concerning "inheritance" when it came to LEVI's turn

Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, according as the Lord thy God promised him.

{Deuteronomy 10:9 (KJV}

'Why was this so?'I had thought. If I was the one, I could be very angry. Why am I not getting any "inheritance" while my siblings are receiving "real-estate"? 'What kind of wickedness is this!'

I later understood the reason. LEVI was appointed the Priesthood and by reason of his special assignment, there would be no need for him to have an inheritance, seeing he will be the "unification" ALL the 12 tribes of Israel. He will bear the ephod on his chest before G-d on behalf of ALL his brethren. Hence, he is the UNIFICATION of the 12 tribes. He is HOLY and SANCTIFIED before G-d. 

See the diagram below

But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.{Joshua 13:33 (KJV)}

And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.{Ezekiel 44:28 (KJV)}

When the time came for the 12 tribes to be assigned their possession, Joshua "divided" the Land to them from a place called Shiloh. He stuck to the instruction and allocation formula prescribed by Moses.

LEVI GOT A BETTER INHERITANCE

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.{Joshua 18:10 (KJV)}

Now , the next thing we are going to do will be to do a "real-estate valuation" of the portions or "divisions" of each tribe and you will find that LEVI got the BETTER part of the entire inheritance.

Read the Book of Joshua from Chapter 12

 

 Tribe of Reuben

From Joshua 13: 15 - 23

Let's count the coasts, cities, suburbs and villages given.

I counted fourteen.

 Tribe of Gad

From Joshua 13: 24 - 28

I counted twelve and half. 

Half Tribe of Manasseh

Fro Joshua 13: 29 - 31

I counted twenty-three and half. 

Tribe of Levi 

From Joshua 13: 33

"But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them." {Joshua 13: 33}

Tribe of Judah

From Joshua 14 - 15: 6 - 20

Judah received the choicest part of the inheritance, with Jerusalem embedded in his inheritance. Later, we will discuss why this had to be so, based on Jacob's decree in Genesis 49.

Judah shared coasts with Edom. 

....Continue counting until you get to Joshua Chapter 20 and there you will also see Cities of Refuge or "Sanctuary Cities" as it is called in today's language. 

 Now, we get to Joshua Chapter 21 and this is the area of interest.

Principle =  "Tithing"

And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.{Joshua 21:2}

So ALL the 11 Tribes, gave LEVI each "tithe" of cities to dwell in and for their cattle - cities, suburbs and villages inclusive.

When you ADD UP all those cities, suburbs and villages that was given to LEVI's children, then you will understand that LEVI received the LARGER portion of the INHERITANCE.

Hence, whenever you hear that word "The Lord is My Inheritance" you must understand that it implies that I have the GREATER PORTION.

Look again at the hexagon in the above figure and notice the LOT of LEVI - the INNER hexagon. It is LARGER THAN all those tribes and it had to be so, seeing that it is LEVI who makes INTERCESSION on behalf of ALL the tribes before YHWH.

This is the Wisdom of G-d. 

As a Christian, you should give your tithes, offerings, etc donations to the "Priest" without grumbling.

Now, notice in  Joshua 21: 43- 45  what followed when ALL those tribes obeyed and did as commanded by G-d for the Priesthood("Ecclesiastes"). He is the Preacher, the Teacher and the Gatherer. 

They received REST(Shabbat) from G-d, and He fulfilled all His promises to them.

43. And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

44. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand.

45.There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

PRINCIPLES = "UNIFICATION", "TITHING","PRIESTHOOD", "ECCLESIASTES","OFFERING", "SHARING"

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Galatians 6:6 (KJV)

Lesson

When you share your "possession" with the "priest", then you are unified in the blessing of the body of Christ. It is ONE body, not multiple. He(Christ) is our High Priest(the Unification), according to a Priesthood founded on everlasting life - the Order of Melchizedek.

The Wings of the Spirit

Credit: Robert Otoole Photography

That phrase "the wings of the Spirit" refers to the transportation of the Holy Spirit.

It is also popularly referred to in scriptures as "eagles wings". 

In the prophets, G-d referred to it as the "high hill of Jacob". 

It simply refers to the place of REST where you rest and G-d by His Holy Spirit causes all things to work at your advantage. Hebrew 4:10

The Holy Spirit is the One who carries you on eagle's wings and causes you to walk on the high hills of Jacob. The Holy Spirit is the Abrahamic Advantage. 

The Abrahamic Advantage is The Holy Spirt

The Promise of the Father

Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Promise of the Father and the Comforter(see John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7).

A lot has been revealed about the Holy Spirit in the scriptures. He is the Spirit of G-d by which He recreated the whole world. 

Get a more accurate introduction of Who the Holy Spirit is in this Book - "Seven Things The Holy Spirit Will Do In You". 

What I like you to know about the Holy Spirit today, is the Holy Spirit is the Abrahamic Advantage.  

When Jesus said that you should seek the Kingdom of G-d and his righteousness and ALL THESE THINGS(Food, Shelter, Clothing and all the good things of life) will be added to you(Matthew 6:33), he was saying that your goal in life should be to RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Holy Spirit is the Righteousness of G-d.The Holy Spirit is the Kingdom of G-d on earth. 

The Holy Spirit is the promised inheritance to Abraham and his seed. See Galatians 3:18

The Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father. The Holy Spirit has one and same personality with Jesus. 

Both Jews and Gentile have been given the Promise of the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 3: 14

The Holy Spirit is the Promise of inheritance to Abraham. See Galatians 3:14

Jesus died on the cross and rose again, so that ALL OF MANKIND can receive the Holy Spirit who makes us the Children of G-d. See Galatians 3:22,26

How Do You Receive the Holy Spirit?

You receive the Holy Spirit by Faith only. See Galatians 3:2,22.

Simply Ask G-d to fill you with the Holy Spirit and receive Him by faith. 

Your salvation in Christ Jesus is the ONLY qualification(by faith) which you require to receive the Holy Spirit.

Do not make seeking THINGS(the good things of life) be your life's goal. Let your life's goal be to RECEIVE the Holy Spirit and Fellowship with Him. In Him is all the Good things of Life because by Him G-d made the whole world. He is the Abrahamic Advantage. 

Get and Read this Book NOW.  Seven Things The Holy Spirit Will Do In You. 

Pesach - PassOver - Easter

When is Passover in 2016?

If you ever find yourself asking this question: "When is Passover in 2016?" then you must know that

Passover 2016 begins in the evening of

Friday, April 22

and ends in the evening of

Saturday, April 30

 

This Holy Day is also known as Pesach(Hebrew) and falls on the Hebrew calendar dates of Nissan 15-22. 

Credit: theswordbearer.org

The PassOver is a major Shabbat as ordained by the Law given by G-d through Moses. And it falls in the 

month of Nissan or Abib which marked the beginning of months for Israel.  See Exodus 12:1-2

Jesus Christ was crucified on Friday, just before Shabbat(which is Saturday) and rose on Sunday(which is the  first

Day of the Week). See that in Luke 24:1 and the entire Luke 24th Chapter.

G-d gave the following signs on the Passover

• Darkness over Egypt, compare this to Luke 23:44 - 45
• Death aka Destroyer, see Exodus 12:23
• Blood of the Lamb of Passover, See Exodus 12: 3 - 7
• Earthquake, see Matthew 27: 50-52

The Darkness lasted for the space of 3 hours(See Luke 23: 44  - 45). 

Passover marks the Beginning of the year for Israel( also see Abib or the month of Nissan). 

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Communion

The Passover must be observed by taking the communion of the Blood and Body of the Lamb. See also as 

the Lord established with Israel in Exodus 12:6-8. We show forth the Lord's death till he comes back again.

The Lord Jesus himself, who is the Lamb of G-d that took away the sins of the whole world, established the Communion

with His Church on Passover night. See 1 Corinthians 11:23 - 26

Hence, the Passover must be observed by taking the Communion. For it is a memorial forever. See Exodus 12:14

See Jesus Christ having the Passover with his disciples on the first day of the Feast of unleavened bread. Matthew 16:17-29

Setting the Foundations in Order

It is important to set the foundations in order at this juncture. Irrespective of your religious inclinations, whether

Judaism, Catholicism, Pentecostalism, etc. it does not matter. What matters is what G-d's word has set forth.

Going to the Beginning of the Creations in Genesis, G-d created the worlds in six days and rested on the 

seventh day , which is Shabbat or Saturday.

On the first Day of creation, He commanded there to be Light, and then "divided" the Light or Day from Darkness

or Night. See Genesis 1:3-4. Also, you must note G-d's order of Day. It begins with "the Evening and the morning..."

On the First Day of Creation, which is a Sunday,and in the Month of Nissan, G-d created Light and separated it from Darkness.

G-d did same in Egypt when he passed over Israel and smite Egypt with Darkness and Death. Scripture records

that there was Light in the land of Goshen where Israel dwelt. 

"God Divided the Light from the Darkness"

We see the action of dividing the Light(Day) from the Darkenss(Night) occurred on the First Day of Creation,

in the month of Nissan. That First Day was a Sunday. According to Luke 14:1, Jesus Christ arose from the 

Dead on the First Day of the Week, in the month of Nissan or Aviv or Abib (or April). That is the month of Passover.

Hence, going by the account of Creation, G-d began His creation work in the Month of Nissan or April. 

You can see this in what he established for Israel in Exodus 12:2. It is in this month of April or Nissan that G-d also

slew the Passover Lamb, which was "slain from the Foundation of the World" in order to redeem man and divide

the Night from the Day. G-d used the slaying of the Passover Lamb to "divide" between Light(Day) and Darkness(Night).

The New Creation

Jesus Christ is that Lamb of Passover, who was slain at the Foundation(the head or beginning of Creation)

for Man's redemption. He rose from the Dead as G-d's firstborn. And He is the Beginning of the New Israel,

which is His Church and Firstborn.

G-d slew Pharaoh's Firstborn because he refused to release His Firstborn, which is Israel. 

Today, if you will accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour , then you will be numbered in the New Israel

named on high, even in the very heavens of G-d.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away

, behold, all things are become new."

Partake in His Passover

Mark this year's (2016) Easter or Passover or Pesach by partaking in the Communion and hence declare

His death and Lordship over your life, till He comes again.

Shalom!

Paul - The European(Cilicia in Turkey)

Paul was a Jew by birth and a Roman by citizenship. Hence, also a European.

"... I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city..." (Acts 21:39;Acts 20:27-28). 

Credit: kaloustian.eu

Paul the Great Apostle of Jesus Christ came head on with a Cyclone close to being a Hurricane known as Euroclydon on his way to Greece. The Eurocydon is also known as Euraquilo. 

If you like to learn a little about the dynamics that occurs with Sailors and their ships when caught in a Cyclone read Acts chapter 27. 

See what a Cyclone looks like below. Had the sailors listened to Paul they would not have been caught in the Euraquilo cyclone.

Credit: Wikipedia.org

Below is what their ship ,which borne 276 passengers, must have looked like inside the Cyclone.

Credit: subvertednation.net

See Euraquilo in Acts 27: 14. 

But the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ saved him and all 276 passengers from the horrible shipwreck that got them onto the island of Malta. 

Credit: Countryreports.org

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

Shanah Tovah! Welcome, ➄➆➆➅!

Rosh Hashanah this year is Sunday evening, September 13, 2015 - Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Today in Jeru-Salem is Friday, September 11, 2015

27 Elul, 5775

Elul is the sixth month in the Jewish Calendar. 

Rosh Hashanah occurs in the Seventh month of the Jewish or Hebrew Calendar. 

Leviticus 23: 23 - 25 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

Read more about Rosh Hashanah. 

Credit: freedomtrainministries.com

As we celebrate this New Year, let us remember that:

Acts 13:38

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man(Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Jewish 5th Letter - Hay

Hay or Hei

Credit: bje.org.au

Hay or Hei is the fifth letter of the Jewish aliph-beis. The "Hay" is the Speaker. The Gimmel is the Giver, while the Daleth is the Receiver.

Let's us pray the "Hay" Psalm of King David, Psalm 119

HE. Psalm 119: 33 - 40

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Listen for more on the Letter Hay at Chabad

The Letter hay also points to the Creation of the Birds, Sea Creatures and Fishes on the fifth day of Creation as contained in the Book of Genesis 

Genesis 1: 20 - 23 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Jegar–Sahadutha

Galeed - Mizpah - Jegar-Sahadutha

Genesis 31:47 - 49 (KJV) 

And Laban called it Jegar–sahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed...And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Credit: wordlive.org

Jegar-Sahadutha was what Laban called it. Israel aka Jacob called it Galeed and  Mizpah meaning that G-d who is spirit will watch this Covenant throughout generations.

Whether man keeps covenant or not, G-d will watch over covenants because He introduced himself as Keeper of Covenant to Moses. 

Exodus 34: 5 - 6

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Laban, Jacob's father-in-law was Syrian(Arab) and Jacob(Israel) was Hebrew. Jacob's wives and their maids were Syrian, so was Sarah and Laban was Sarah's brother. 

Please let's stop the hatred against the Arabs,  because of Galeed or Mizpah and let the Arabs stop hatred towards the Jews, because of Jegar-Sahadutha

Aliph-Beit - Letter Resh

The Letter  "Resh" signifies "Worship" "Humility"

credit: classconnection

This letter is a letter of the Hebrew of Aliph Beit, the Hebrew alphabet. What is the significance of this letter?

credit:waldereducationpavilion

It depicts a man who is "bent over". David depicts this letter "Resh" in the following verses of Psalm 119

Psalm 119   HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE G-D

153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154  Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Luke 13: 10 - 16  HUMBLE ESTATE

"And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?"


James 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Genesis 23:12  And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.

                                                                                         credit: lynnmosher.com

Genesis 24:52  And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.

Prayer

Are you bowed over in any area of your life? 

Humble yourself before G-d and look up to Him, humble yourself before Him and He will raise you up.

Month of Confessions

Zayin

credit:cram.com

The "Zayin" is the seventh letter of the aleph-beit. We can listen to know more about the significance of this "seventh" letter of the aleph-beth below. Source: chabad.org

Psalm 119: 49 - 56

Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.

Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.

This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

Tishri Comes!

Whether man likes it or not G-d has appointed times in which He visits his earth.

According to Genesis " While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

In today's discussion, we are looking at "Summer".

Credit: treasureboxmy.blogspot.com

From the above Hebrew Calendar , which is indeed G-d calendar, we see that the "arid" seasons fall from July till September. And in it is in this period where the "Grape" harvest is done.

I remember alerting us in the last post that this season marks "Harvest and Judgement"

See that in the Book of Revelations Chapter 14 verse 18

And the wine press was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Revelations 14 verse 20

According the Jewish calendar, as we see in Leviticus 23: 1 -end. The month of Tishri also the Seventh month has the following feasts or "seasons" in it.

Leviticus 23: 1 ¶  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

3  Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

4 ¶  These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Credit: www3.telus.net

It is in this month of Tishri which falls within September/October that Israel is expected to celebrate the following feasts:

1. Feast of Trumpets - September 14 - 15 { Leviticus 23: 23 - 25}

2. Day of Atonement - September 23  - 24{ Leviticus 23: 26 - 32}

3. Feast of Booths or Tabernacles - September 29 - October 5 { Leviticus 23: 33 - 43}

4. The Last Great Day - Eight Day - October 5 - 6 { Leviticus 23: 39}

Now, what is the significance of all these?

Joshua defeated Jericho by the principle of the "shofar" or "trumpets" combined with the principle of the "Shabbat". And this year 2015 is the Year of Release , also known as Shemittah. 

At the Feast of Booths, and on the "Last Day" also known as "Eight Day" Jesus declared

" 37 ¶  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7: 37 - 38)

Have you Jesus now? He will give you the "Living Water" RECEIVE HIM TODAY

We also see the "Shofars" or "Trumpets"  sounding in Heaven , in the Book of Revelations 

Revelations 8:2  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

Revelations 8:6  And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

This season, calls for sobriety and repentance and prayer as G-d will visit his world again during this cycle closing or Revolution. 

Some of Events that have occurred at this forthcoming period of "Complete Revolution or Cycle" are as follows:

Jasher 6: 38

" And at the revolution of the year, when a full year was completed to Noah's dwelling in the ark, the waters were dried from off the earth, and Noah put off the covering of the ark."

Jasher 7: 11

" And at the revolution of the year the children of Tubal went and hired about ten thousand men from those cities that were near them, and they went to war with the children of Chittim."

Jasher 21: 19

And at the revolution of the year Abimelech king of the Philistines died in that year; he was one hundred and ninety-three years old at his death; and Abraham went with his people to the land of the Philistines, and they comforted the whole household and all his servants, and he then turned and went home.

Jasher 41: 1

And at the revolution of the year the sons of Jacob journeyed from Shechem, and they came to Hebron, to their father Isaac, and they dwelt there, but their flocks and herds they fed daily in Shechem, for there was there in those days good and fat pasture, and Jacob and his sons and all their household dwelt in the valley of Hebron.

Jasher 45: 29

"And at the revolution of the year, Aliyath the wife of Judah died; and Judah was comforted for his wife, and after the death of Aliyath, Judah went up with his friend Hirah to Timnah to shear their sheep.

Jasher 50: 7 

And at the revolution of the year, in the second year of Joseph's reigning over Egypt, the Lord gave great plenty throughout the land for seven years as Joseph had spoken, for the Lord blessed all the produce of the earth in those days for seven years, and they ate and were greatly satisfied. 

Jasher 61: 23

" And at the revolution of the year the troops of Africa continued coming

to the land of Chittim to plunder as usual, and Zepho son of Eliphaz 

heard their report, and he gave orders concerning them and he fought 

with them, and they fled before him, and he delivered the land of Chittim 

from them."

Jasher 62: 14

"And at the revolution of the year, when the rest of the people of

Midian that were in the land heard that all their brethren had fallen in 

battle with Hadad for the sake of Moab, because the children of Moab 

had turned their backs in battle and left Midian to fight, then five of the

princes of Midian resolved with the rest of their brethren who remained in

their land, to fight with Moab to avenge the cause of their brethren."

1 Kings  8:2  And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.