Beit Midrash, a house of study

Beit Midrash, a house of study We are a house of study were everyone knows your name. To participate, you need a bible, a dictionary, notebook, pen or pencil and an open mind.

There are different levels of partaking of water. Some people only seeking to wade in and splash around. Others seek to snorkel and stay near the surface. Then there are those of us who seek to dive deep to see the wonders of god’s creation. This is what Beit Midrash is about. Where others seek to only talk about the Word of God by reading and discussing the chapter, we seek to understand His Word

fully by letting His Word explain itself. There is a line going through the Word like a puzzle. It connects the beginning to the end. Yes, a person can figure out a puzzle by themselves but when a group works on it together with a skilled facilitator, then wonderful truths are discovered (see Proverbs 20:5). This takes a willingness and commitment (see Hebrews 10:19-25). If this is what you seek, then you are welcomed. Al that you need is a bible, dictionary, concordance and pen and paper. This is a school, not a church gathering. At Beit Midrash we not only sing and give praise, but we study and learn to grow together as per Yahshua’s prayer (see John 4:20-24 and John 17:14-23). We do more than drink milk here (see1 Corinthians 3:2-8, 1 Corinthians 13:9-13. And Hebrews 5:12-14

08/28/2026

The Word for Today: True growth recognizes what to keep and what to discard.

Philippians 3:7-8
Complete Jewish Bible

“But the things that used to be advantages for me, I have, because of the Messiah, come to consider a disadvantage. Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yahshua as my Lord. It was because of Him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah.”

Have you ever packed and eventually realized that you brought to much baggage? This occurs mentally for as we grow and mature, through all of our experiences, we accumulate a great deal. What was needed years or decades ago may no longer have a need in our life. Especially if it brings us down or keeps us entrapped in a unhealthy comfort zone. As 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 illustrates, what was learned as children no longer is needed as we mature.

The best way to determine what needs to be discarded is by using the complete scriptures as a measuring guide, examine what assists in trusting Yahweh as compared to self. As illustrated in Psalm 139:23-24, being open to and allowing His Spirit to provide awareness will assist in this quest. As illustrated in 1 Kings 3:4-10 and 1 Peter 5:6-9, this requires a humble and honest assessment of self. This is where many struggle because they mistakenly believe that by holding onto their immature survival skills that they acquired through their early and traumatic years will keep them warm at night as they relive their fears. All that this does is keep a wall up between them and Yahweh.

As Shaul followed the exhortation found in Proverbs 3:5-6, as Philippians 4:11-13, he developed faith in all aspects of his life. Instead of dependence upon self or others, he was open to hearing and following Yahweh's Spirit, as he states in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 by imitating Yahshua (Luke 22:42). Today, take time to consider where you are and what keeps you there. Is it giving Yahweh glory or yourself. Remember the exhortation found in scriptures such as Ecclesiastes 12:12-14, 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23.

08/27/2026

The Word for Today: In life, there are 3 choices. Choose wisely.

Joshua 5:13-14
Complete Jewish Bible

“One day, when Y’hoshua was there by Yericho, he raised his eyes and looked; and in front of him stood a man with his drawn sword in his hand. Y’hoshua went over to him and asked him, “Are you on our side or on the side of our enemies?” “No,” he replied, “but I am the commander of Adonai’s army; I have come just now.” Y’hoshua fell down with his face to the ground and worshipped him, then asked, “What does my lord have to say to his servant?”

When a person prepares for a battle, their senses are high. They are prepared and alert. They are probably suspicious of everyone around them, especially strangers with a weapon in their hand. Common sense would dictate attack before being attacked. This is the way of the world.

Joshua, as a warrior, was contemplating the goal in front of him. As he analyzed the situation, he noticed an armed person. Unlike most of us, Joshua followed the exhortation of James 1:19 to ascertain what the stranger brought. Each of us needs to consider the "stranger's" reply. Especially if a person claims to be a true follower of Yahweh. The stranger presented Joshua with 3 choices, similar to those in Joshua 24:14-15. And consider this: as the stranger stated that he was of God, the sword he carried was the sword of truth (Ephesians 6:17).

In our current "time zone," as many become allied with political groups, they join in with their platforms and philosophical dogma. The choices that are offered are either "left" or "right." As God stated to Jonah in Jonah 4:9-11, He is concerned with those who only give themselves 2 choices. This is called grace, which is the basis of patience that is derived from love (2 Peter 3:8-9). As many choose to follow one side or the other, it creates conflict that is fueled by fear. As believers, we should shun the traditions of man, for as illustrated by Matthew 16:23 and James 4:4, following them leads to separation from God.

As illustrated by Yahshua in Matthew 22:19-21, our only obligation lies in adhering to man's laws that do not contradict Torah. Thus, instead of joining in the judgment of either party, judge the decisions of the leadership to see if it is aligned with Yahweh or man. Most will find that both sides of the aisle are out of alignment with Torah. Thus, as illustrated in Proverbs 29:18, as the leadership ignores Torah, those who follow do not follow it either. Read Exodus chapter 32, Numbers chapter 14, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 for better understanding. Don’t jump off the ship of safety into the waters of confusion (Revelation 17:15).

08/26/2026

The Word for Today: A teacher will teach when students arrive.

1 Corinthians 7:1
Complete Jewish Bible

“Now to deal with the questions you wrote about: “Is it good for a man to keep away from women?”

Frederick Douglass stated that, "it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." This is because if adults mature physically, but fail to keep their minds and perceptions open, they develop pride that prohibits growth. I have observed this paradigm throughout my career. Especially among those who claim to a faith-based life. The common phrase they use is "based on my opinion" which they only see life through their experiences. Yahshua illustrates these types in Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 4:21-28.

Consider the situation that Shaul is dealing with in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. The opening text illustrates how a group of adults asked him to give them the "s*x talk." These aren't virgins but physically mature adults who received inaccurate information. Possibly, like many of us, the information that we received from adults focused only on how to avoid pregnancy or an STD. But understanding the how and why of the intimacy and responsibilities of engaging in a s*xual relationship was avoided. As illustrated in Exodus 20:5 and Joshua 5:4-7, as parents did not learn, how could they teach their generations. Unfortunately, as alluded to previously, as many of us acquired our understanding through trial and error, our understanding is based on gathering information from gossip, inaccurate media portrayals, and unhealthy relationships.

Like many other instances in our lives, in opposition to Proverbs 3:5 that exhorts believers to avoid using their own understanding, many become equal to God and refuse to humble themselves and open their minds to learning. Although they have experienced unhealthy and painful experiences, unlike the believers in the city of Corinth, they refuse to ask for help. Thus, as illustrated in James 4:2-3, many have not because in their pride and shame, they will not ask for help. The interesting aspect is that although Yahweh has placed teachers and instructors for education, as stated in Jeremiah 29:8-9, many only seek those who speak to their vanity and pride.

As illustrated in Mark 6:5-6, many never receive complete healing because of the lack of humility needed. As illustrated in 2 Kings 5:1-14, unless a person develops "child-like" trust, they will not get healed. As they struggle with their pride, they will argue, challenge, ignore, and defend themselves to their detriment. What a sad situation this is. Especially for those who brag about their relationship with Yahweh. As illustrated in Matthew 21:28-32, many will watch others whom they consider less than them receive God's healing and peace. As with every area of life, it comes down to a choice. Your way or Yahweh (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). As illustrated in 1 Peter 5:5-10, without true humility, a person does not have the ability to ask for help. Thus, as illustrated in Ephesians 6:12, their learning will come from other spirits.

08/25/2026

The Word for Today: As the sun never moves, whose responsibility is it how you see your life?

James 1:16-20
Complete Jewish Bible

“Don’t delude yourselves, my dear brothers. Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with Him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning. Having made His decision, He gave birth to us through a Word that can be relied upon, in order that we should be a kind of first fruits of all that He created. Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry; for a person’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness!”

As per Genesis chapter 1, since the beginning of time, everything was set in a perfect order. Unfortunately, because we want to walk our own way, perfection has been disrupted. Instead of seeing life through Yahweh's eyes, our vision has become narrowed. As illustrated by Jonah in Jonah 4:4-11, we see only from our perception and ignore how God sees. As John 9:39-41 shows, this is why so many who claim to see are, in reality, blind. As stated in Matthew 15:7-14, many then teach others to be blind (Romans 1:22-32).

As alluded to in other teachings, as stated in Proverbs 22:6, this begins within the homes. The foundation of education is based upon how healthy and faithful the parents are. If parents are absent, angry, compromised, inconsistent, and/or uneducated about the spiritual reality of life, the children will follow in their pattern. As illustrated in 1 Samuel 3:1-11, unless a child is open to seeking and hearing God's voice, they will seek the comfortable ways of their parents. As illustrated in Luke 2:40-52, when a child makes the decision to follow Yahweh, they continue to grow. This is what is meant in the scripture Matthew 18:3.

As stated in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, Luke 14,27, and John 12:24, unless a person dies to their perceptions, they only grow physically. In their pride-based fear of change, they will remain in the comfortable grave of ignorance as they hold onto teachings that are based on death, not life. Any teaching that seeks to place one over another is a teaching that is not of life. As stated in Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 5:1-2, Genesis 9:5-6, Romans 10:12, and Revelation 7:9, as all men are in the image of God, who then has the authority to decide who is the greater over others? As 1 John 4:18-21 states, if a person or group of people teach otherwise, God's Spirit is not in them (1 John 4:1).

08/24/2026

The Word for Today: Are you a victim of your parent's second hand "smoke?"

Joshua 5:5-7

“All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land He had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So He raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way.”

In obedience to the 5th Commandment, many of us ignore the fact that we have parents who lie, steal, cheat, and engage in substance use and abuse. Parents who put us in danger by keeping us in the midst of abuse and domestic violence. Parents who brought multiple men and women into our homes for companionship but never taught us the true meaning of love and s*x. Thus, as illustrated in the opening scriptures, it is we that must endure painful growth because of their failures. Ezekiel 16:43-45 illustrates this well for the generational curse of miseducation flows from parents throughout their generations because as stated in Exodus 20:3-5, our parents acted like God instead of trusting God.

Comparing Exodus 20:5 with John 14:15 illustrates that when parents live contrary to God's ways, in essence they hate God. Unfortunately, they indirectly teach us the same mindset which is illustrated in scriptures such as Proverbs 30:11-14 and Romans 1:18-32. As we have been incorrectly taught to honor our parents means to obey, many of us are so full of guilt and hurt when we become angry at our parents that we punish ourselves through self-medication and self-defeating behaviors designed to blur our memories of our parent's failures. This is because of the dysfunctional teaching of don't talk about what goes on in the house, this creates the secondary rules of "don't trust" and "don't feel" which make us enablers and just as sick as our parents. As
we learned to ignore and live with their dishonesty, we learned to adapt to their inconsistencies. Unfortunately, we now teach their grandchildren in the same manner that they taught us. Thus, the dysfunctional cycle continues.

As exhorted in Matthew 10:34-37, what must occur is to love Yahweh more than our parents. This doesn't mean hate and seek revenge on them but confront the truth of our parent's failures in their inability to love themselves by trusting God. This will take courage because going against the generational curses will alienate some of us from the family. We will be considered the "black sheep," and as illustrated in John 9:18-34, this honesty may possibly result in being exiled. Using the spirit within Matthew 18:6-9, it is better to lose face with your family than to join them in their consequences. Remember the illustration in Exodus 32:25-29 for choosing God over your blood leads to being set apart for honor. Read and understand Matthew 12:46-50.

08/23/2026

The Word for Today: Beware of those who focus on your strengths.

Judges 16:4-6
Complete Jewish Bible

“After this, he fell in love with a woman who lived in the Sorek Valley, whose name was D’lilah. The chiefs of the P’lishtim went up to her and said, “Coax him into telling you where his great strength comes from and how we can overcome him, so that we can tie him up and subdue him. If you do, each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver.” D’lilah said to Shimshon, “Please tell me what it is that makes you so strong, and how someone could tie you up and subdue you.”

As illustrated in scriptures such as Proverbs 29:5 and Romans 16:18, people who use flattery do so to gain the confidence of others. Unfortunately, they do so to the detriment of their victim. As Yahshua illustrated in Mark 10:17-18, when a person receives "compliments," they should first pause and question the motive behind it. As stated in 1 Timothy 3:6, those who are deceptive will use flattery to fill their victims up, which sets them up for destruction as exhorted in John 10:10.

Instead of following the wisdom found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, those who choose to travel through life focused on their strengths are easily led into situations where their strengths are used against them. As illustrated in Judges 16:16-21, this is what led to Samson's fall, for in his pride and self-confidence, he was blind and then blinded. As stated in 1 Peter 5:5-8, the inability to see the true spirit within those who use flattery will lead to becoming prey (Genesis 3:1-6).

As illustrated in scriptures such as Nehemiah 6:1-8, learning to trust in the mission at hand keeps a person from focusing on the distractions of those whose goal is to disrupt and destroy the work a person has been given. As illustrated in 1 Kings 13:7-24 and John 6:60-71, there are those who appear to be united, but they are not. As Micah 7:1-6 and Matthew 10:34-36 illustrate, those who are closest to a person are the ones who know how to flatter a person. They are the ones who should be trusted the least (1 John 4:1).

Today, as stated in scriptures such as Romans 12:1-3, develop a sober and realistic awareness of yourself. This doesn't mean to judge yourself harshly but rather, as stated earlier, identify and accept your shortcomings. By doing so, it will allow His Spirit to assist you in your discernment of those who seek your destruction. As illustrated in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, understand the fact that abusers are constantly on the prowl looking for victims, and their best method is to appear harmless. As illustrated in 2 Timothy 3:7, this is how they get in so easily because they feed on the needs of others who struggle with their self-confidence. Not everything that tastes or sounds good is for you.

08/22/2026

The Word for Today: The cycle of abuse.

Malachi 2:13-16
Complete Jewish Bible

“Here is something else you do: you cover Adonai’s altar with tears, with weeping and with sighing, because He no longer looks at the offering or receives your gift with favor. Nevertheless, you ask, “Why is this?” Because Adonai is witness between you and the wife of your youth that you have broken faith with her, though she is your companion, your wife by covenant. And hasn’t he made [them] one [flesh] in order to have spiritual blood-relatives? For what the one [flesh] seeks is a seed from God. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and don’t break faith with the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce,” says Adonai the God of Isra’el, “and him who covers his clothing with violence,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot. Therefore, take heed to your spirit,
and don’t break faith.”

Abuse is about maintaining power and control. Through mental, physical, or spiritual means. As the scriptures were written to believers, it is within churches and congregations that the greatest incidents of abuse occur. Especially regarding emotional abuse. Within an abusive relationship, a cycle develops. The cycle consists of build-up, then the incident, then the remorse that is called the "honeymoon," for this is when the abuser seeks to make up for the damage they caused. During the remorse/honeymoon phase, the victims are lured into a false sense of peace because the abuser apologizes, appears attentive, is cooperative, helpful, and at times is a gift giver. Unfortunately, it is part of their manipulative behavior, for they are extremely cunning and skilled as the serpent in Genesis 3:1-6 (Genesis 3:13 and 2 Timothy 3:5-7).

As the abuser regains the trust of their victims, as the victims relax, the abuser then returns to their need to control. This begins in the build-up phase, when the abuser begins to nag, complain, and analyze everything the victims do. This is designed to make the victims nervous and unsure; when a victim carries guilt, they engage in self-judgment. This opens the door to the abuse.

To reestablish control, the abuser will engage in nonviolent behaviors in the areas of s*x, financial, child rearing, mental, intimidation, coercion and threats, privilege, isolation, and minimization of their victims through blaming or ignoring them. As this cycle becomes routine, children learn the dysfunctional traits that have been passed down through the generational curses of miseducation. Thus, as illustrated in Exodus 20:5-6, instead of developing a healthy fear of God, the children develop a human-based fear of God (Ephesians 6:1-4).

To the abusers who engage in the ritualistic behaviors of false repentance, understand that, as stated in Isaiah 1:10-15, Yahweh is not fooled. As stated in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Proverbs 16:2, God knows the inner person. As in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, those who are abusers are devils with false light, for they teach with forked tongues. And God knows them very well, as illustrated in Matthew 16:23; He sees insincerity in all. Stop the insanity and the revolving door of false repentance. Stop the cycle of abuse by freeing those who are trapped in the prison of abuse. Victims run not only for your life but for your sanity. For as long as you continue to judge yourself without knowledge, you are nothing but prey for your abuser. As exhorted in Proverbs 3:5 and Proverbs 20:5, seek help with an open mind. Especially when children are at risk.

08/21/2026

The Word for Today: How trustworthy are your kisses?

Luke 22:47-48
Complete Jewish Bible

“While He was still speaking, a crowd of people arrived, with the man called Y’hudah (one of the Twelve!) leading them. He came up to Yahshua to kiss Him, but Yahshua said to Him, “Y’hudah, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

1 Corinthians 16:20 exhorts believers to greet each other with a "holy" kiss. The definition of holy means to be "morally pure," "sacred," or "set apart for God." A kiss is meant to show warm affection, fond regard, or deep connection given to people who share a common bond. As many know and/or have experienced in a marriage ceremony, the couple is requested to kiss to display to the witnesses that they are now united as one. Thus, kisses are a sign of a vow of commitment.

However, within scriptures and life, kisses can be deceptive. They can be used to set up a person for their demise. Consider Judges chapter 16, in which Delilah set up Samson for his capture. Or in Proverbs 7:10-27, in which the unfaithful wife kisses to lure her victim to her "chamber of death." As illustrated in Proverbs 30:20, many who use the kiss to deceive and lure others away for selfish and potentially harmful results have no remorse regarding their behaviors.

As exampled in John 6:70-71 and John 15:15-16, how many have selected people, like Judas, who kiss? A better question would be how many kiss, knowing that there is no true sincerity in it towards the one they are kissing (or sleeping with)? As warned in both Micah 7:1-6 and Matthew 10:34-36, this is a reality that many have or will experience. As stated in Matthew 24:4-12 and 2 Timothy 3:1-7, in these times, intimacy will open the door to treachery. As Yahshua warns His true followers in John 15:18-25, as illustrated by Judas with Yahshua, as He was betrayed by a kiss, learn to stay on guard for who kisses you. Using both 1 John 4:1 and 1 John 4:20-21, know that not every kiss is of true love.

08/20/2026

The Word for Today: How far does your trust go?

Matthew 8:19-20
Complete Jewish Bible

“A Torah-teacher approached and said to Him, “Rabbi, I will follow You wherever you go.” Yahshua said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds flying about have nests, but the Son of Man has no home of His own.”

In John Milton's poem, "Paradise Lost," Satan states, " It is better to rule in hell than serve in Heaven." This is the sentiment and mindset of many who claim to follow Proverbs 3:5-6. This is because, unlike the few who follow Yahshua, many who are in distress, instead of coming out of their comfort zone of misery, as the children of Israel illustrated in Numbers chapters 13 and 14, would rather serve in slavery than trust Yahweh. Consider the faith of Yahshua as He walked doing His Father's will. He voluntarily became homeless.

I remember the day very well. After following God's directive to leave my home and travel across the country, after the job I thought I had revoked their offer, after I ran out of money to keep my room, I drove down the street desperately looking for "for rent" signs because I could accept that God called me to become homeless. As I drove to my "future home," at a parking lot in front of Planet Fitness, with tears streaming down my face, I struggled with the reality that I was now homeless. Yes, I thought about going on to the airport. I knew that my wife would send me a plane ticket. But, deep down, I wanted to trust and stay the course. No matter what I was about to endure. My investment in faith was rewarded beyond my wildest dreams.

As stated in Philippians 2:5-9, Yahshua showed to all who not only call Him Lord but also follow Yahweh instead of fear that He will also give what He promised. So many who are in situations that are not only uncomfortable but unhealthy struggle with leaving all behind. This is because true faith requires not seeing visible evidence or proof. Thus, as illustrated by Thomas in John 20:24-29, many believers' faith melts when they are faced with fear. Instead of moving on in faith, they stay in their comfortable misery they have grown accustomed to. As illustrated in Proverbs 31:3-7, they have found their strength in the ways of the world.

Consider the faith of people like Moses as illustrated in Exodus 3:11-12, for only by going through would he know that it was God who was leading him. Unless a believer is willing to "walk the talk," as illustrated in John 6:60-66, they will find other gods to direct them (Joshua 24:14-15). Today, as Hebrews 4:14-16 illustrates, place your fears with the One who put His in His Father's hands. Remember not only Yahshua's prayer in the garden, but also His directives He gave His followers in Luke 9:1-6. As illustrated in John 17:14-21, seek to be united in faith instead of joining the world in fear. Stop just reading scriptures and learn to live them. As I was given this fact recently, "It is a fool who reads an open book with a closed mind."

08/19/2026

The Word for Today: Are you open to a predator?

2 Timothy 3:6-7
Complete Jewish Bible

“For some of them worm their way into homes and get control of weak-willed women who are heaped with sins and swayed by various impulses, who are always learning but never able to come to full knowledge of the truth.”

As stated in John 10:10, a thief, as a predator, seeks to steal, which kills and destroys the spirit. If a person is a victim of a "random" crime, although they were stalked, they were usually a victim of "chance." However, regarding the instances of abuse and domestic violence, the predator, as illustrated in Genesis 3:1-7, is shrewd, deceptive, and cunning. The predator is patient, watching and listening carefully as it sets its victim up for capture. As illustrated by people like Jim Jones. Hi**er, and David Koresh, this occurs especially among politicians and religious leaders. As the power of influence is the key that opens the door to abuse, many who study and follow in their ways develop the same traits.

As illustrated in the opening text, the predator feeds upon victims who have the following traits that began in childhood. They seek victims who easily rationalize, feel guilty, are caretakers, are isolated from healthy support, are self-blaming, self-critical, have an intense need to please and be accepted, and come from a dysfunctional family system.

The predator has traits of being an account builder, as they do; they expect repayment. They are in denial about their feelings. They are selfish, insecure, blaming, enforce their rules, demanding, extremely manipulative, not able to accept responsibility, and, like their victims, they come from a dysfunctional family system.

As both the predator's and their victim's traits align together, when they join in a union, such as marriage, as illustrated in Genesis 4:17-24, through generational curses, they then pass to others their miseducation on to not only their children, but throughout the family (Exodus 20:3-6 and Proverbs 22:6). Although most predators are male, as illustrated in biblical characters such as Delilah, Jezebel, and the woman in Proverbs chapter 7, some females are predators also. This is because, like their male counterparts, they use their "tools" to blind their victims to come under their seductive influence.

Unfortunately, until a victim escapes both physically and mentally, they will remain a prisoner of circumstances. As illustrated in Matthew 15:8-14, many victims of predators are led because of their blindness. Until the victim seeks with open eyes, they will only see how their predator sees. Thus, as illustrated in scriptures such as Numbers chapter 14 and Revelation 20:7-10, the predator will lead their victims into destruction. As exhorted within Proverbs 20:5, only seeking professional intervention can assist victims to acquire freedom.

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