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Friday, April 10, 2026

Dr. Kurt Wise - Amazing Scientist Revealing Truth!

The Scientist Who Chose the Word: The Story of Dr. Kurt F.Wise

The other day I was led to discover a fascinating scientist and send him an odd prayer request. What prayer request did I send Dr. Kurt  F. Wise? What prayer request would you ask of him?

Dr. Kurt F. Wise - A Wise Scientific Theologist

"The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of Holy Ones is understanding." — Mishlei (Proverbs) 9:10 (CJB)

I was very surprised to discover that when Dr. Wise attended Harvard his Ph.D. advisor had been none other than Stephen Jay Gould, one of the top evolution scientists of the 20th century. It is rare to see someone reach the very pinnacle of secular academia while holding fast to a literal belief in Genesis, but Dr. Wise did exactly that. It is a testament to his character that he earned such high honours from a world-renowned institution without compromising his convictions.

Open Bible with scissors on a wooden desk in a library, representing Dr. Kurt Wise’s "scissors test" and faith.
The choice that changed everything: Dr. Kurt Wise’s "scissors test" and the pursuit of biblical truth.

Our Father Knows the Need: Turning Chickpeas into Chicken (Based on Matthew 6:8)

Turning Chickpeas into Chicken - A Mini- Kitchen Miracle!

The Story Behind The Recipe

Mattityahu (Mat) 6:7-8 CJB [7] “And when you pray, don’t babble on and on like the pagans, who think God will hear them better if they talk a lot. [8] Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him. https://bible.com/bible/1275/mat.6.7-8.CJB

Sometimes, a simple survey can lead to a spiritual spark. After answering a few questions about restaurants, I found myself craving the savoury crunch of KFC nuggets - something I haven't eaten in several years. Later that evening, I followed the urging of the spirit within me to start boiling some water in a little shallow cast iron pan in my toaster oven and take the channa flour out of my cupboard. When I was finished with this recipe - it was a delightful reminder of how much my Heavenly Father loves me. Here is my Holy Spirit inspired recipe for Fake KFC Nuggets for One - perfect for The Feast of Unleavened Bread.

A close-up of golden-brown, irregular-shaped meatless nuggets made from channa flour cooking in a dark cast iron skillet.
My savoury "Fake KFC Nuggets" browning in the cast iron pan—the "tiny spoon" method creates those perfect craggy, crispy edges!

Curious about the recipe and wondering why it turned out so delicious, I asked AI on Google Search about the recipe - was it original? Apparently- yes! I also wondered how these simple ingredients could possibly turn out to taste like chicken nuggets - afterall chana flour tastes a bit like starchy fresh peas! Here is the recipe and what I found out about why it turned out so delicious!

Friday, April 3, 2026

Easter—Is a Pagan Decree Short-Changing You?

Seeking Truth-Exploring Easter Traditions

Welcome to Turtledove Thoughts. In a world full of loud traditions and bright storefronts, it is easy to lose sight of the narrow path. Today, we are pulling back the veil on one of the most widely accepted religious holidays to see if its foundations align with the Word of our Creator or the decrees of men. It is time to ask: are these traditions bringing us closer to the Father, or are they a costly distraction from the life He intended for us?

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that align with the values of this blog.

A comparative graphic titled "Passing Over Easter," contrasting a traditional Biblical Passover Seder plate with a modern Easter basket. The left side features unleavened bread, wine, and a scripture from Exodus 12:14 (CJB), while the right side shows Easter bunnies, eggs, and a symbol of Constantine’s Council of Nicaea (AD 325).
Comparing the eternal decree of the Biblical Passover with the human traditions of Easter established at the Council of Nicaea.


Table of Contents


Constantine: The Man Who Swapped the Holy for the Solar

Thursday, April 2, 2026

2026 Pesach Tips For Ill or Exhausted Believers

Grace in the Crumbs: Observing Passover When the Flesh is Weak

Tonight is the yearly Passover Seder. Our Messiah observed this special meal with his disciples. Each year, I want to be more like Him. This year it was put into my heart to try to start properly observing Pesach. Unfortunately—the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I have been very weak for 3 months and last week I had a terrible pain attack that reminded me of my last heart attack. Needless to say—I have not managed to dispose of my chametz.

A blurry, abstract gradient transition from deep black on the right to a soft, diffused light grey on the left like a beam of light illuminating a very dark place.
The Light Shone in the Darkness

I was led to read a scripture in B'Midbar(Numbers 9) about getting a month's grace if you are on holiday or unclean because of exposure to a dead body. If I had the money and energy I'd be very tempted to fly away to a chametz-free tidy house.

In despair I sought advice from Gemini AI about what a Messianic believer could do who was just plum tuckered out.


A Note of Grace (Disclaimer)

The following information is intended for spiritual encouragement and practical support for those facing physical limitations. It is not medical advice. If you are experiencing health struggles, please prioritize your doctor’s instructions and physical recovery above any ritual cleaning or fasting.

Table of Contents

  1. The "Close and Pray" Method
  2. Spiritual Nullification: The Kol Chamira
  3. The "Second Chance" Provision (B'midbar (Numbers) 9)
  4. A Messianic Perspective on the "Leaven of the Heart"
  5. A Seder for the Weary
  6. A Prayer for Healing and Rest

Affiliate Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and resources that I truly believe in and that align with the heart of this blog.


1. The "Close and Pray" Method

When you are physically unable to scrub or haul away bags of groceries, Jewish tradition offers a practical "workaround" called isolating the chametz.

  • The Strategy: Designate specific cupboards or a pantry shelf for leavened items (bread, pasta, crackers).
  • The Action: Simply tape them shut and consider them "off-limits" for the week. This physically and symbolically separates the leaven from your living space without requiring the physical toll of deep cleaning. (Surprisingly I was led to do that last year at Passover. I had absolutely no idea why I was tying off my cupboards with bunji cords in the middle of the hectic move into my new home!)

2. Spiritual Nullification: The Kol Chamira

There is a traditional legal declaration called Kol Chamira used to renounce ownership of any leaven you might have missed. For those too ill to search, this is a lifesaver. You can pray this simple version:

"Lord, I nullify any leaven in my home. May any crumbs or bread I was unable to remove be considered 'ownerless' and as 'dust of the earth.' I release my ownership of it to honour Your feast."

3. The "Second Chance" Provision : B'midbar (Numbers) 9

I was led to a scripture about a "month's grace"—this is actually a biblical provision called Pesach Sheni (Second Passover). In B'midbar / Numbers 9:10-11, Creator explicitly tells Moshe that if someone is "on a journey" or "unclean", they can observe Pesach exactly one month later. Its wonderful to know He loves us so much that He literally built a backup plan for His people when they are physically unable to meet the requirements on time.

4. A Messianic Perspective on the "Leaven of the Heart"

As Messianic believers, we know Yeshua (Jesus) is the ultimate "unleavened" bread. While the physical cleaning is a beautiful shadow, the substance is found in Him. You can read more about this spiritual connection in my previous post, 2026 Matzah Musings: Messiah in the Passover.

If you can’t clean your kitchen, let the Holy Spirit "clean" your heart. Rather than physical labour spend your limited energy in quiet prayer like this one from "Tehillim (Psa) 26:2 CJB Examine me, Adonai, test me, search my mind and heart. https://bible.com/bible/1275/psa.26.2.CJB .

5. A Seder for the Weary

If a full meal is too much, remember the "One Matzah Seder." Eat a piece of matzah and have a cup of grape juice while reading Luk 22:14–20. Reflecting on His sacrifice is the heart of the night.

6. A Prayer for Healing and Rest

“Lord, I thank You that You are the Healer. Just as the Israelites were protected by the blood of the lamb, I ask for Your protection over my heart and body. I release the stress of these traditions into Your hands. Thank You for the grace to celebrate You even in my weakness. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.”


Passover Sheni is at the end of April this year.Im praying to be able to have what I need to celebrate Passover Sheni this year. Thanks for popping into my blog - be blessed
~ Su

About the Author

(AI Generated) A seeker of truth trying to walk in the footsteps of our Messiah, one day at a time. The journey at Turtledove Thoughts is about finding the "still, small voice" of God in the midst of chronic illness and the busyness of life. Sometimes, that means learning that His "yoke is easy and His burden is light"—even during Passover.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Which Bible Translation is Closest to the Original? My Surprising Choice

Which English translation of the Bible has the closest meaning to the original texts? 

open and stacked on top of each other.   The top Bible is open to a page with the heading "Judas betrays," showing verses related to the betrayal of Jesus. The bottom Bible is open to a page discussing "the worldview of tribal times" and the book of Joshua.   Two black banners with white text are superimposed over the center of the image. The text in the top banner says, "Seeking Truth" and "Which Translation is Best?" while the second, thinner banner at the bottom contains the URL "TurtleDoveThoughts.blogspot.com".
Searching English Bible Translations- Looking for the Version Closest to the Original Meaning 


To my way of thinking, it would be one translated by someone who grew up living in the rich culture of the original texts—someone who understands the idioms of the original language. 

I believe Dr. David H. Stern, MDiv, created an English translation that is exactly what I am looking for. Please pray for David and his family - they are now living in Israel

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!


The Story Behind The Complete Jewish Bible

The other day, I was led to read a sample from The Complete Jewish Bible here on Amazon. What I discovered as I poured through the introduction (starting at location 300) made me want to take a much closer look at this translation

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Who Translated the Complete Jewish Bible?

David H. Stern, born in Los Angeles in 1935, is the great-grandson of two of that city's first twenty Jews. He earned a Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University and was a professor at UCLA. In 1972, he came to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. He then received a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, did graduate work at the University of Judaism, and became active in the Messianic Jewish movement.

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Why Create the Complete Jewish Bible?

Dr. Stern grew up reading Hebrew and living a life entrenched in the nuances of the language. When he became a follower of the Messiah and started reading English translations, he found so many things had been "lost in translation." The Introduction to the Complete Jewish Bible is a fascinating read.

Dr. Stern is on fire with the desire that no one miss the faith of our Messiah while reading the scriptures. In addition to the "Complete Jewish Bible," he authored:

David and his family moved to Jerusalem several years ago. Please pray for their safety.

— Su

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology. For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su.

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A Declaration and Decree for David and His Family

In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, I declare and decree:

You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, who say to Adonai, "My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!"—

He will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his truth is a shield and protection.

You will not fear the terrors of night or the arrow that flies by day, or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won't come near you.

Amen.

From Tehillim (Psa) 91:1-7 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) on the YouVersion Bible App

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