When we consider the miraculous moves of God, we have to realize that every move of God is MIRACULOUS! Through the work of redemption, God caused the believers physical body to house his Holy Spirit (1Corin. 6:19) and he also gifted them with spiritual gifts (1Corin. 12:1-11) so they would experience his presence in a supernatural way, as a way of life. One thing we must never forget in all this is that God’s ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9), so his miraculous moves will not always be something we understand until we are fully surrendered. The story of Esther teaches us how to do that well. Her life was one that appeared significant for ONE MOMENT in time but little did she know, it was significant from the very beginning!

“ALL FOR ONE MOMENT IN TIME”

The story of Esther is one that ANYONE can relate to; male, female, young, old. Apart from God’s miraculous deliverance in Esther’s life, her life was as common as it can get. Before Queen Vashti outraged the king, Esther was one of many women, like one of many pebbles among the grains of sand on the seashore. Do you ever wonder how significant your life is or ever will be? Esther didn’t truly know what she had until she was prepared and positioned to go before the king. While her ascension to become queen from a reader standpoint was counted as “divine favor;” truth is, up to this point, she really did not know what her life was REALLY meant for until the CRISIS brought it to the surface.

To truly appreciate the story of Esther you have to give thought to what life was like when she was growing up? What kind of favor did she walk in naturally, all along, never realizing it’s greater value?   Well, consider this could be you too! 

Esther never realized who she REALLY was until God revealed it to her but we can see now, Esther was ALWAYS a part of God’s strategic plan. Could Esther have missed her calling? Unlikely. She was made fully aware of her calling when the time came. Therefore, she was merely waiting for her moment in time when God would reveal to her the greatest purpose for which she was created. Could Esther have missed her moment? Possibly. If Esther was more focused on herself, such as her wants, brokenness, disappointments, her desires, her gifts, talents, favor, even her beauty that she likely walked in and possibly to some extent, took for granted thinking this was the only value she had and was good for. 

The move of God that I take away from Esther is that God often uses the ordinary things to accomplish his profound works in the earth and what often appears ordinary or broken to us, is so much more to God.  Since the day we came into the family of God, you and I became so much more than ordinary. In God, we are “EXTRA-ORDINARY” and when we remain focused on him, we will be able to seize every moment given to us with faith and courage just like Esther did. God’s move is unassuming to us but never an after thought with God. God put value on the whole of our lives even if we only recognize it once in life.

God’s move can only be seen and courageously embraced when we consecrate our lives to him wholeheartedly, a surrender that is even unto death. This attitude from Esther is how the miraculous moves of God can truly begin to unfold in our lives. Is there a move of God happening right now that you need to see?  Is there a value in yourself you are not fully realizing because you are not fully surrendered?

Learn more about Esther:

https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/issues-v22-n09/five-things-about-esther-that-nobody-talks-about

(After watching the film “Sheep Among Wolves,” I was so deeply moved that the Holy Spirit woke me up early this morning to pen this word).

The dilemma of Western Culture Christianity is best illustrated by Jesus analogy of the rich man. He said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:24)

This statement can be referred to as literally entering the kingdom of heaven; granted by Jesus when we stand before God at the end of the age and also entering the kingdom of heaven as a reality and life experience in Christ that is lived out on the earth as his followers, children of God and bride of Christ.

This is quite relevant because the western culture is perceived to have it all, and in a great degree this is true. However, what they have as ALL, is not necessarily a good thing. Our wealth in the western culture is wealthy not only in material resources but also in opportunities, and that which is made accessible to us and considered liberties. This aspect of wealth can be illustrated by the kind of wealth that Adam and Eve had in the garden of Eden. The scriptures tell us that they were given everything in the garden and that life and wisdom and the wealth and health of living in the garden was provided them through the “Tree of Life,”  which God told them they could eat from. The “Tree of Knowledge” was the forbidden tree and it was the serpent that came along and through a simple conversation, deceived them both to disobey God and eat from this tree. This disobedience opened up far more knowledge than they were created for or able to handle and now the presence of evil and temptation would always be around them and accessible to them.

This is, in particular, the dilemma of the western culture. Everything is accessible to us and while we may have the wealth of the gospel and even the presence and power of God at our fingertips, we are constantly distracted, deceived and lulled away by the knowledge of good and evil as temptations coming from this very tree. These temptations look a lot and sound a lot like the temptations that Jesus encountered in the wilderness when he came face to face with Satan while he was fasting 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-11).  Can you imagine the physical, emotional and psychological human weakness that he had to contend with when he engaged in this kind of spiritual battle? Possibly, was God illustrating something to understand about the vulnerability of our own lives when we’re confronted with temptation?

We could even consider that the temptations of the western culture is essentially a constant bombardment of the temptations that Jesus encountered in the wilderness. To know what those temptations are from a general perspective, is to examine what the temptations were that Jesus encountered. The first temptation was the “Lust of our Human Appetites,” The second temptation was to “Question our Spiritual Identity and Jeopardize our Spiritual Birthright” on earth, and the third temptation was the “Lust for Power, Self-Glory and Wealth.” The challenge confronting anyone living in the western culture and Christians are NOT exempt, is that these temptations are presented to us right alongside the invitation that is made available us from God through Christ Jesus.

Jesus declares that those who follow him must take up their cross. This cross bears sacrifice and persecution for Christ’s sake. It is also a sacrifice of laying down one’s life for another just as Jesus did. Jesus said that if we hold on to our life we will lose it and if we lose our life we will gain it or find it (Matthew16:25). This reality of suffering for the sake of Christ is key to experiencing him in his reality, glory and power. So, the Christianity that we may be living in the western culture is that if everything is accessible to us, there is no true reality of suffering and the only way that we can find God (the true God) is when we die to self for the sake of Christ. This dying to self can only happen when we choose Christ (his will, wisdom and way) over the temptations of the world and even over our own appetites, desires and ambitions that are vulnerable to these temptations. The Bible tells us that Christ and his kingdom cannot be fully realized until this spiritual encounter has taken place in our heart mind and spirit that deeply compels us to not only hear the word but to live it out regardless of the cost personally and physically.

So that takes us back to the temptations of Jesus and what he denied himself from as Satan was tempting him with the opportunities that he had to offer. When we choose Christ over our own fears, opinions and desires as well as our western culture’s philosophies, values, doctrines, social trends etc., only then will we discover God’s kingdom reality and Christ as our Savior, Lord and friend.

So, let’s examine our walk of faith by simply answering two questions.

If the western culture did not exist anymore and the only government you had to live in was like China, Russia, Korea, Iran, Syria, India, parts of Africa and others alike where the culture is deprived of luxuries, education, proper health care, personal freedoms and in some cases, the gospel…

What would your walk of faith be built upon?  What would be your highest pursuits in life?

 Well, here’s the bottom line. Our western culture Christianity is undoubtedly rich in the gospel but unfortunately, everything else is pure DECEPTION when not used or celebrated in the glory and truth of God’s word. The message of the gospel is not a compilation of rules and regulations, it is a discovery of LIFE and of human purpose that is revealed to us by the creator of the universe, our heavenly Father, loving Savior and friend. He brings this message to us so that we may understand the truth about all things in the midst of all of the deception so we may arise in our true identity with power and authority that is in Christ Jesus.

His ultimate plan and desire is that we would live and reign with him for eternity in a life that we could only imagine. While at times, this may be hard to believe living in the kind of world that we do, yet one thing is for sure, as with every truth in God, it will surely come to pass!

 

TO WATCH “Sheep Among Wolves” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SAPOLKF59U

As people of God, you would think that hearing from God would be the heart of our existence.  Yet it seems hearing from God is one of the main things we struggle with the most.   Hearing from God is essential to living.  Hearing from God determines our destiny.  Hearing from God protects and covers us from ungodly spiritual elements that seek to destroy our walk of faith and ultimately our lives.  It seemed Jesus felt very confident that we would be masters at hearing from God when he said: “My sheep know my voice” (John 10:27).  So, what happened?  Why do we struggle so?  Could it be that it is not necessarily a problem with God speaking as it is a problem with our hearing, following and obeying?

 

The first step to hearing from God is to realize that God IS speaking!  Imagine what it’s like trying to talk to someone from the other side of a glass window… you see their mouth moving but you can’t hear a thing and there you are straining to hear, squinting to read their lips, gesturing sign language, yelling as you talk to them followed by “I can’t hear you!”  Yes, this is quite frustrating yet isn’t this kind of what we do with God?  This is why it is so important to first, trust in the fact that God is speaking and that alone should compel us to make the proper adjustments (in our heart and lives) so we can hear him better.

 

Secondly, recognize prayer is not so much something we do as it is something we USE.  Prayer is the tool to tap into the spirit realm.  Wow! That sounds pretty mystical, but it’s the truth.   The Bible says: “God is a Spirit and they that worship me must worship me in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).  Jesus said:  “That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).  So, to communicate with God (who is spirit) and to hear from him we must utilize our spirit to do so.  Prayer is the tool, established by God so he could have relationship with us (in the spirit) on the earth…Now that’s Pretty Awesome!

 

Third, prayer has many different forms.  While we understand prayer is having a conversation with God, realize that this wonderful creative God we serve also gave us a number of ways to do that.  Yes! I believe we all can agree, to talk to a God we cannot see, in an empty room is awkward and foreign to our socialized nature.  However, realize that this is only one way and what you do in that time with him makes all the difference.  To make this even plainer, consider that God created mankind in a very specific and unique way.  God created man with the purpose of having a relationship with him.  God made us with six senses to communicate with the world around us and the sixth one, to communicate with him.  What are these senses: They are, sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and spirit (conscious).  All these are tools that communicate.  However, the most powerful tool used to communicate through our spirit are WORDS.

 

When a variety of tools are used during prayer and our spirit is moved into a place of communion with God, he will speak and we will recognize his voice.  We may also use words to speak to God but unfortunately, our conversation is often a dialog spewing out of our flesh (worry, fear, self-centered agendas). This will most certainly put up that glass window I made reference to earlier and as a result, we will likely experience a prayer time where we do all the talking and hear nothing back.  I believe God knew this tendency about us when he formed us.  I believe this is why God, through Jesus Christ, not only put His spirit in us but also gave us His language through the Holy Spirit so that we could converse directly with Him…spirit to spirit.

 

Now whether you pray with a heavenly language or of your native tongue, realize hearing from God was not limited to language alone, it is a tool designed for all creation and everything that exist in the universe will ultimately respond to his commands.

 

Finally, just as prayer is a tool for communicating with God and our senses are resources to support the usage of this tool, we can conclude that God is able to speak to us from a variety of different platforms.  I have taken the liberty to identify at least ten (10) that will unquestionably enable you to hear from God when you utilize them during prayer.  They are:

 

1. The Word of God ( Holy Bible)
2. Inward Voice (still small voice/conscious)
3. Outward Voice (preaching, teaching, prophesy)
4. Journaling
5. Conviction
6. Visions and Dreams
7. Common Sense (wisdom)
8. Praying in the Spirit (use of your heavenly language)
9. Meditation (holy quietness)
10. Art, Music, and Dance

 

While many of us may be familiar with each of these platforms, challenges may still remain in the area of understanding and skill.  Understanding and skill in the usage of these divine instruments are critical because a lack of understanding can produce error.  “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).  Therefore, spiritual skillfulness must be an ongoing pursuit for the people of God. Learning can come from exposure to prayer and worship events, mentoring, books and best of all by personal experience.  Yes! Just jump in starting with the little bit that you know, taking nothing from the doctrines of the world but approach God with a pure heart in spirit and in truth.  Sometimes this is the best experience because when God moves and speaks, you will have no doubt you have encountered his presence

PESAH, or Passover is the oldest Jewish holiday, which celebrates the beginning of the Jewish people.  Historically it was on Passover, over three thousand years ago, at midnight, under the first full moon of spring, that the Israelites escaped from Egyptian slavery.  During the week long holiday, which falls in late March to mid April, Jews remember the power and importance of this event by eating special foods linked to the bitterness of slavery and the sweetness of freedom.  The highlight of Passover is the Seder, a dramatic yet entertaining dinner rich with stories, food, and songs.  Seder means “order” and a book called the “Haggadah” takes participants through the event celebration that retells the story of how the Jews became a free people.  The ceremony begins by reliving slavery and ends by imagining what the world will be like when all people are free.

It is no coincidence that the events of the historic Passover and exodus from Egypt would parallel our spiritual Passover and exodus from the condemnation of sin.  The beauty of a “Messianic Seder” is that the testimony of Christ as the Passover Lamb and the historic Passover illustrated together is the culmination of one complete prophetic story.  The Seder is traditionally long, but because it is considered a “prophetic rehearsal” or “dramatization,” many creative styles have been utilized over the years making the Seder an exciting, unique expression for every family.  The Seder begins by lighting candles followed by drinking four cups of wine.  The four cups of wine used in the Seder symbolize four distinct promises made by God as told in Ex. 6:6-7.  1. Cup of Sanctification – “I will bring you out” 2. Cup of Deliverance – “I will deliver you.”  3. Cup of Redemption – “I will redeem you”  4. Cup of Restoration – “I will take you.”

 What is also significant is that the Passover was the original meal Jesus took part in with his disciples before his crucifixion. This is the meal Christians today call the “Lord’s Super.”  During this meal Jesus drank the first two cups in the traditional way.  With the third cup, the Cup of Redemption, he said: “This is my blood” (Matt. 26:27-39).  Jesus told his disciples that He would not drink the fourth cup (the Cup of Restoration), but promised to do so with them in the coming Kingdom (Matt. 26”29).  Jesus changed the meaning and purpose of this age old tradition from this day forward.  This is why he said, “In as often as you do this, do it NOW in remembrance of me.”

There are three pieces of matzah used during a Passover Seder.  The matzah is the “Unleaven Bread.”  Traditionally, the bread is slightly burned by the fire, with stripes from the grill and pierced with holes.  This is why Jesus said, “This bread represents my body.”  During the fourth part of the Seder the leader will break the middle of the three pieces of matzah in two. The smaller piece is returned to the Seder table and the larger piece is set aside “wrapped in a linen napkin” or bag.  This  larger piece is called the “Afikomen,” a word that comes from the Greek word for “dessert.”  Afikomen is given this name not because it is sweet, but because it is the last item of food eaten at the Seder.  Traditionally, after the Afikomen is broken, it is “hidden or buried” somewhere in the room.  The Seder leader calls for the children to hide the Afikomen during the meal.  The Seder cannot be concluded until the Afikomen is found and returned to the table so each guest can eat a piece of it.  At this time the children at the table must search for it and “bring it back.” The children receive a reward (usually candy, money) when they bring Afikomen back to the table.  The Seder leader pays a “ransom” or reward for the Afikomen so that the Seder can continue.

Over the thousands of years that the Passover Festival has been celebrated by Jewish people, it is clear they had no clue that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection would be woven throughout all of their customs. Now, there is no doubt that there traditions were actually “DIVINE INSPIRATIONS.”

As you can see, it is obvious the messianic Seder stories bear many shadows surrounding the passion of Christ.  The stories allow each participant to recall very personally the captivity of sin and the redemption of salvation through Jesus Christ.  The Passover pilgrimage retells our spiritual journey from darkness into light, from sin into salvation, from slavery into freedom. The Passover holiday and Seder is one of the most profound prophetic Jewish festivals that has now become relevant to ALL believers both Jew and Gentile. This is primarily because of the unique way the believer’s journey from sin to salvation is not only taught during this festival but also RELIVED both historically and spiritually.

The Passover festival and messianic Seder is truly something to experience and it will make the annual Easter season celebrations for Christians much more sacred, meaningful and spiritually RICH.  If you’ve never attended one, it is most certainly time you did!

 

Declarations are powerful. Because the word of God is ALIVE, it is like a seed wherever it is planted and will bear fruit, fruit that transforms. When we declare the word of God we are literally planting seeds of faith that will one day arise because faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Because we are what we speak (Psalms 23:7), we empower ourselves when we declare the word and it becomes something we believe. When we believe in something, we speak it! Therefore, when we cause faith to arise in our heart, mind, and spirit, we allow that word to come alive in us.  As a result, the word transforms us and causes our lives to manifest what it says.  It truly is a BEAUTIFUL thing.

 

Declaration is the instrument God used to speak the world and everything we see into existence (Gen. 1).  Made in his image, as children of God, we have the power to do the same. As a result, our lives bring into existence of what we have spoken. Declarations are in essence, “Declarative Prayers.” If there are any prayers God hears and is eager to answer according to our needs, most assuredly, these are the prayers you can depend on because they are the pure will of God (1 John 5:14). So, declare the word! The whole word and nothing but the word.

 

This is how the people of God walk in abundance through Jesus Christ (John 10:10). As you read the word, also look at it as TREASURE, treasure from heaven (Luke 12:21-32). Pray the word! Declare it! Take all that is there, it is your inheritance as a child of God.  It is also important for you to know that our lives dictate the treasures allotted to us. God speaks through our lives what he wants us to choose from our inheritance and what he wants us to have at a given time. Would a wise earthly father give you all your inheritance at one time? No! So how much more would your heavenly father do the same? Declare the treasures your life and heart needs and what God is saying he has for you. He is a wise and good heavenly father and wants you to find rest. His treasures give you rest.

 

What do you need to rest in? What does your life need? What has God said of you? What is required of you to obtain it? Pray declaratively and claim your inheritance. Too often, we look in the treasure of God’s word and determine what WE want, not considering what GOD wants. It is his treasure; he is the giver, so we should start there. Treasures from heaven must be declared and when you declare them, walk it out so your faith can take root. Then, watch your life grow into something more beautiful beyond what you could imagine. This is the glory of the children of God.

 

The glory of God and the glory of man are remarkably different. Even how that glory is obtained is remarkably different as well. This is intentional by God and it is one of the many mysteries of his kingdom, and it is a gift from God. When God speaks a word it becomes LAW. This is why everything in the universe is held together by it and nothing can change it, including you and me.  So, God’s words are essentially DECREES.  So, when we declare the word we are actually affirming a decree already established in the earth. It is truly the highest law and order. How amazing it is that God has given his children authority to exercise these laws on our behalf. What a privilege! This is why God’s word, YOUR words are so powerful and MUST be spoken over your life, daily! Knowing this should change the way you think and pray. This is why it is so true when the bible says:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)

“With God nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37)

“Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4)

“Through Christ, we are more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37)

 

This is because the word of God is alive and powerful and it is a word already established for anyone to use, and to decree and declare upon every circumstance of life and upon every aspect of their heart, mind, soul and spirit. I hope you will begin praying this way. It truly is the wisest way to pray.

 

This is how you can begin:

1. Read a chapter or more of God’s word daily (Start with the book of John)
2. Underline or highlight a verse or passage what impresses you
3. Make that verse or passage a prayer of your heart for your own life, those you love and even for the world.
4. Write the “life-changing” verses or passages in your journal, bible or on index cards to memorize
5. Be intentional to speak these words as a daily part of your life as it applies to your circumstances, concerns and emotions.
6. Courageously do what the word says
7. Feel free to invite those you trust to encourage this walk of faith

 

Okay, that’s it!  Easy huh? Well, as you put this to practice, feel free to share with me your story. I always enjoy a GOOD story.

There is a MYTH and I believe I have seen and experienced it most in the black church, very likely because that has been my cultural experience. However, it is no doubt in every culture because we are human and sinful in nature.

The MYTH is that “A blessed person, is LOVED by God” therefore, we are compelled to live for the blessings and favor of God.” This is a MYTH because this doctrine causes us to only feel known by God when we feel “BLESSED” by him and of course, these blessings are in “tangible” ways.

This is a MYTH because when we peel back the lie to uncover the truth, we will discover that when we became Born Again, we were “INSTANTLY “blessed and highly favored of the Lord” and that is because we have been REDEEMED and RESTORED into right relationship with God. Therefore, we don’t need to seek God’s favor nor his blessing because we ALREADY have it!  One way to know that this myth has gotten a hold of our lives is when we personally think and feel this way about the blessings of God and consequently live a life of faith that exists to chase after God’s blessings.  Another sign that we are possibly living according to this doctrine is when we feel validated, approved or accepted by others through our material possessions.  Then, there’s the most telling sign that is hidden from others and it is when we feel unloved and abandoned by God when we feel like our lives are not blessed in visible and tangible ways or when we feel intimidated when we witness others being blessed in this way.

Let me be clear, we have enough scripture to substantiate that God will bless the believer’s life in tangible ways, I’m merely suggesting that it is not for the reasons we think. What we must consider is that God’s goodness rains on the just and unjust (Matt. 5:45) so tangible “blessings” in and of itself, are not as significant as we believe them to be.  So then, the question becomes, if we are already blessed and favored by God, then what are we seeking? Well God made it quite simple for us. We are merely seeking “TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD AND TO WALK IN ALIGNMENT WITH THAT WILL” at any given season in our lives.

 

Before Jesus left this earth after his miraculous resurrection, he told the disciples that he was sending them an Advocate, a Counselor, a Guide which is called the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16)  Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans.” (John 14:18)  You see, Jesus left us with someone to care for us and guide us in his absence. So our walk of faith is a journey in a love relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit in obedience to the Father which compels us to live life as Jesus did, in his purpose and power.  To walk by faith after the will of the Father, just as Jesus did. To walk by faith and not by sight to accomplish the vision of God that he sees for our lives…just as Jesus did. That’s it!  What is truly worth rejoicing is that we ALREADY have the love, blessing and favor of God to enlighten and empower this journey of faith! AMEN!

You see, WE ARE THE SEED OF ABRAHAM! (Galatians 3:29). That means everything else, all that we need to be all that God desires and envisions us to be, is in the BAG!  This is why we are “called” to be the light of the world and a city on a hill to the glory of our Father in heaven. What an insult this is if we boil all this down to mere earthly success. This is the great deception of the myth!

Whether we want to believe it or not, our greatest opposition is truly ourselves as we wrestle with our soulish nature that contains all of our sinfulness whereby the enemy taunts and tempts us to live out of our blind fleshly nature and passions. But praise God for when we became Born Again, his spirit now dwells within us. We have been empowered to live through our new spirit in God and to subdue the passions and works of the flesh. This is truly the only way to walk in the fullness of who we were redeemed to become in Christ.

This battle touches EVERYTHING in life yet it is not a battle we have not been already equipped to triumph and overcome. One thing is for sure, it is indeed the reality of our ongoing journey of faith…until Jesus returns. So let us walk it out purposefully and powerfully and in right alignment with God, so we can gloriously establish God’s kingdom presence on earth, just as it is in heaven.

 

2Corin. 10:3-5 NKJ

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

⁴ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

Sukkot is the longest and happiest holiday season of the Jewish year.  The eight-day harvest festival is celebrated in a “Sukkah,” a richly decorated hut or portable dwelling built just for Sukkot. It is topped with branches and often well decorated with a special autumn harvest in a Judaic theme.  Sukkot is a yearly  opportunity to gather in the synagogue or  participate in a family holiday project together, building the Sukkah!

Over three thousand years ago the Israelites were slaves in Egypt.  After four hundred years of slavery, God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to a land they had only heard about.  Many were afraid to leave because even though their lives were harsh and bitter, at least they knew what to expect.  On their journey with Moses they had concerns as to whether they had made a mistake in leaving.  They didn’t go from slavery to a life of ease right away.  They wandered for some time in the wilderness without trees to protect them from the desert sun.   Many feared their survival, but God sheltered and guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night. The cloud is a symbol of the SUKKOT.

The exodus and journey into the wilderness is a unique illustration of the journey most believers experience in their exodus out of a life of sin.  The transition from sin into salvation flexes the emotions and faith of the new believer much like it did the Israelites over three thousand years ago.  Throughout their journey, God never wanted them to forget their miraculous deliverance and his provision for them in the wilderness.  Sukkot is also called the “Feast of Tabernacles” (Lev. 23:33-43).    Sukkot is a time when God’s people reflect on the God of the universe coming down to “tabernacle” with his people, and believers then, and today know him as Jesus Christ.  Sukkot reminds the believer that     because God is with his people all of our needs are provided for whether the need is basic, in or in the wilderness journeys of life. Sukkot teaches the believer that because God now dwells among mankind, he is our salvation, shelter and guide by day and night as we strive to “Walk by Faith and not by Sight.”

ROSH HASHANAH & YOM KIPPUR

Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.  Called the “High Holy Days,” Historically Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur is a time for deep thought, self-examination and prayer.  Rosh HaShanah means “Head of the Year.”  This sacred season marks the start of the Jewish year.  Instead of throwing parties Jews look back at the past year to decide which deeds were right and which were wrong.   Because God is  everywhere and knows the heart of every human being, self-examination is perceived  as a way of searching for God.

 

In the story of Nicodemus, Jesus was asked how it was possible for a man to be born two times.  Jesus responded by telling him, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  Jesus then explains that in order for            Nicodemus to follow him, he must be “Born Again.”  The New Year element of this sacred festival also emphasizes a New Covenant expression by commemorating the day of the believer’s spiritual birth in Jesus Christ and thereby reassessing their commitment and awesome responsibility in bearing the name, “CHILD OF GOD.”

 

Rosh HaShanah is also called “Yom Tervah,” meaning, “The Day of the Shofar.”  A shofar is a rams horn, a three thousand year old musical instrument that is blown in the synagogue during the Rosh HaShanah service.  Its urgent sound is like a herald in the spirit calling people to, “Wake Up,” “Think!”  The sound of the shofar seem to express the freedom given to every Child of God to change and be transformed and   being excited about the opportunity to do so.   The ten days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are called the “Days of Awe.”  The historic greeting during the ten days is “May your name be written in the Lambs book of life” (sound familiar?). These are tender times when people look at the past year and face up to their mistakes.  This process of retrospect involves “Teshuvah,” which means, “Return or Repent.”   Teshuvah is and age old observance during the High Holy Days that demonstrates the stages of true repentance.  This is how it takes place:

First, you think about what you’ve done. 

Second, is to apologize to God and the person offended (if possible), and

third, is to live with “mindfulness”.(never to offend the same way again)

 

Yom Kippur is the last day of the High Holy Days, and it is the climax of events.  It is the closing of the gates to this season of grace in which we make things right with God.  This day is more commonly known as “The Day of Atonement.”  Yom Kippur literally means “The Day of Cleansing.”  The day is spent studying and praying.  It is a day to be at peace with God and oneself.  There is a feast in the late afternoon on the eve of Yom Kippur and afterward everyone begins a 25 hour fast.  The fast is appropriate because it is a reminder of how dependent we are upon God.  It awakens the observer to the reality of how our time here on earth is like Yom Kippur’s “Season of Grace.”  It causes one to realize the gates will one day close for every human being, either at their appointed time of death or at the Messiah Jesus return.  In any case, the resounding message from the High Holy Days is “You Must Be Ready.” 

 

The High Holy Days is considered the most sacred time of the Jewish year because it is the one holiday season that turns our hearts and minds to the reality of a coming Messiah, His sacred call upon our lives and to take serious account of how we have lived. This is a holiday that not only celebrates what God has done but also what is to come.

jus·ti·fy

/ˈjəstəˌfī/

verb

1.

To show or prove to be right or reasonable.

 

“Show me a man/woman whose only pursuit is to generate wealth and to live problem free and I’ll show you a man/woman whose faith is shallow and whose gain will only be of this world.”

 

But  

 

“Show me a man/woman whose only pursuit is to fulfill the will of their Heavenly Father and I’ll show you a man/woman whose faith causes them to accomplish things beyond what they could ever imagine or do on their own.

 

I am reminded this morning about the power of prayer and wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, he is there in the midst of them and whatever they agree on by touching, they will have what they asked for. (Matt. 18:18-20)

Well I’m reading this morning from the book of first Chronicles chapter 11. It is here that God reminded me through the life of David how it doesn’t take a large mighty army to win a battle, all it takes is a few (3) fearless, faithful, mighty men/women.

“King Jesus” sees us and honors our service much more than you imagine….take a look!

1 Chronicles 11:15-19
15 Once when David was at the rock near the cave of Adullam, the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. The Three (who were among the Thirty—an elite group among David’s fighting men) went down to meet him there. 16 David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

17 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. 19 “God forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men[f]who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.

So, are you in need of a miracle? Are you fighting a battle that feels much bigger than you? Then just remember…

“IT ONLY TAKES A FEW” (3)