Category Archives: Teachable

Discerning / Judging, Purposeful / Intentional, Study the Word, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

Unleavened Insights: Rediscovering the Biblical Truth of Passover

Ever wondered why some traditions feel more like habits than heartfelt celebrations? In the whirl of Easter bunnies and egg hunts, the profound biblical significance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread often fades into the background.

Let’s peel back the layers of tradition to uncover the rich, scriptural roots of these observances and what they truly mean for us today.

Most Christians today are familiar with Easter, but the Bible paints a different picture of how we should remember Christ’s sacrifice. Instead of eggs and bunnies, Scripture highlights Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, moments deeply significant to Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples. There’s no biblical record of Christ celebrating Easter; instead, we see Him preparing to observe Passover, right before His crucifixion.

Tim O’Hearn offers an interesting perspective in his article, “Passover: No Leaven,” where he explores why leaven—or yeast—is avoided during Passover. Though not as authoritative as the Bible, O’Hearn’s insights encourage us to think deeply about the symbolism behind unleavened bread.

(Summarized and continued after article)

Passover: No Leaven

by Tim O’Hearn

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. (Lev. 23:5-8)

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. (Ex. 12:15)

Even many non-observant Jews observe Pesach (Passover). The Pesach Seder (the meal and the order of observance that goes with it) is central to Judaism. At least one aspect of it has even become a cliché in Gentile homes: spring-cleaning.

While there are many customs and laws associated with Pesach, the defining law is that there is to be no leavened bread in the household. This law governs the preparation of food, the discussion at the Seder, and even dictates the aforementioned spring-cleaning.

Because of the requirement to rid oneself of chametz (leaven), many have equated leaven with sin. Chametz, they argue, is something we need to get rid of in our lives; sin is something we need to get rid of in our lives. Therefore, leaven symbolizes sin. Sounds like a good argument. There is only one thing wrong with it.

Look at the passages above. How many days out of the year is leaven to be removed? Three hundred sixty five? No. Only seven. If leaven is bad, in and of itself, why must we only be without it for one week? If leaven is sin, are we allowed to sin all year, except for the week of Passover? I think not!

What is leaven?

The Jewish definition of leaven, dating from long before the first century, is any of the five biblical grains (and some include rice and corn) which has been exposed to moisture followed by the lapse of a certain period of time before baking in which the introduction of an agent of change may occur. Many rabbis set this time at eighteen minutes. By this definition, a bread made from wheat flour with no yeast added is considered leavened if the dough was mixed and the cook waited, for whatever reason, before baking it. It may even look exactly like unleavened bread, but it is considered leavened. This is also why wine, which is fermented, is able to be used at Passover. It is not made from a grain, so it does not fall under the prohibition against leaven. (Grain alcohols like beer and whiskey, on the other hand, would be prohibited.)

How does this definition help us to understand what leaven represents at Passover, and why it is acceptable at other times? It has to do with what bread represents.

Throughout Jewish history, and particularly since the destruction of the Second Temple, bread has represented the Torah, the word of God (Deut 8:3; Isa 55:1-4). Leaven, then, is grain that has had the opportunity for an outside element to be added and to work to change the grain. It has had time to ferment, if a fermenting agent is nearby. Does the fermenting agent make the grain unfit for consumption? No. Does it change the nature of the grain? Yes. And that is why a time is set aside each year for unleavened bread. Over time it would be easy for the teaching of God’s word, His Torah, to be fermented, changed, adulterated. Once a year God says, “Remember how it was at first. You received my pure law. Go back to the purity of your teaching. Go back to the unleavened bread of My Torah.”

Just as God gave his pure word at Sinai but in the passage of time men added agents of change to that word, so once a year God demands that we return to our roots. Is it because change is bad? No. It is just that we occasionally need a reminder that God brought Israel out with a mighty hand. In doing so, he communicated his word. That is also a part of the Passover.

The reason for the prohibition

Why was leaven originally prohibited? Perhaps if we understand that, we will understand the role leaven plays in our lives.

Years after the event commemorated by Passover, Moses explained, “Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life. (Deut 16:3)” The expressed reason is that they came out of Egypt in haste. How in haste? God told them four days in advance that they were to eat unleavened bread. Why does Moses say it is because it was in haste, if they had four days in which they could have made leavened bread? The answer is found in Ex. 12:34. “And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.” Although they had four days to prepare, they immediately packed their kneading troughs. Of all the household goods they packed for the journey, the kneading trough was important enough not to pack last. As a result they had to bake unleavened loaves for four days. Actually, it turned out to be forty years before they needed the kneading troughs, but they could not know that yet.

The “haste” of Israel was not a blind rushing out of Egypt. Instead it was a planned and long awaited exodus. When the time came, the people were so eager to make haste that they packed in advance, and had to do without some things as a result. One of those things was leavened bread. A modern analogy, though imperfect, might be the wife who, preparing for a trip, reminds the family after having done the laundry not to wear anything they plan on taking with them. Other clothes, equally good, have to be worn. For the Israelites, other bread, equally good, had to be eaten.

Every year the Passover is a reminder that God will take His people out of bondage and give them a better land. The unleavened bread does not represent the bondage to sin. Instead it represents the eagerness of the people to leave that bondage. So in prohibiting leavened bread for seven days out of the year, perhaps God is reminding us that we need to set priorities. We need to be packed and ready for our trip to the world to come.

Leaven in the Christian scriptures

I think that if we look at the ways Jesus and Paul, themselves rabbis, used leaven, we will find that even in the first century of the Christian Era leaven did not represent sin, but something entirely different. Jesus even likened the kingdom of heaven to leaven (Matt 13:33; Lk 13:21), which hardly sounds like the totally negative thing many have tried to make it.

Perhaps the best known discourses of Jesus concerning leaven, though, are the times he warns his disciples against “the leaven of the Pharisees,” Sadducees, and Herod (Matt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15-21; Lk 12:1). In the Luke passage he calls it “hypocrisy.” In the Matthew passage, the writer says he was speaking of the “doctrine” of the Pharisees. By doctrine, however, he is not speaking of all the teachings of these holy men. In Matt 22:2-3, Jesus even commands his disciples to follow the teachings of the Pharisees, because the teachings are from Moses. Instead, the leaven of the Pharisees must be those things they do that don’t accord with their teachings. This accords with the idea, previously expressed, that once a year (at least) we need to examine our teachings and bring them back to the unfermented grain of God’s word.

When Paul spoke of leaven, it was always in the context of the Passover. Even in Galatians 5:9, where Pesach is not mentioned, it is the concept that even the minutest amount of leaven makes a loaf unfit for Passover that is expressed.

The other passage where Paul speaks of leaven is 1 Cor 5:1-8. The context is a discussion of the church glorying in one of their own who was living incestuously. In verse 6 he uses the same phrase as in Galatians 5, and in the same way. He continues by saying that Christians should consider every day as Passover, because our lamb has been sacrificed. Therefore, we need to constantly clean house lest any leaven be found. He does talk of the “leaven of malice and wickedness,” but he also speaks of the “old leaven” in a way that implies not that it is sin but any change from the pure word of God.

Why is leaven only prohibited for seven days out of the year? It is obviously not that leaven is in itself sinful. Instead we might as easily ask why Passover was designated to be observed once a year. God knows that man is a forgetful being. So at varying times throughout the year, but especially at Passover, God is telling us in varying ways to remember. Passover, with its unleavened bread and its ceremonies, is but one of God’s reminders that we are not in control.

Key Summary Points:

  • Biblical Foundation: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are deeply rooted in Scripture, marking significant events leading up to Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Symbolism of Leaven: Leaven in the Bible is not inherently bad but is used to symbolize external influences that can change or corrupt. During Passover, removing leaven represents returning to the purity of God’s teachings.
  • Historical Context: Leaven was avoided during Passover not just for symbolic reasons but also because of practical ones—the Israelites left Egypt in haste, symbolizing a quick and decisive break from the past.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on Tradition: This Passover, take time to consider which of your traditions are biblically grounded and which might need rethinking.
  2. Engage with Scripture: Read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 23 to better understand the origins and meanings of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
  3. Participate Actively: Consider hosting or joining a Passover Seder that focuses on the scriptural reasons behind the observance, enhancing your understanding of this pivotal event.
  4. Share Insights: Discuss with friends or family why leaven is avoided during Passover. Share articles, like Tim O’Hearn’s, that explore these themes to spark meaningful conversations.
  5. Purify Practices: Use this season as an opportunity to remove ‘spiritual leaven’ from your life—habits or influences that may have subtly shifted your focus away from God’s truths.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we approach the season of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, inspire us to delve deeper into the truths of Your Word. Help us to discern the traditions that bring us closer to You and to let go of those that do not. Ignite in us a passion for authenticity in our faith practices, reminding us of the significance of each element of our observance. May our spirits be attuned to the lessons of purity and readiness that these feasts teach us. In the name of Yeshua, who fulfilled the Passover once and for all, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Diligent / Hard Worker, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Teachable, Tongue / Gossip / Slander, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Living Wisely in the Eyes of the Lord (Proverbs 12)

Have you ever pondered what it truly means to live wisely? In Proverbs 12, we find timeless wisdom that illuminates the path of righteousness and highlights the contrast between the wise and the foolish.

Let’s embark on a journey through this chapter to uncover the treasures of divine insight it offers.

Reconnect: As we reflect on the wisdom found in Proverbs 12, let us remember that living wisely is not merely a matter of personal gain or success but a reflection of our reverence for God. This chapter serves as a roadmap for navigating life with integrity, diligence, and humility, honoring the Lord in all our ways. Let us continually seek to align our lives with His principles, knowing that true wisdom comes from walking in obedience to His Word.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 12

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.

2A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.

3A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

4An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8A man will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.

9Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant
Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

10A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

11He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

12The wicked man desires the booty of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.

14A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

16A fool’s anger is known at once,
But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

17He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.

18There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

24The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.

25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad.

26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27A lazy man does not roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a man is diligence.

28In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Path of Righteousness: The chapter begins by contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. Verse 2 emphasizes that those who walk in integrity are favored by the Lord, while those who devise evil schemes are condemned. This highlights the importance of living uprightly and seeking God’s guidance in all our endeavors.
  2. The Power of Words: Verses 6 and 18 underscore the impact of our words. The wise use their speech to bring healing and guidance, while the words of the wicked conceal violence and destruction. This reminds us of the weightiness of our speech and the need to speak with wisdom and kindness.
  3. The Fruit of Diligence: Verse 24 celebrates the rewards of diligence and hard work, contrasting it with the consequences of laziness. Those who labor diligently will prosper, while the idle will suffer want. This encourages us to embrace diligence in our work and stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
  4. Receiving Instruction: Verse 15 highlights the importance of receiving correction and instruction. The wise person listens to advice and grows in understanding, while the stubborn reject guidance and face ruin. This emphasizes the humility required to receive correction and the wisdom gained through teachability.

Call to Action:

  1. Walk in Integrity: Commit to living a life of integrity, seeking to honor God in all your actions and decisions.
  2. Guard Your Words: Be mindful of the words you speak, using them to edify and uplift others rather than causing harm or discord.
  3. Embrace Diligence: Cultivate a spirit of diligence and excellence in your work and responsibilities, recognizing it as a means of honoring God.
  4. Receive Instruction: Remain open to correction and guidance, understanding that growth and wisdom come through humility and teachability.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word, which guides us in righteous living. Grant us the strength to walk in integrity, to guard our words, and to embrace diligence in all we do. Help us to receive correction with humility and to grow in wisdom day by day. In Your name, we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Healer, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Miracles, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Teachable, Truth

Welcoming the Savior: Lessons from Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14-44)

Have you ever witnessed the power of truth and miracles, yet hesitated to fully embrace them?

In Luke 4:14-44, we encounter Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, where he offers himself to all but is met with varying responses.

Reconnect: Reflecting on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee reminds us of the importance of welcoming the Savior into our lives and embracing the truth and miracles he offers.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 4: 14-44

Jesus’ Public Ministry

     14And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 15And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.

      16And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

      18“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

      19TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
20And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 23And He said to them, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” 24And He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. 25“But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; 26and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; 29and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. 30But passing through their midst, He went His way.

      31And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34“Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm. 36And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” 37And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district.

Many Are Healed

     38Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. 39And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and waited on them.

      40While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them. 41Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ.

      42When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them. 43But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”

      44So He kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Rejection in Nazareth: Jesus begins his ministry in Nazareth, his hometown, but faces rejection when he teaches truths that challenge the people’s beliefs. Despite their initial admiration, they attempt to harm him, illustrating the danger of rejecting truth when it challenges our comfort and assumptions.
  2. Acceptance in Capernaum: Jesus moves to Capernaum, where he is warmly received by the people. They marvel at his teaching and witness the power of his miracles, embracing him wholeheartedly and experiencing the transformative impact of his presence.
  3. The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching: Throughout Galilee, Jesus teaches with authority, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture and offering a message of repentance and redemption. His words resonate deeply with those who are open to receiving them, leading to spiritual transformation and renewal.
  4. The Power of Miracles: Jesus performs mighty miracles of healing and deliverance, demonstrating his authority over sickness and evil spirits. Those who come to him in faith experience profound restoration and liberation, affirming the truth of his divine identity and mission.
  5. The Invitation to Welcome Jesus: Jesus offers himself to all who will receive him, yet he respects our freedom to choose. Those who welcome him into their lives experience the abundance of his grace and power, while those who reject him miss out on the blessings he offers.

Call to Action: Let us respond to Jesus’ invitation by:

  • Welcoming Him into Our Lives: Invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives, acknowledging his lordship and surrendering to his will.
  • Embracing Truth and Miracles: Open our hearts to the truth of Jesus’ teachings and the power of his miracles, allowing them to transform us from the inside out.
  • Seeking His Presence: Continually seek the presence of Jesus through prayer, worship, and study of his word, knowing that he is always available to us with love and compassion.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who offers himself to us with love and grace. Help us to welcome him into our lives wholeheartedly, embracing his truth and experiencing the power of his miracles. May we always seek his presence and follow his teachings, that we may walk in the abundance of life he offers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Seeking God, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

Rediscover God’s Celebrations: Embrace His Appointed Times

Imagine a calendar not marked by commercial holidays or secular traditions, but by divine appointments set by the Creator Himself.

In a world cluttered with celebrations of every conceivable kind, there exists a path less traveled—a journey back to the sacred festivals ordained by YHWH. These are not mere dates on a calendar but gateways to experiencing the profound depths of our faith and the heartbeat of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

As we stand at the crossroads between man-made festivities and God’s holy days, the question beckons: Will we choose the familiar road, or will we embark on an extraordinary journey to rediscover the divine celebrations that truly honor our Creator?

This quest invites us to move beyond the surface of cultural customs and delve into the rich, scriptural traditions that God has laid out for His people.

Amongst the myriad days declared for celebration in our society—from national holidays to whimsical observances—lies a profound invitation from YHWH to return to the celebrations He specifically ordained.

These holy days, detailed in Leviticus 23, offer more than just a pause from the daily grind; they open a door to deep communion with our Creator, reflection on His providence, and remembrance of His salvation plan.

Unlike the holidays molded by human history and often entwined with pagan roots, the feasts commanded by God carry with them an inherent significance and a direct tie to the ongoing story of redemption that spans the entirety of Scripture.

The first in Leviticus 23 is familiar… the Sabbath day of rest. Many of us are familiar with it, but most do not actually recognize it anymore. It has become just another busy day for most. They may have a day off their normal job (though many do not), but the day then becomes a busy day for chores and responsibilities at home.  I can tell you though, as one who was there and has now embraced Sabbath with my family, God has some really good ideas! A day of rest to focus on God and family rather than just another day to work is fabulous and has opened up time for me with God and with my family and just to pause and reflect from a busy week.

Celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are great ways of ensuring we take time to reflect on and give thanks for our Passover lamb, Jesus, and to better understand how the Old Testament (Passover in Egypt) foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus we are familiar with in the New Testament. Once again we see God’s focus for additional Sabbath rest days. It is an important concept for Him. We are called to rest at times, rather than run busily here and there during holidays as many do…often getting distracted in busyness from the intent of the holiday.

Counting 50 days… Pentecost.  We can again see the foreshadowing of the New Testament in the Old. We can give thanks to God for His provision as with harvest and again for providing us the Helper in the Holy Spirit, who came on Pentecost to the gathered believers in a powerful way as documented in Acts, after Christ returned to heaven. Our Father also reminds us that His provision is bountiful enough to share with others… hence the reminder not to harvest everything in verse 22.

We are called again to a Sabbath day of rest for Feast of Trumpets, and as we continue further in Leviticus we will come next to the Feast of Atonement as the subject of an article another day.

(Continued after the scripture)

Leviticus 23:1-25

     1The LORD spoke again to Moses, saying, 2“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

      3‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

      4‘These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. 5‘In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the LORD’S Passover. 6‘Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7‘On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. 8‘But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’”

      9Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 10“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. 11‘He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12‘Now on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb one year old without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD. 13‘Its grain offering shall then be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire to the LORD for a soothing aroma, with its drink offering, a fourth of a hin of wine. 14‘Until this same day, until you have brought in the offering of your God, you shall eat neither bread nor roasted grain nor new growth. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

      15‘You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering; there shall be seven complete sabbaths. 16‘You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the LORD. 17‘You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as first fruits to the LORD. 18‘Along with the bread you shall present seven one year old male lambs without defect, and a bull of the herd and two rams; they are to be a burnt offering to the LORD, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD. 19‘You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20‘The priest shall then wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering with two lambs before the LORD; they are to be holy to the LORD for the priest. 21‘On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.

      22‘When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the LORD your God.’”

      23Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25‘You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD.’”

As we journey through Scripture and the calendar of God’s appointed times, we uncover a treasure trove of wisdom, joy, and spiritual renewal. Celebrating these holy days isn’t just an act of obedience; it’s an invitation to experience the rhythms of grace that God has embedded in the fabric of time itself. By aligning our celebrations with God’s calendar, we not only honor our heritage as believers but also connect with the heart of our Creator in a way that transcends the superficiality of many modern holidays. Let us then embrace these divine appointments with enthusiasm and reverence, allowing them to shape our lives and faith in profound ways.

Heavenly Father, guide us as we seek to rediscover and celebrate Your holy days. Grant us the wisdom to discern and the courage to step away from the traditions of men, turning our hearts and minds towards Your divine appointments. Help us to find the true joy and peace that comes from walking in Your ways, and may our celebrations reflect the depth of our gratitude and love for You. As we study and observe these festivals, draw us closer to You and to each other, building a community that glorifies Your name in all we do. In the precious name of Yeshua, our Passover Lamb and coming King, Amen.

To study more on this topic, please review our category of posts relating to Holidays/Traditions (scroll down to move from one post to another) and consider the following.

Here are a few resources where you can learn more about the Moedim, the Creator’s calendar (often called the “Jewish” calendar).

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, Depression / Discouragement, Discipline / Guidance From God, Grace / Forgiveness, Humility, Repenting from Sin, Teachable, Tribulation

Embracing Adversity: Finding Humility and Growth in God’s Wisdom (Job 36)

Have you ever sought wisdom in the midst of adversity, longing for insight into life’s deepest mysteries?

In Job 36, Elihu emerges as a voice of clarity and understanding, offering profound lessons on the nature of divine wisdom and its transformative power in our lives.

Reconnect: In the ongoing discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu’s perspective brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. As we explore Job 36, we are reminded of the profound wisdom embedded within Elihu’s words and the relevance of his insights to our own struggles and questions.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 36

Elihu Speaks of God’s Dealings with Men

      1Then Elihu continued and said,

      2“Wait for me a little, and I will show you
That there is yet more to be said in God’s behalf.

      3“I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
And I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

      4“For truly my words are not false;
One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

      5“Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any;
He is mighty in strength of understanding.

      6“He does not keep the wicked alive,
But gives justice to the afflicted.

      7“He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;
But with kings on the throne
He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.

      8“And if they are bound in fetters,
And are caught in the cords of affliction,

      9Then He declares to them their work
And their transgressions, that they have magnified themselves.

      10“He opens their ear to instruction,
And commands that they return from evil.

      11“If they hear and serve Him,
They will end their days in prosperity
And their years in pleasures.

      12“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword
And they will die without knowledge.

      13“But the godless in heart lay up anger;
They do not cry for help when He binds them.

      14“They die in youth,
And their life perishes among the cult prostitutes.

      15“He delivers the afflicted in their affliction,
And opens their ear in time of oppression.

      16“Then indeed, He enticed you from the mouth of distress,
Instead of it, a broad place with no constraint;
And that which was set on your table was full of fatness.

      17“But you were full of judgment on the wicked;
Judgment and justice take hold of you.

      18“Beware that wrath does not entice you to scoffing;
And do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.

      19“Will your riches keep you from distress,
Or all the forces of your strength?

      20“Do not long for the night,
When people vanish in their place.

      21“Be careful, do not turn to evil,
For you have preferred this to affliction.

      22“Behold, God is exalted in His power;
Who is a teacher like Him?

      23“Who has appointed Him His way,
And who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?

      24“Remember that you should exalt His work,
Of which men have sung.

      25“All men have seen it;
Man beholds from afar.

      26“Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him;
The number of His years is unsearchable.

      27“For He draws up the drops of water,
They distill rain from the mist,

      28Which the clouds pour down,
They drip upon man abundantly.

      29“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,
The thundering of His pavilion?

      30“Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him,
And He covers the depths of the sea.

      31“For by these He judges peoples;
He gives food in abundance.

      32“He covers His hands with the lightning,
And commands it to strike the mark.

      33“Its noise declares His presence;
The cattle also, concerning what is coming up.

Summary Key Points:

  • Elihu’s Exaltation of God’s Greatness: Elihu begins by exalting the greatness of God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. He highlights God’s power and wisdom, which transcend human understanding and serve as the foundation of divine justice.
  • The Purpose of Affliction: Elihu challenges Job’s perspective on suffering, suggesting that affliction serves as a means of discipline and instruction from God. He encourages Job to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and spiritual refinement, rather than questioning God’s intentions.
  • The Call to Repentance and Restoration: Elihu urges Job to repent of any wrongdoing and embrace righteousness, assuring him that God is gracious and merciful to those who turn to Him in humility. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance as a pathway to restoration and reconciliation with God.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the insights of Job 36, let us respond with:

  • Humility Before God: Let us humbly acknowledge the greatness and wisdom of God, recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. May we submit ourselves to His will and trust in His plans, even when faced with adversity and uncertainty.
  • Embracing Adversity: Instead of resisting or resenting adversity, let us embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. May we view challenges as instruments of God’s discipline and instruction, guiding us closer to His purposes for our lives.
  • Seeking Repentance and Restoration: In moments of trial and testing, let us turn to God in genuine repentance, seeking His forgiveness and grace. May we open our hearts to His transforming power, allowing Him to restore and renew us according to His perfect will.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to recognize Your sovereignty and goodness in every circumstance. Help us to embrace adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and refinement, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Lead us in paths of righteousness, and guide us in the way of repentance and restoration. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Learning To Pray Effectively, Modesty, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Prayer, Seeking God, Teachable

Biblical Roles and Unity in Instruction, Prayer, and Worship (1 Timothy 2:8-15)

Have you ever wondered about the roles of men and women in worship and leadership within the church?

In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, we delve into the rich teachings that offer guidance on this topic and emphasize the importance of unity in our worship practices.

1 Timothy 2:8-15

8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Women Instructed

      9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Unified Prayer and Worship: Paul encourages men to lead in prayer, lifting up holy hands without anger or quarreling. This underlines the significance of unified worship in the church, where men play a prominent role in setting an example of devotion and humility during prayer.
  2. Modesty and Good Works: Women are called to adorn themselves with modesty and good works, highlighting the importance of character and godliness over outward appearances. It’s a reminder that our worship should be marked by a humble and reverent heart.
  3. The Role of Women: Paul offers specific guidance on the role of women in gathering for teaching and instruction in the church… guiding  them to learn in quietness and full submission. While this passage has been a topic of debate, it suggests that women should not be in leadership positions over men in the body of Christ when it comes to teaching and instruction, but is not a universal restriction on women’s participation in church activities.
  4. Adam and Eve: A Reminder: The reference to Adam and Eve reminds us of the creation order and the consequences of disobedience. This reinforces the idea that men and women have different roles within the family and the church, emphasizing God’s divine design.

Let’s approach our roles in worship, prayer, and leadership within the church with humility and unity, recognizing the importance of modesty and good works.

Seek to understand the specific context and intent of Paul’s words regarding women’s roles in worship, and embrace the diversity of gifts and talents within the body of believers.

Engage in discussions with trusted friends or family to reflect on these key messages, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish

Can We Turn What God Calls Bad into Good?

Have you ever found yourself caught in the embrace of cherished traditions, those familiar threads weaving through the tapestry of your life?

The warmth of holiday memories, the joy of family gatherings—these traditions often feel like an integral part of who we are. But in the gentle balance between faith and tradition, a thought emerges:

Can we, in our heartfelt attempts, turn what God deems as bad into something good?

Christmas, and many holiday traditions common to Christians today, serve as powerful examples. There are many traditions of pagan origin. Many don’t know this and don’t even think to ask or test their traditions. Many more do know the traditions are of pagan origin, but convince themselves that we can turn what God said was bad into something good by associating Christmas traditions with Jesus.

Is this true? What does God say in the Bible?

📜 Lessons from Exodus: A Warning Echoes Through Time

Picture this: A people, just liberated from slavery, witnessing the miraculous hand of God through ten plagues and also miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, the defeat of Pharaoh’s army, God appearing as fire and smoke to lead them, manna and water miraculously to meet their needs in the dessert.

Surely, we would think that generation could never turn from the ways of God, but they did. They allowed themselves to revert to influences from the Egyptian culture in which they had lived for generations and worship the Golden Calf.

But if we look closer, they were not worshipping Egyptian gods, but Yahweh! They called it a feast unto Yahweh who led them out of Egypt.

Did this effort to tie pagan traditions with worshipping Yahweh turn what was bad in God’s eyes to something good?

Exodus 32:1-10

The Golden Calf

      1Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 5Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 6So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

      7Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8“They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10“Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.”

Clearly God was not pleased and did not consider it good to worship along pagan customs like the golden calf… even if the people were attributing it to Yahweh.

Have you ever found yourself holding tight to holiday traditions that you know are of pagan origin, but making excuses for why they are good because we have tied them to Jesus?

Despite your good intentions, it may be time to ask yourself if what you are doing aligns with God’s desires.

📖 Scriptural Clarity: Yahweh’s Unchanging Standard

In the sacred verses of Deuteronomy 12:30-32, a timeless truth resounds. The Israelites, worshipping Yahweh through the Golden Calf, mirrored the detestable practices of pagan nations and God was not pleased.

Can we glean insights into God’s unchanging expectations for our worship and traditions today?

Deuteronomy 12:30-32

30beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ 31“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

      32“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.

The Israelites may have been worshipping Yahweh, but they were doing so in like manner to how the Egyptians worshipped their false gods by making idols.

Yahweh has not changed His opinion on what is good and what is bad. He still does not want us to worship Him with idols or with any of the manners or traditions with which the pagans worship false gods.

If we take the time to study our common Christmas and Easter traditions (and other traditions as well), we will certainly find the history of many of these traditions are derived not from God’s word, but from pagan worship practices.

Christians have created new meanings for many of these traditions and tried to tie them to Jesus, as the Israelites tied worshipping God to the golden calf, but they still are derived from pagan worship.

As we saw in scripture with the golden calf, Yahweh is not pleased, even if we say it is Him whom we are worshipping.

Do not repeat the error of the Israelites, which drew great anger from Yahweh. Instead, learn the history and true origin of the traditions you practice. Reject the ones that are derived from pagan worship. Do not accept something just because it is a family or cultural “tradition”.

Test and explore to understand the true origin and whether or not it may be offensive to our Lord.

Do not fool yourself that you can take what is bad in His eyes and make it good by creating new Christian stories around old pagan traditions. Choose the Lord’s ways over even dear traditions that may be emotionally difficult to walk away from.

Do not be like Lot’s wife who looked back at Sodom while leaving, but rather leave behind the past things without looking back on them.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide Your people. Help us to have discernment and courage.  Help us to be hungry to seek Your ways and quick to challenge our own traditions against Your holy word in the Bible. Help us learn from the Israelites history documented in the scriptures that we cannot turn what is bad into good. We can simply choose whether or not to turn away from what is bad toward Your ways. Amen. 

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Wise

Unwrapping the Truth: Does Celebrating Christmas Please God?

Ever wondered about the true history and implications of Christmas in the eyes of Yahweh?

It’s time to explore. Join us in unraveling the Christmas Question—a thought-provoking documentary by 119 Ministries.

Most spend at least a month focused on Christmas every year… invest 1-1/2 hours in this documentary and gain insights that might reshape your perspective on the holiday that is cherished so widely. The real gift lies in understanding, and this documentary is your key.

Don’t just celebrate Christmas because you always have; understand if it’s truly pleasing to God.

The Christmas Question | 119 Ministries (link)

The Christmas Question documentary unravels the history of the Christmas holiday and explores the implications for believers today.  Our desire is to present historical information about the Christmas holiday and its traditions through interviewing a collection of historians, scholars, academics and theologians. The purpose behind this documentary is not intended to be something that causes division nor condemnation.

Instead, we seek to help believers determine if celebrating Christmas is a sin and how Scripture indicates the Father feels about the various Christmas rites and origins. We ask an important question. If there is a chance that any part of Christmas would offend the Father, then should we still do it?

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

Learn to Trust in God Rather than Man

There are times when the LORD has plans for us, whether for good or for bad, and there is nothing we are going to do in our own power to change them. All we can do is turn to the LORD. In Jeremiah 37, King Zedekiah looks to his arrangements with Egypt to spare him God’s judgment through the Chaldeans attacking Jerusalem.

Jeremiah reminds him vividly that he should not count on those plans to spare him from what God has decided to bring on him.

Jeremiah 37

Jeremiah Warns against Trust in Pharaoh

      1Now Zedekiah the son of Josiah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had made king in the land of Judah, reigned as king in place of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim. 2But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD which He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.

      3Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “Please pray to the LORD our God on our behalf.” 4Now Jeremiah was still coming in and going out among the people, for they had not yet put him in the prison. 5Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s army had set out from Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who had been besieging Jerusalem heard the report about them, they lifted the siege from Jerusalem.

      6Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 7“Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Thus you are to say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army which has come out for your assistance is going to return to its own land of Egypt. 8“The Chaldeans will also return and fight against this city, and they will capture it and burn it with fire.”’ 9“Thus says the LORD, ‘Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely go away from us,” for they will not go. 10‘For even if you had defeated the entire army of Chaldeans who were fighting against you, and there were only wounded men left among them, each man in his tent, they would rise up and burn this city with fire.’”

Jeremiah Imprisoned

      11Now it happened when the army of the Chaldeans had lifted the siege from Jerusalem because of Pharaoh’s army, 12that Jeremiah went out from Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin in order to take possession of some property there among the people. 13While he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah was there; and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are going over to the Chaldeans!” 14But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not going over to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 15Then the officials were angry at Jeremiah and beat him, and they put him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, which they had made into the prison. 16For Jeremiah had come into the dungeon, that is, the vaulted cell; and Jeremiah stayed there many days.

      17Now King Zedekiah sent and took him out; and in his palace the king secretly asked him and said, “Is there a word from the LORD?” And Jeremiah said, “There is!” Then he said, “You will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon!” 18Moreover Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “In what way have I sinned against you, or against your servants, or against this people, that you have put me in prison? 19“Where then are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or against this land’? 20“But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.” 21Then King Zedekiah gave commandment, and they committed Jeremiah to the court of the guardhouse and gave him a loaf of bread daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the court of the guardhouse.

I can certainly point to the parable of the talents, and show an example where we, as God’s servants, are to be diligent in taking action to impact good outcomes. In that parable, the servants were called to invest and grow the money with which they were entrusted. They were not simply to sit on it and wait for the master to act.

However, there are times when God is doing something in our lives and we are just not going to avoid it. We should strive to humble ourselves before God and submit to His will. If we have need, repent. In all things, put our trust in Him.

Don’t try to take control of God’s plans. It won’t work.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Teachable, Thankfulness, Traditions / Holidays

Embracing Sukkot by Increasing Our Understanding

Once again, I am focused on Yahweh’s appointed time of Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles. It is a fun celebration that reminds us how God led His people out of bondage in Egypt and looks forward to the return of our King, Yeshua, when He will dwell among us again.

Today I am highlighting two resources for you to consider that can help to broaden your understanding of Sukkot and how to celebrate it. I encourage you to explore both and test them against scripture. Both present a view of this appointed time in the context of scripture and our Messiah. You do not have to agree with everything they say and do in order to learn from the material which is well laid out and I find very helpful.

119Ministries.com will provide a video to watch. SetApartPeople provides personal insight into their journey celebrating this appointed time. You can refresh the search to get more recent articles on their page by searching “Sukkot”.

I include a few additional links below. However, be sure to validate everything you read against the truth of scripture. As a last encouragement, note that Yeshua even set an example by celebrating the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles, despite people seeking to kill Him (John 7). I encourage you to click the link and read all of John 7.

Have fun with it. This is a celebration! Our Messiah returns! Consider even some easy online searches for songs or music videos associated with Sukkot. We have found some that are very cheerful and fun and some that are more spiritually focused and meaningful. Do not be discouraged from these resources because Sukkot is celebrated by Jews. It can be observed by anyone who rejoices in our Creator and His appointed times. With Christ, we have even more reason to celebrate these appointed times.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to embrace Your appointed times. Help open the eyes of Your followers everywhere to Your celebrations and their purpose in drawing us closer to You. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.