Ultimate Deliverance

Lead me to the cross so I can get the ultimate gift of deliverance.

Sometimes I have to wonder if I truly understand what took place. My answer would be no but I want to. I long to. I strive to. And one day, I will come face to face with the it and my prayer is He will welcome me into the fold.

God Bless.

Ultimate Deliverance

Because of the Cross, there is nothing we struggle with that is without either a purpose or an end.

No struggle need ever again be pointless.

No suffering need ever again be unending.

We never face any assault of flesh, devil, circumstances, or personal weakness, but that God’s hand is present, mighty, and available to work through it all and beyond it all. This doesn’t mean God has planned every bad thing that happens to people. Evil things that are initiated by hell’s hatefulness or by human sin, failure, and rebellion create their own problems. But beyond them all, God’s ultimate deliverance is our promised inheritance.

How to Live Through a Bad Day

Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 5

This is a prayer the Jewish people pray. We could learn a lot from their ways to help strengthen our relationship with the Father without going back under the law.

God Bless.


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Holidays and Festivals


Day 5 (9/29/14)

The Al Chet – 44 mistakes

The Al Chet, a liturgical confession of sins is said ten times in the course of the Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement services. During the afternoon prayers of the day before Yom Kippur; just before sunset on Yom Kippur Eve; twice during each of the following services: the evening service of Yom Kippur eve, the morning service and the afternoon service of Yom Kippur day, and the Musaf service.

Three times in the reciting of the confession we find these words: For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.

If you are not familiar with this prayer, it would be helpful for you to read through it. Perhaps some of what the sages of Israel called upon the Jewish people to repent from will strike a chord in your heart and God will use this to give you an idea of what to confess before Him during this season that will bring about renewal in your heart and soul?

You might try reading through this lengthy prayer with your spouse, a child or good friend. At the end of the prayer, you might pray and assure one another of God’s forgiveness through the Messiah Jesus.

Read it slowly and with heart!

For the sin which we have committed before You under duress or willingly.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by hard-heartedness.

For the sin which we have committed before You inadvertently.

And for the sin which we have committed before You with an utterance of the lips.

For the sin which we have committed before You with immorality.

And for the sin which we have committed before You openly or secretly.

For the sin which we have committed before You with knowledge and with deceit.

And for the sin which we have committed before You through speech.

For the sin which we have committed before You by deceiving a fellowman.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by improper thoughts.

For the sin which we have committed before You by a gathering of lewdness.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by verbal [insincere] confession.

For the sin which we have committed before You by disrespect for parents and teachers.

And for the sin which we have committed before You intentionally or unintentionally.

For the sin which we have committed before You by using coercion.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by desecrating the Divine Name.

For the sin which we have committed before You by impurity of speech.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by foolish talk.

For the sin which we have committed before You with the evil inclination.

And for the sin which we have committed before You knowingly or unknowingly.



For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.



For the sin which we have committed before You by false denial and lying.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a bribe-taking or a bribe-giving hand.

For the sin which we have committed before You by scoffing.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by evil talk [about another].

For the sin which we have committed before You in business dealings.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by eating and drinking.

For the sin which we have committed before You by [taking or giving] interest and by usury.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a haughty demeanor.

For the sin which we have committed before You by the prattle of our lips.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a glance of the eye.

For the sin which we have committed before You with proud looks.

And for the sin which we have committed before You with impudence.



For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.



For the sin which we have committed before You by casting off the yoke [of Heaven].

And for the sin which we have committed before You in passing judgment.

For the sin which we have committed before You by scheming against a fellowman.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a begrudging eye.

For the sin which we have committed before You by frivolity.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by obduracy.

For the sin which we have committed before You by running to do evil.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by tale-bearing.

For the sin which we have committed before You by swearing in vain.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by causeless hatred.

For the sin which we have committed before You by embezzlement.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a confused heart.



For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.



And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a burnt-offering.

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a sin-offering.

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a varying offering [according to one's means].

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a guilt-offering for a certain or doubtful trespass.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of lashing for rebelliousness.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of forty lashes.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of death by the hand of Heaven.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of excision and childlessness.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of the four forms of capital punishment executed by the Court: stoning, burning, decapitation and strangulation.

For [transgressing] positive and prohibitory commandments, whether [the prohibitions] can be rectified by a specifically prescribed act or not, those of which we are aware and those of which we are not aware; those of which we are aware, we have already declared them before You and confessed them to You, and those of which we are not aware --- before You they are revealed and known, as it is stated:


The hidden things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things are for us and for our children forever, that we may carry out all the words of this Torah. For You are the Pardoner of Israel and the Forgiver of the tribes of Yeshurun in every generation, and aside from You we have no King who forgives and pardons. (Quoted at the end of the prayer from Deuteronomy 29:29).


Jewish tradition, as you can see from this ancient prayer of confession, effectively helps us to understand how to confess our sins. Personally, one of the reasons I love the Jewish High Holidays is because it gives me the opportunity to seek spiritual renewal and, as a Messianic Jew, to be reminded each day of the power of the once for all eternal sacrifice of our Messiah Jesus for our sins.



You might further consider the following guidelines to help you during this season of renewal to confess sin, leading to spiritual renewal for believers and perhaps salvation for those who have not yet trusted in the finished work of Yeshua the Messiah at Calvary.



1. Confession should be personal.

2. Confession should be as specific as possible.

3. Confession should be forthright and honest.

4. Confession should lead to a change of heart and behavior.

5. Confession, though personal, can also be offered by a group (a congregation, family, etc.) and should lead to forgiveness of one another.

6. Confession should be based upon the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah who died in our place, so that God would accept us as blameless in Him.

7. Confession should lead to forgiving oneself.



If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).



Scripture Meditation:



The above is a wonderful verse to meditate upon during this season of the year. It was one of the first verses I learned as a new believer. Memorizing this passage and hiding it in the depth of my soul has helped me immensely during my life as a believer. It is reminds me that forgiveness is not simply for all I had done before I accepted Yeshua, but His forgiveness extends to every additional sin committed before I pass into His presence. What a comfort to know that He never ceases to forgive and that this atonement is not for the past alone, but for the present and the future. I pray the Lord will grant you great encouragement and freedom knowing that the One who died also intercedes for us at all times and that forgiveness for our daily sins is constantly available for the asking.





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Ten Days Awe Devotionals - Day 4

This was yesterday's devotional but since I have made a habit of sitting Sunday aside for God and family, I am posting it today.

It's deep but such great information about what and why for this holiday that I feel like it is important to share.

God Bless.

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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 4



Day 4 (9/28/14)

The Sacrifices (Karbanot)

Moses, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, described the importance of sacrifice in Leviticus 17:11,

For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.

During the Ten Days of Awe, we understand that we are marching towards the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most important sacrifice of the Jewish year; atonement for the sins of the nation would take place on this day. This season of the year, initiated by the blowing of the shofar, is consummated with the Yom Kippur sacrifice.

However, the idea of sacrifice and blood atonement is not easily understood for us 21st century people. Why did the Lord our God require the blood of bulls, rams and lambs as the price of readmission to fellowship with Him? Part of the answer is that the concept of sacrifice includes a cost to someone—a cost that reminds us that there is a price for sin. Disobedience to God degrades our relationship to Him and to one other.

But, there is more to it and this calls our hearts and minds to consider the biblical principle of substitution. Throughout the Hebrew Scripture and until the destruction of the Temple in the year 70AD, the principle of substitutionary sacrifice was understood to restore a balance that the presence of sin had upset. The innocent substitute acts as the means through which “shalom” (peace or completeness) is reestablished between the sinner and God. Therefore, the primary purpose of sacrifice is to allow the estranged person to be drawn once more into unbroken fellowship with God.1

However, traditional and post-Temple Judaism has a problem and understands what was missing! Since the destruction of the Temple, sacrifice could no longer be made as the one and true altar in the Temple was destroyed. How then do Jewish people find reconciliation with God?

The sages declare that in the days without the Temple, Judaism rested upon three pillars–prayer, repentance and works of mercy. However, at the time, these three elements were thought to work in conjunction with the sacrifices. Today…and because we do not have the Temple nor an altar, these three are said to actually take the place of substitutionary sacrifice.

Yet, Jewish memory is not so easy to erase. That is why observant Jews carry out an obscure ritual called kapporot (“covering”). For this ritual, the head of the household will take a live kosher hen or rooster and slaughter it. He will swing the body around his head three times while reciting, "This is my exchange, my substitute, my atonement; this rooster (or hen) shall go to its death, but I shall go to a good, long life and to peace." The fowl, which is sometimes stuffed with coins, is given to the poor for food.2

For followers of Yeshua, neither sacrifices in the Temple nor any other means of reconciliation are needed beyond that of Messiah, whose once and for all sacrifice is more than sufficient to satisfy our need for atonement—provided we receive this priceless gift through our faith in Him. As the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us,

But the Messiah came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:11-15).

Scripture Meditation:

I encourage you to meditate on the above passages of Scripture to help you again appreciate the wonder of God’s love in sending His Son to be our once for all atonement for sin. He did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Whether you be Jewish or part of some other religious faith – if you rely upon your own self efforts to please God you will assuredly fail. We know this in the depth of our souls. We understand that we need our guilt lifted and it is only through the power of His sacrificial atonement that we can be forgiven and enjoy peace with God forever more.



1 “Sacrifices and Offerings (Karbanot) | Jewish Virtual Library,” accessed September 18, 2014, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/qorbanot.html.

2 “The Custom of Kapparot in the Jewish Tradition | Jewish Virtual Library,” accessed September 18, 2014, https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/kapparot.html.







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And the Very Hairs on Your head

Wow, isn't it amazing to think the God of this universe cares about my hair when He has so many other things to think about.

He is always getting blamed for the bad things its time to start mediating and showing the world the good things of God including how wonderful your hair is today!

God Bless.

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (NLT) -Luke 12:7 

Yes, you are very important to God. He concerns Himself with many details you may be unaware of. That's because He loves you so much. How awesome is it that we serve a God who knows more minuscule details about each of us and still loves us for who we are? Take a moment to express your gratitude to God for being personally involved in your life. 

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3

Love this...so much good information. Let the trumpet sound!

God Bless.


Home Holidays and Festivals Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3
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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3



Day 3 (9/27/14)

Blowing of the Shofar (Shofarot)

As mentioned before, the blowing of the shofar is one of the unique moments that set Rosh Hashanah apart from the other seven biblical festivals. There is so much to learn about the importance of the blowing of the shofar and the lessons God would have us learn from this great moment in the observation of the festival.

For example, in Numbers chapter 10 the sacrifices of the holy day are detailed.

The priestly sons of Aaron, moreover, shall blow the trumpets; and this shall be for you a perpetual statute throughout your generations. When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the Lord your God (Num. 10:8-10).

The blowing of the shofar is a piercing reminder to Israel that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is their God, by covenant, and He should be adored and worshipped. If you look at the passage carefully, especially in the Hebrew, it becomes clear that the shofar was not simply blown to warn Israel of what was coming but according to the text, was also blown to remind God of the value He attached to His relationship with the Jewish people.

The heart of the holiday revolves around the word relationship. God wants us to have a pure relationship with Him, but also with those who are part of our family, neighborhood, workplace, spiritual community – and beyond!

The blowing of the shofar is a call to remember that we belong to God. Our primary relationship in life is as His child and we were created to serve Him. Life is so fast-paced that we can easily forget our primary relationship in light of the incessant demands for relationship placed upon us by others. Of course, we must pay careful attention to those God has given to us to love and care for, but in the process we cannot neglect our relationship with Him. This is one reason I appreciate this season of the year. It almost forces me to remember that my primary relationship is to God.

This is why we are called to repent, as sin is what usually separates us from God. Even if we know His forgiveness and are assured of our place in the age to come – we still easily become detached from the Lord in the midst of everyday business and responsibility. And so part of heeding the shofar blast is to repent and return to the Lord and to ask Him to make your relationship with Him as close and intimate as possible. We know this requires repentance and turning from whatever it is that keeps us away from Him. So, take a moment today and ask the Lord to draw you to Himself and to give you the strength to turn from whatever it is that keeps you from His presence each day.

The same is true for our relationships with others. We have ten days to repent and make things right with our family, neighbors, those we love and whomever it is that we have hurt or offended during the year. We must ask God for the strength to say the words, “I am sorry” and to ask for forgiveness from others, that the Lord would then restore and heal broken or ruptured relationships.

This is not easy and it takes His power and grace – especially in the most difficult of situations. So, who is the person that will be the hardest for you to ask forgiveness of during these ten days? Perhaps it is a husband, wife, child, mother, father, a now more distant relative…or your school mate, coworker, etc. You know who it is! Perhaps you should begin with those who might be a little easier, but make it your goal to at least try, with God’s help, to ask forgiveness of the person you least want to face.

And remember, you do not need to be forgiven to forgive. As God took the initiative and sent His Son to die in our place, so we also need to take the first step. Human relationships are so complicated. So often, mutual forgiveness is needed to restore a broken relationship. But still, you and I must take the first step. We cannot forgive based upon the forgiveness of others, as this counters the very idea of grace. Ask Him for help and take the first step!

Finally, as followers of Yeshua, the shofar blasts also reminds us that this world will not last forever. One day, the Blast will sound from heaven and those who believe will be raised to meet the Lord. As Rabbi Saul – the Apostle Paul writes,

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4: 16-17).


Scripture Meditation:

By meditating on the above verses of Scripture, we will also be reminded of the return of the Lord. His coming is soon and we must live today in light of His return. We will see Him face to face. So, now is the time to repent and return to the Lord, to ask Him to renew our strength and empower us to live pure and holy lives – as this is what it means to prepare His coming. Now is the time to make relationships right by the power of the Spirit and allowing His love to flow through us! The blowing of the shofar reminds us that day will come when it will simply be too late for repentance and reconciliation. We must begin today.

 Tens

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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 2

Today's devotional with more good information on the holiday.

God Bless.

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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 2

Day 2 (9/26/14)

Traditionally, there are three dominant themes described in Jewish tradition that dominate the liturgy and prayers for Rosh Hashanah. The first theme is Kingship (Malchiyot), the second is Remembrance (Zichronot) and the third is the Shofar (Shofarot). Each of these themes is designed to remind us God’s purpose and plan for mankind at the beginning of the New Year.

Kingship

On Rosh Hashanah, we remind ourselves that the Creator of the universe is King of the universe and Lord of our lives.

According to Jewish tradition,

In Malchiyot, just as trumpets are joyously sounded when a king ascends his throne, we sound the shofar as we reestablish God’s dominion over us as our King for another year. This also emphasizes the fact that we must serve the Almighty the same way a servant serves his king -- with absolute and total dedication. This concept is called Kabalat Ol Malchut Shamayim, which means, "Accepting the yoke of Heaven." This type of service is considered most sublime, for we have subjugated our own desires and proclivities to a selfless service of God.

This is also a wonderful reminder to me as a follower of King Yeshua. He is my Lord and King and one day He will come again to reign in His literal Davidic kingdom and the blessings promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 will flow throughout the earth and be enjoyed by both Jews and Gentiles. As Paul describes in Philippians chapter 2,

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful time of the year to rededicate yourself to Yeshua and to make sure He reigns on the throne of your life. Are there any particular areas that you continue to control or have you bowed in obedience and asked Him to be Lord in every area of your life? This is a good time to identify the areas of your life you believe are not currently under His dominion. List them, ask God to guide you to see yourself as He sees you and then turn from your self-control, elevating the Lord to His rightful place in every area of your life.

Remembrance

This second theme of the holiday again harkens us back to Genesis 22 – the great story of Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of his son Isaac, which is read in the synagogue during the holiday. The rabbis reflect upon this encounter between Abraham and God, which took place on Mount Moriah where the Temple would later be built and, of course, where Jesus would be sacrificed.

Again, according to tradition,

In Zichronot we call upon to God to “remember” the dedication of our ancestors as exhibited by both Abraham and Isaac. God commanded Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. At the last moment, God informed Abraham that it was merely a test, and instead of sacrificing Isaac he would offer a nearby ram. By blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn, we remind God of the dedication displayed by both Abraham and Isaac.

I am further reminded of the parallels between Isaac and Jesus when I read and study Genesis 22 in the synagogue as part of the High Holiday services. Both Isaac and Jesus were young men who suffered innocently. They were perfectly obedient to their fathers and accepted their roles as sacrifices without complaint. Of course, Isaac was spared, but the Messiah Jesus literally died for our sins. This foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus in Genesis 22 stirs my heart and reminds me of the well-known verse in the Gospel of John,

For God so loved the world that He gave (in sacrifice) His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Scripture Meditation:

I hope you will meditate on the above verse and think deeply as to how His sacrifice, love and the truth found in this well-known passage of Scripture has changed your life, and if shared and believed by others, would transform theirs as well. You might focus on the word “gave” for a moment. In what way did God give us Jesus? A few thoughts come to my mind.

1. He was given through incarnation.

This is the fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 7:14, and 9:6-7 and in the prophecies of Isaiah’s contemporary Micah, in chapter 5:8. The God of the universe took on human flesh and all of the weakness this implies, without taking on our sinful nature. He then endured the hardships of life when He could have remained in heaven. He was hungry, thirsty; He understood hard work and even the pain of enduring the death of a loved one. Yet, He was without sin. I find that knowing He understands me and what I go through each day draws me closer to the Savior who, the author of the Book of Hebrews declares, is a “merciful and faithful high priest” (Hebrews 2:18).

2. He was given in death

When I recite John 3:16 or mediate on the truth and power of the verse, I am gripped by the voluntary nature of His death. He did not have to die. God was not forced to send the son of His love to a gruesome and painful physical death. And the Holy One of Israel certainly did not need to turn His face from His Son in that moment when eternity was transformed, as He bore our sin and endured hell on our behalf. The giving of Jesus in sacrifice and death is the crowning moment in redemption’s story and the evidence of God’s love for His creation.

May the Lord give you insight into the depth of His love!

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The Spirit Guides

Great devotional by Joyce Meyer about the Holy Spirit. Read and soak it in and lets get to know the 3rd person of the God Head.

God Bless.

The Spirit Guides, the Devil Shoves

by Joyce Meyer

I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
—Psalm 32:8

When we are in trouble, the Lord promises in His Word to deliver us. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to teach us what we need to know. He said to His disciples: I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal(declare, disclose, transmit) it to you (John 16:12-15).

I am so glad Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us—not push and shove us, but guide us—to truth. The devil wants to pressure us and manipulate us, but the Holy Spirit wants to gently lead us. That is one of the ways that we can recognize whether we are hearing from God or from the enemy. If you feel pressed, confused, controlled, or stressed about something, then it is not of God; that is not how He works. Instead, the Holy Spirit will gently "reveal, (declare, disclose and transmit)" the truth to you.

---

From the book New Day, New Youby Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Ten Days of Awe Devotional - Day 1

I know Rosh Hashanah started yesterday but I just got this devotional and felt it gave a good explanation as to what this holiday is about and why it's important.

God Bless.

Home Holidays and Festivals Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 1
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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 1

Rosh Hashanah - Day 1 (9/25/14)

You will not find the phrase Rosh Hashanah in the Bible, but rather the festival is called, Yom Teruah, the Day of the Blowing of the Trumpet. This correctly casts the festival as an attention grabber for the Jewish people, preparing the Jewish people for the Day of Atonement, which will be observed ten days later (Lev. 23:26-27).

Moses writes what was given to him by God at Mount Sinai,

…In the seventh month on the first day of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpet, a holy convocation. You shall not do any laborious work. But you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord (Lev. 23:24-25).

The key elements found for all seven major festivals are outlined in this text; a specific day or days, a rest, a convocation (gathering) and offerings. However, as with most of the other festivals, the command to observe Rosh Hashanah comes with an additional and unique element as well. In this instance it is the blowing of the shofar, which we understand to be the ram’s horn.

There are many reasons for the blowing of trumpets in the Bible. It serves as a warning to the Jewish people and also is used to an announce something to come. The shofar has taken on additional meaning throughout the years of Jewish history and understanding the role of the shofar in Jewish tradition is helpful.

The shofar (ram’s horn) is blown in synagogues to remind Jewish people of the obedience of Abraham who was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice in obedience to God, though God prevented Abraham from going through with the act! The shofar reminds us that God demands full and unquestioning obedience. Additionally, according to the Sages of Israel, Abraham earned an abundance of spiritual merit through his obedience and this merit is available today for Jewish people who believe their good works and repentance will not meet God’s holy standards during this season.

The Jewish people would therefore understand the concept of “imputed righteousness” or enjoying the benefit of another’s obedience and ability to please God. Abraham did this for all Jews, according to tradition, and this idea permeates our understanding of Rosh Hashanah. Of course, this is exactly what Jesus the Messiah did as His righteousness earned through a perfect life and atoning death is now granted (imputed) to those of us who by faith invite Him into their lives to be their Savior, Redeemer and Lord.

This could very well be what Paul is referring to when he contrasts the disobedience of Adam with the obedience of the Messiah Jesus,

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One, the many will be made righteous (Romans 5:19).

So, why is Rosh Hashanah important to me as a Jewish follower of Jesus the Messiah? Allow me to give a few reasons why I personally observe Rosh Hashanah, as well as what it means to me.

Rosh Hashanah is an important family time. Many Jewish families around the world will have special dinners and time together, as well as attend synagogue. So, observing Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful way of identifying with my Jewish people on a more spiritual level, rather than focusing on Israel or social, cultural or political concerns that might be important to communal Jewish life.

It is also a fruitful season of witness where I am able to invite Jewish friends and neighbors to our services and Bible studies around the globe so that Jesus can be seen in a Jewish context.

Most of all, Rosh Hashanah reminds me of my own need to regularly repent of my sins and be faithful and obedient to His Word. A season of spiritual reflection can be wonderfully enriching and I believe is vital and necessary in the midst of our busy lives – even if we are busy doing the Lord’s work.

As Isaiah the prophet wrote so many years ago,

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteousness man his thoughts; and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Scripture Meditation:

This encouragement to come clean before God is further outlined in Isaiah chapter 58:1-12 where the prophet mentions both the New Year and Day of Atonement. I hope you will read the entirety of this passage and see that God wants to forgive us of our sins. He is merciful and gracious, by nature, as well as just and righteous. He loves us, but in order to be forgiven, we must come to Him in repentance, forsaking our sin with a new desire to please Him through what we say, think and do. For those of us who know Jesus as our Messiah, we are forgiven once for all. But, during these ten days of awe, we can seek renewal and ask the Lord to help us become more willing to do His will as we deepen our understanding of the everlasting love of God for His creation that sent Jesus to the cross.

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Growing Up

This devotional comes from Morning with God App and it talks about growing up. Do I believe the church needs to grow up? Absolutely!

But where I think we miss it where the church will grow up when each one of us will take responsibility for our own growth and not look to Tom, Dick, or Harry.

I have no doubt when we all find out who we are in Christ, we will start to gravitate towards the church God talked about.

So let's grow up shall we?

God Bless.


September 26

He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. – Eph 4:11

“To each one his work.” Some are apostles, some evangelists, some pastors, some teachers, and some helpers only in small ways. But every Christian has something to do.

If the smallest wheel in a watch fails to do its part, the watch stops. If the least Christian in a church neglects his duty, the whole church suffers. No one should ever say, “My little work will not be missed, I am so small and weak.” No one is unimportant.

The purpose of the Church is the perfecting of the saints. We all begin as little children – only babies – but we are not to continue infants.

It is a sad home in which the baby never grows, and at four or five years of age is a baby still. Yet there are Christians four or five years old who are no farther on than when they were born. The work of the Church is to stimulate the growth of each Christian and develop and train him so that he will attain “unto a full–grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Learned Christ

This devotional was from Morning with God and I felt it gave great guidelines as to how we should be living and walking and breathing.  

Hopefully some thing will click for us all and we will rise and bring Christ to a dying world. Lord knows it needs Him but first the world needs people who will act like, talk like, and most importantly live like Him.

God Bless. 

September 25

Ye have not so learned Christ. – Eph 4:20

Christians are not to live as other people do. Something far better is expected of them.

They have come out from the world, and they are to show the world an example of heavenly life. They are no longer to “walk as the Gentiles also walk.”

Those who have learned Christ should put away all the evil things of their former life, and be renewed in the spirit of their mind.

1. They should put away falsehood and speak truth with their neighbors. If they get angry they should be sure not to hold hate in their hearts overnight. “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” If they had ever stolen, they should steal no more, but should earn by honest labor whatever they get. They should keep special watch over their speech, never speaking any corrupt words. They should utter only words that will do good, imparting grace, making people happier and better. They should be careful never to do anything to grieve the Holy Spirit. They should keep their hearts free from all bitter thoughts and should be kind to everybody.

Our Unspeakable Privilege

After reading this devotional about the I Am, I feel I am beginning to get it, understand it, and want more of it.

God Bless.

Our Unspeakable Privilege

by John Piper, solidjoys.desiringgod.org

September 19

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”(Exodus 3:14)

One implication of the magnificent name, I AM WHO I AM, is that this infinite, absolute, self-determining God has drawn near to us in Jesus Christ.

In John 8:56–58 Jesus is answering the criticism of the Jewish leaders. He says, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly! I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

Could Jesus have taken any more exalted words upon his lips? When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” he took up all the majestic truth of the name of God, wrapped it in the humility of servanthood, offered himself to atone for all our rebellion, and made a way for us to see the glory of God without fear.

In Jesus Christ we who are born of God have the unspeakable privilege of knowing Yahweh as our Father — I AM WHO I AM — the God

• who exists
• whose personality and power is owing solely to himself
• who never changes
• from whom all power and energy in the universe flows
• and to whom all creation should conform its life.

May those who know the name of God put their trust in him.

There's More

This devotional hit home for me.

There are just day's and sometimes weeks I ask myself: is this it?

Reading Joyce Meyer's devotional today gave me some hope and a new outlook and I wanted to pass it along.

God Bless.

There’s More
by Joyce Meyer - posted September 18, 2014

For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.
—Psalm 107:9

Have you ever done everything you knew to do as a Christian, yet found yourself thinking, Is this it? Is this all there is? Have you tried to be "a good Christian," but wondered if there's a new level of fullness, if there's more to loving God and receiving His love for you than you are currently experiencing?

I spent many years as a believer just going through the motions of serving God. in my heart I felt that something was missing from my relationship with Him, though I didn't know what it was. God had done many wonderful things for me, but my life was frustrating and not really much different from the lives of those I knew were not Christians. At the same time, I could not believe life as a Christian was meant to feel so meaningless and empty at times.

I finally asked God to give me whatever I was missing and God gave me the answer! I learned that growing in the knowledge of who God is and seeking intimate fellowship with Him is a vital necessity of being deeply satisfied and joyful in life. intimate fellowship with God releases His power to help us accomplish what He has called us to do.

When Christ made the final atonement for our sins, God immediately invited us into the holy place of His presence. God wants us to come close to Him and see that His attitude is filled with love toward us. We can now enjoy intimate fellowship with God!

Love God Today: "Lord, teach me how to enjoy intimate fellowship with You."

From the book Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2011 by Joyce Meyer

You Can Do All Things

I absolutely love this! I want to live this! But most of all I need to share this with the hope someone will pick up and not give up ever as again.

Enjoy and God Bless.

You can do all things.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Take this Scripture literally. They aren’t just words on a page, they are true. Slow down and read each word carefully. I…can…do…all…things… This means with the help of God there is nothing you can’t do.

You can love through Christ which strengthens you. You can forgive through Christ which strengthens you. You can raise your children by yourself through Christ which strengthens you. You can be the wife God wants you to be through Christ which strengthens you. You can get your degree through Christ which strengthens you.

You can fulfill your purpose through Christ which strengthens you. You can do anything you set your mind to through Christ which strengthens you. It is in Him that you live, move and have your being. Not a man, not a woman, not a thing. Sometimes the people in our life make us feel so strong. They make us feel as though we can conquer the world. Maybe that person was your mother, your grandmother, your sister or your friend.

Maybe they were the only person that got you. And what does God sometimes do? He permits their exit from your life so you can finally see what amazing things you are capable of with the help of God.

You are awesome, you are amazing, you are strong and powerful but you will never really know that unless you see your strength apart from others. It has to come from within. While you’re thanking God for every person He has divinely placed in your life, remember it is through the help of God that nothing is impossible for you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. My inability only confirms Your supernatural ability. What I feel I can’t do, Your strength will help me do it. Thank You for encouraging my soul. Help me never forget where my true strength lie. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daughters of the King Devotional

Raising Hope

My prayer for the day...and in the days to come.  My hope is for you by sharing this prayer is that you will take away something from this prayer that will impact your life and bring a new sense of hope.

God Bless.

Psalm 113:7-9 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.

Praise the Lord. Lord, our hope is in You and our need is great! You look to the oppressed and show Yourself faithful and strong.

How could it be Lord that You would raise up "the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump" to be seated in positions of esteem and honor!?

Yet it is all true! Your love reaches us based on Your great mercy and unfailing love - not based on what we deserve. You perform the miraculous in our midst Lord and make nothing the knowledge and pride of men.

Take hold of my heart Lord, that I may trust in You all the days of my life. You alone are worthy to be praised, and You do not abandon those in need.

Verse courtesy of 'Psalm-A-Day' android app. http://www.idelata.com/apps/psalm-a-day/

Healthy Fear

Who doesn't need a little healthy fear of the Lord?

This devotional gives a good perspective of how we should be living in Godly fear.

God Bless.

Proverbs 14:26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

There is a healthy fear of the Lord that should saturate our relationship with Him.

The foundation of this relationship is His love for us, which works in us a response of the “fear of the Lord.”

Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.

This fear is not a cowering kind of fear where we huddle in a corner and hope for God not to punish us. God’s wrath against sin has been satisfied. Jesus Christ stepped in front of that punishment and took that upon Himself.

When we choose to take refuge in Christ, we show that we are children of God. My life poured out in worship to God has the power to cover and protect my children. The fear of the Lord is a way of life…it is worship.

Oh Lord God! May I experience the fear of the Lord in my own life for the sake of Your name, and for the sake of my family!

Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Jesus Daily: Bible Devotional' android app.

Get Into Balance

There is no one like my family who can get under my skin and tick me off more. Yes, I hate fake, judgmental, and insensitive people but my immediate family can put a burr in my mood faster than anything I know.

Love them? Desperately. But they can make me look at myself like a failure where I am teetering on depression. 

I so needed this little devotional by Joyce Meyer. One thing I know, they aren't going to change unless God changes them so I've been striving to work on myself and leave the rest behind.

Hopefully I am not the only person in the world who has problems with dealing with people and this devotional will help them just as much as it did for me.

God Bless.

Get in Balance

by Joyce Meyer

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 
—1 Corinthians 13:7

We all get emotional occasionally, or lose our temper once in a while. But if you are out of balance in either one of these areas, it is very important to get back in balance if you want your day to go right.

If your feelings get hurt because someone looks at you crossways, or because friends or family forget your birthday, you need to spend more time with God. He will fill you with so much love and such a sense of self-worth that you won’t feel ill-tempered or touchy toward anyone. Seek God with your whole heart today. Talk to Him about your problems, and then enjoy yourself, knowing that He cares for you.

Future Without Fear

I thought this was appropriate for this day...

#GOD BLESS AMERICA!

#NEVERFORGET

A Future Without Fear

Jesus wasn’t saying we shouldn’t plan or make any calculations about the future. He was telling us not to let our minds be hassled or pressed by how we’re going to make it. In other words, we aren’t to plan for our future in fear, doubt, or with selfish concern. We’re to seek the Lord for specific direction and guidance, realizing that He will preserve both our future and our present. Then we’re ready to carry out His purposes in confidence and faith.

The Key to Everything

Get Wisdom

Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them.

Choosing to follow God will impart wisdom to you through your relationship with Him.

Stay tuned into God's word by reading the Bible. When you find yourself drifting away make an effort to stay connected.

Make it a priority and do whatever it takes.

Amen!

God Bless.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Listening to the Promptings of the Holy Spirit

I don't know about you, but I can always use good information, insight into anything of how God and His kingdom works. 

Especially if I want to keep growing. Rarely am I satisfied standing still. I want to move forward and growing until its truly about Him. 

This devotional from Joyce gives me the extra boost and confidence to do just that; and my prayer is it will boost you as well.

God Bless.

Listen to the Promptings of the Spirit

by Joyce Meyer

But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life]. 
—Romans 7:6

According to this passage, we are no longer under the restraints of the law but now serve the Lord under obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. A prompting is a "knowing" down on the inside of you telling you what to do. First Kings 19:11,12 describes the "still, small voice" the Lord used with Elijah. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.

A prompting from the Lord is not like hitting someone over the head with a hammer to prompt them to do something! The Lord did not use the great and strong wind, the earthquake, or the fire as a prompting but instead came as "a sound of gentle stillness" and "a still, small voice."

The prompting of "a still, small voice" is not necessarily a voice; it can be God's wisdom giving you direction in that moment. First Corinthians 1:30 tells us, But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God. If we are born again, Jesus is living inside us. If He is inside us, we have God's wisdom in us to draw on at any moment! But unless we listen to wisdom, it won't do us any good.