
9/12/2026
"The only ground of our approach to God is 'by the blood of Jesus'
and by no other way. The one fundamental thing in prayer
is the atoning work of Jesus Christ."
Oswald Chambers
Today we celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah - and the beginning of Rosh HaShanah - with a blast of the shofar! Today is the first day of the New Year, the month of Tishrei 5787 and the beginning of the 10 Days of Awe, ten days that lead up to Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. On this day the priests entered the Holy Place to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of all the people for one year. Thankfully, when Jesus died on the cross, He made atonement for our sins once and for all. God sent His Son to die for our sins, to ransom us from the grave, to give us eternal life. During this time, when the Jewish people who still wait for Messiah to come pray and prepare their hearts, we rejoice and celebrate, because we know He's coming again - very soon!
During this time we continue to ask God to search our hearts and illuminate anything that is not pleasing to our Father. I have mentioned many times that prophetically many signs indicating the end times and the return of Christ are being played out, so we want to make sure that we are ready to meet Him when He comes to get His bride, the Church. With all the changes in our nation and world, the rise of antisemitism, and all the hatred that fills our streets, we need to make certain that our lamps are full of oil as Jesus instructed in The Parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.
In the book of Hosea God is calling Israel to repentance and a return to Him:
"Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth." (Hosea 6:1-3).
This is one of many warnings God delivered to Israel through His prophets, but Israel would not listen or repent. From all outward appearances Israel was prospering and growing, but inwardly it was morally corrupt and practiced spiritual adultery. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute to illustrate Israel's moral decline. But God also demonstrated His love for His chosen people and His desire to deliver them from His wrath, which He would surely pour out on Israel, unless they repented and turned from their sins. Throughout Israel's history God has always made a way out, and there has always been a remnant of those who continue to serve Him.
During these days as Israel counts up to the Feast of Tabernacles, the people are gathering in the synagogues and seeking the Lord in preparation of the Day of Atonement. There is an air of expectancy in the atmosphere, as many are preparing for the celebration to follow. At the same time they have some sense of uncertainty because of the war that continues to go on without resolution, but not without confrontation over disputed land.
This morning as we sang joy was in the filled the air, with longing for the return of Jesus. Our prayer is that all Israel will come to know Messiah, as we anxiously prepare for His return! Hu Yavo!


