Shabbat Shalom

 

This is my favorite time of the week. Beginning at 6 pm I enter into the rest of Shabbat with my Jewish brothers and sisters and Gentiles, like me, who love the nation of Israel and observe God's appointed time. Growing up going to church on Sunday has always been a welcomed time of rest away from the cares of this world, putting aside works only to focus on the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. So now, as I have for many years, Saturday, the 7th day of creation when God rested from His work and was refreshed according to Genesis, is a day I also observe. 

Learning more about my Hebraic roots has given me a greater appreciation of gathering at appointed times, Moedim, as scripture teaches. When God created the heavens and the earth, and He saw that it was good, then He sat down and rested and was refreshed. Throughout scripture we are exhorted by God to observe the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. Now this is not condemnation for those who worship on Sunday or any other day because of our upbringing and belief, or for those who have to work on this day. I am simply sharing scriptures, and what I am learning and applying to my life.

This period of time known as Teshuva, beginning this year on September 3rd, marks the 40 days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is the only time during the year when priests were allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies where the presence of God rested. To enter unworthily meant death, so before entering, the priest had to first make atonement for his sins. In fact a rope was tied to him just in case he had entered God's presence unclean, so that his body could be removed. God is a holy God who cannot be in the presence of sin. This makes me wonder if it ever happened, as scripture does not say, to my knowledge. Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, died for offering unholy fire, as mentioned in Leviticus 10:1-2. Another time when David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after it had been taken by the Philistines (2 Samuel 6:7), Uzzah was killed for attempting to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled. God specified in Exodus 25:15 how the Ark was to be carried, and although Uzzah meant well and by impulse tried to steady the cart, he died for his disobedience. David had not consulted with God, and a high cost was paid. God is serious about His word, and although there are times in the scriptures when God seems harsh in His punishment,  but we must remember that God is a holy God. 

Teshuvah, as I noted previously, is a time of repentance and return, a time of examining our lives, repenting, and returning or aligning our lives to grow closer to God, to know Him better, to hear His voice, and truly know Him, abide with Him, which has been His desire since before creation. Repentance should be a regular part of our walk with the LORD, because we sin every day. Most of the time it is unintentional as in thinking bad thoughts, saying unkind words to another, putting everything else first rather than focusing on Him, or any of many ways we do not discern the presence of God and walk accordingly. Many find this lifestyle restrictive, but when you have been in the presence of our Living God, your life changes, and you understand the sweetness of abiding in Christ. 

Being part of this difficult time in the history of Israel, standing in prayer as one of many watchmen on the wall, called into service by God for Zion's sake, awaiting the return of our LORD, has been a privilege and a joy. It is deeply humbling knowing that apart from Christ, I am unworthy to approach a holy God, but because I accepted God's free gift of grace, I can stand in intercession on behalf of another. The cost of discipleship is extremely high, as many of us are finding out. Our CEO at ICEJ has been going through a painful time of physical healing, but I know that these times can be the best times to rest in His presence and listen to His voice. I believe when he returns he will be overflowing with fresh wisdom, manna from above, to share with all of us. As we surrender our lives in obedience to Christ, we can learn so much. Each day is a fresh word from the LORD, and I am awed by His glory.

So, as I enter into Shabbat in a few short hours, I want to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening intently, choosing the better thing, as Jesus shared with Martha regarding her sister Mary of Bethany when Mary chose to sit and listen, rather than rush around and "do." God calls us to "be." It is my prayer that this Shabbat during my time of rest that I am truly refreshed, as He promises. God never breaks His promises or His covenants. He longs to abide with all of us. My God, my joy! Take this time to put aside the weights that so easily outweigh us, and enter into the sweetness of knowing Him better and be refreshed.

 

 

Rosh Chodesh Elul

    

It's been a busy day, not particularly in actions, but in thoughts, cluttered with "to dos." So much happens so quickly that I find I am requiring more time just to process my thoughts. Too many distractions, not necessarily bad, but untimely. My focus needs to be turned to one thing. Like Mary of Bethany, I need to sit at the feet of Jesus, choosing to do the better thing. Only one thing that is necessary, Jesus told Martha, and He would not take it from her. Sitting at His feet, gazing intently into His face, soaking in every word. Worshiping.

Today, Tuesday, 9.3.2024 is the first day of the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar (year 5784). It is a time of introspection, personal and corporate, leading up to the High Holy Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, which is followed by the feast days, the most notably the Feast of Tabernacles. During this time we enter days of fasting and repentance, finding comfort in drawing close to the Lord, examining ourselves on every level. The month of Av that preceded was a time of mourning. As I write these words all of Israel mourns the past year of heart-wrenching horror and the helplessness many feel. There is no peace in the waiting, and for many the pain and insidious evil grows as the enemy taunts. Six precious souls executed as the enemy fled.

The events of October 7, 2023, changed everything. It's been such a difficult time for people waiting for the release of their loved ones, trying to find a sense of "normal" as daily the sirens are going off somewhere, many displaced from their homes because of the impending danger. Media has given the wrong impression of Israel and her response to this terror. It is without regard for the feelings of others or for the decisions that weigh so heavily on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Bearing false witness against a neighbor is something God hates. It seems much easier to pick up the chant of paid trouble-makers or ignorant naysayers than to seek truth and follow it. This includes the ones who profess to follow Jesus. For the most part the silence of the church has been deafening. A token prayer goes up for Israel, a brief comment to show sympathy without truly mourning or understanding, too busy to stand in support of our closest ally, a friend.

I'm weary, but it not in well doing. What frustrates me is waiting for the church to arise. The hour is late. I find it difficult to articulate what I am feeling. Years ago I asked God to break my heart for what broke His. I was newer to intercession in those days, but He heard my prayer, and He answered me. From that time forward He has led me to "see" more clearly and to listen for His direction in prayer. When I learn something new, I find that I hardly know anything at all. Praying His prayers are not for the weak kneed or faint of heart. This year alone has made me question so many things about myself. I've been privileged to attend daily prayer meetings with the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Getting to know leaders who support Israel, many Gentile believers like myself, has been such a blessing. God told me He would set me, the solitary, in families, and He has. In October 2021 He instructed me to move back to Virginia after spending 35 years in Northern New Mexico. It has not been an easy move, and I have encountered more change than I thought. I have experienced much heartache over the loss of loved ones here and in New Mexico. Two strong supporters, one in each State, both died unexpectedly. It seems as if it is not permitted for me to get too close. I don't understand, but God does, so I follow, and I trust Him. It's all He wants, my obedience, my trust, and my love. Dwelling in His presence. The best place to be. The only place for me.

The hour is extremely late, and a new day has begun. Time for sleep, a time to dream.Shalom.