The Joy of Acceptance
August 13, 2020A Constant, Ongoing Decision
August 20, 2020We have been observing the Days of Awe since twilight, Sunday, August 16. These Days of Awe last for 40 days, and commemorate Moses re-ascending the mountain as a second chance to get the approval and the life-giving Ten Commandments and the Covenant with God. With the 40 Days of Awe, you have one level of repentance for the first 30 days, knowing that you have done wrong and listening to that Holy Spirit and looking inward. Then the final 10 days begin with the Day of Trumpets, which we will commemorate on September 28th. At the Day of Trumpets, God sounds the trumpet louder and it marks the beginning of the last 10 days leading up to the Day of Atonement, the Day of Forgiveness. This is an opportunity for the rejoining of the relationship with God, knowing that you have peace with God. The Day of Atonement is the day that Moses comes back with the answer and with the Covenant and the words for a successful marriage to God. We are to learn to be humble and not expect forgiveness, but to be appreciative of it so that there can be a great celebration on the Day of Atonement, which we will celebrate October 5th.
During these Days of Awe, we are to be purging sin, and it goes deeper every day until this purging is so deep that you can on the final day easily do a complete fast away from anything that has been an indulgence for you. God also requires a fast from food on that final day for the healthy adults. With this type of introspection, looking inward, slowing down and thinking about exactly what God wants, I can testify that a fast is easier every year and that denial seems like nothing by that point. In fact, it is exciting to show God and show yourself that you can deny yourself and live for God alone. We welcome you to join us in this 40-day journey of purity for God!