Shalom Friends,
Grace and peace to each of you at the start of this season of God’s appointed fall feasts. The feasts (moedim) of Yom Teruah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Atonement) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) are mandated in Leviticus 23:23-44. You can read more about them from our brief, introductory article here.
Extra-biblical Jewish tradition recognizes Yom Teruah as the start of a new year, often linking the feast to the presumed birth date of the world. Honoring that tradition, we bless each of you from Zion with a happy and healthy new year. In 5786, may you be inscribed in heaven’s book of life through Yeshua in overflowing, infinite fullness. May you come to personally know His faithfulness, favor and fatherly goodness as never before.
Meanwhile, what do we hear heaven’s shofar sounding at this year’s fall feasts?
The Spirit and the Bride will say, “Come!” in what can best be described as a new dimension or dynamic. (Revelation 22:17) In 5786 the world will continue writhing and roiling in anticipation of its soon-coming redemption. But if you live surrendered to YHVH, you are in the world, not of it. Therefore, may you personally abide this year in the wraparound love and saturating shalom of your Bridegroom King. He will be there with you and for you. His kingdom is at hand; it is advancing and the gates of hell can not prevail against it.
In the coming year, Israel and the ekklesia will stand shoulder to shoulder in divinely infused, warrior strength. Both will overcome and break through in battle as spiritual strongholds and kingdoms clash. Both will be victorious from God’s perspective (though not always the world’s) as we continue in surrendered faith and love in the power of Holy Spirit. Let’s lean into 5786 together, joyful in our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Individuals, churches and nations will make destiny-determining decisions in 5786 concerning Israel and the Jewish people. Eventually, their choices could seal their alignments with God Himself. As we witnessed in the recent, tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, a young, prophetic voice to America, biblical values will be challenged this next year. In the process, be intentional about staying encouraged in the Lord. Yeshua said these things must come to pass. (Matthew 24:6) As they do, you are called to make history, standing firm in truth!
Messiah told us, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword …” (Matthew 10:34, Amplified Bible) While the weapons of our warfare are spiritual, and our battle is not against flesh and blood, the battle does rage as evil contends against the advance of God’s kingdom.
Remember that Jesus also said, “Peace I leave with you; My perfect peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you..Do not let your heart be troubled…Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.” (John 14:27, Amplified Bible) “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)