Finding Peace in Obscurity

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The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us . 
- John 1:14

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

- Isaiah 12:3

...the people who know their God shall be strong, 
and carry out great exploits.

- Daniel 11:32

...the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,

but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

- Romans 14:17

You must have something big to overcome 
so that you may grow bigger by what you defeat. 
Recognize the giant that is against you. 
Expect to be lifted up above the head of your enemy. 
The enemy exists to make you bigger.
- Graham Cooke

As the month of October comes to a close, I begin this post by writing about another Fall feast, a very beautiful one. This month we commemorated the seventh feast of the Lord, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, which is celebrated for seven days, on the 15th to the 21st of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar. On the Gregorian calendar, Sukkot this year began at sundown on October 4 and ended at sundown on October 11.

Unlike the two fall feasts that come before it, Sukkot is marked with festivity, gladness, and joy. Also referred to as the Feast of Ingathering, the feast comes after the harvest of the fall crops, and there is a spirit of thankfulness for the bountiful harvest God has provided. 

Sukkot is celebrated yearly as a reminder of the forty years that God cared for the Israelites in the wilderness after they left Egypt. They lived in tents, were miraculously given manna from heaven and water from rocks and springs. While in the desert, their clothes and sandals did not wear out, nor did any of them get sick. During this entire time, God was in their midst, in a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.

The Hebrew word sukkot is the plural form of the singular sukkah which literally means "tabernacle," a temporary dwelling, like a booth or hut. At the start of this feast the Israelites built booths outside their homes and lived in them for seven days. In doing so, they remembered the time that God tabernacled with them in the wilderness.

God gives the Israelites specific instructions regarding this feast in Leviticus 23:33-44, part of which is quoted below:

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord... on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’”

Another Biblical reference to the celebration of Sukkot is found in Nehemiah 8:17:

And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths... And there was very great rejoicing.

Even in the face of the difficult task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, while encountering hindrance and hostility from the enemy in their midst, the Israelites could greatly rejoice in their sukkot. These flimsy constructions caused them to rejoice as they remembered that, just as in the wilderness, the Presence of God was their strength. By His Word and command, the open, fragile sukkah becomes a refuge, a fortress protecting us from every enemy. (The Season of our Joy in First Fruits of Zion)


The main point of the celebration is the fact of God's presence in their midst, and in God's presence is fullness of joy!

David writes in Psalm 16:

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
- Psalm 16:11

Another name for this feast is The Season of our Joy; the week-long celebration is marked by eating, dancing, and singing. Aside from rejoicing in God's presence, there is thanksgiving for the provision of the fall harvest, and the promise of abundant rains for the planting season ahead.

The Israelites depended on agriculture for their daily existence, and adequate rain during the rainy season from November to March was needed to ensure a plentiful harvest. Thus an important part of the observance of this feast is the water-libation ceremony. Each morning of the feast, the high priest takes water from the Pool of Siloam and pours it into a special basin located in the inner court of the Temple. This is the visual prayer for rain, because there truly is a desperate need for rain in the land.

Below is a lovely prayer for rain that is recited on Shemini Atzeret, the day after the Feast of Tabernacles, which is also the official start of the rainy season in Israel.  The tone in the synagogue is a solemn one and the prayer voices the people's anxiety for seasonal rains:

May He send rain from the heavenly towers,
To soften the earth with its crystal showers.
You have named water the symbol of Your might,
All that breathe life in its drops to delight.
O’ revive those who praise Your powers of rain…

There follows six sections, each referring to the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and the Twelve Tribes, and their connection with water. As when Abraham was asked to offer Isaac’s blood “like water”; and when Jacob bravely rolled the stone off the “well of water”; when Moses was drawn in a reed basket “out of the Nile’s water” and when he struck the rock and “out came water”. Aaron, the High Priest, who, on the Day of Atonement, bathed “with sanctified water”; the twelve tribes whom G-d brought through the “divided waters of the Dead Sea” and “sweetened their bitter water” in the desert.

After these examples, we ask G-d to remember the merits of these worthy ancestors and remember the goodness granted them all, and for our sake, “not hold back water”. The end of the prayer is dramatic. The cantor calls out: “For You are G-d, who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall. For a blessing and not for a curse-” and the congregation answers “Amen!” “For life, and not for death-” “Amen!” “For plenty, and not for scarcity-” “Amen!”  (Reflections on Prayer for Rain in Heartland, Christian Friends of Israeli Communities)

Abba Father knows exactly how thirsty the land and people of Israel are! It is significant that in John 7:37-39, Jesus points to Himself as the source of living water:

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The future prophetic fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles is the millennial kingdom where Jesus will reign in peace, righteousness, and joy. Satan will no longer be in the picture. Surely at that time there will be life-giving rains, more than enough water for everyone!

As I look back on the significant events of this month, a lot of thoughts come to mind.

I believe what many Bible scholars say, that Jesus was born, not on December 25 but on Tishrei 15, (September or October in the Gregorian calendar) the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Sukkot is one of the three annual festival feasts when all male Jews were required to come to Jerusalem.  It was also the time when the temple tax had to be paid. Inns were full, and the spillover would reach the surrounding towns. This will explain why there were so many people in Bethlehem (only five miles away from Jerusalem) at the time that Mary and Joseph went there for the census. It is highly probable that the shed Jesus was born in was a sukkah, a hut or booth, constructed in celebration of this feast.

Since everything in the life of Jesus had prophetic implications, in the same way that His human body was a temporary container for His glory, it would also make so much sense for Him to be born in a "tabernacle," a temporary dwelling, as John wrote in John 1:14,

The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.

In his Commentary of the Whole Bible, Matthew Henry writes: 

It is supposed by many that our blessed Saviour was born much about the time of this feast; then he left his mansions of light above to tabernacle among us (Jn. 1:14 ), and he dwelt in booths. And the worship of God under the New Testament is prophesied of under the notion of keeping the feast of tabernacles, Zec. 14:16 . For, the gospel of Christ teaches us to dwell in tabernacles, to sit loose to this world, as those that have here no continuing city, but by faith, and hope and holy contempt of present things, to go out to Christ without the camp, Heb. 13:13, 14 . (Leviticus 23)

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How appropriate it is then to also call this feast The Season of our Joy!

For indeed, the Savior, the Redeemer, the Hope of the world came down to earth during this feast, and no other than the angelic hosts of heaven proclaimed His arrival to the shepherds in the field.

Like Simeon who had been waiting for the "consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25), the shepherds and many others in Israel had been longing for their Messiah to come and deliver them from the heavy burden of their circumstances. Both wise man and lowly peasant knew that this much-prophesied and much-awaited event was cause for great rejoicing.

Significantly, the baby Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after he was born. The day after the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles is also referred to as "the Eighth Day" or Shemini Atzeret, a separate event but often mistakenly considered as part of Sukkot. 

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, 

His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel 

before He was conceived in the womb. 

- Luke 2:21

This, for me, is the deeper significance of this joyous feast: that Jesus my Hope and Savior chose to come to earth at this season. His first coming was a prophetic fulfillment of this feast, paving the way for hope and rest for all who were weary and heavily laden. Jesus came down to earth the first time in obscurity, hiddenness, and humility, as a Savior and Redeemer, a Suffering Servant, a Man of Sorrows.

This feast will be fulfilled a second time when Jesus Christ returns to reign as the Prince of Peace for a thousand years. His second coming will be in glory, grandeur, and in full view of everyone, as Judge and King.

But this feast also has a meaningful personal fulfillment for me.

Just remembering that Jesus came to earth as a helpless human baby born in a sukkah during the Feast of Tabernacles makes me want to embrace at a deeper level the kind of humility that He had.

Paul in Philippians 2:2-8 stated it so beautifully:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

To think that Jesus was the Son of God, yet was willing to come down to earth as a human being, to be our Deliverer, to suffer an unthinkable death, when He Himself deserved none of what was done to Him... I know I haven't begun to fully grasp the deeper implications of it all.

There's no doubt or question, my deep desire all these years is to be like Christ in my attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions.

But it's a long process.

I am grateful to God for reminders along the way.

The past months, I have gained a new appreciation for the way Jesus lived His earthly life in obscurity.

Since I live alone, most of my days are lived in quietness. The social activities I do outside my home are the exceptions, not the norm.

Living alone, however, doesn't mean an idyllic existence - for there is much that needs to be done. Maintaining the garden, the daily upkeep of my home, not to mention the marketing, the laundry, the cooking to feed myself and my dogs, the banking errands, and so much more, all require discipline and choosing the right priorities for each day.

Yet, despite the physical activity, a major portion of my life is lived in hiddenness and obscurity.

There is much to be said about this kind of life. Jesus was born as a human baby, and grew up in a tiny village called Nazareth. Nobody really knew who He was except Mary and Joseph. Nobody in that village had the slightest inkling that right in their very midst was the son of God.

Nobody really knew that someday that ordinary carpenter's son would be the Messiah, the Redeemer they have all been waiting for.

One of the most beautiful phrases in the Bible that I love is what Mary does - she treasures, she hides, all these things in her heart.

The Bible talks a lot about being hidden.

We have this treasure (the life of Christ) hidden in jars of clay. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

God promises to give us hidden treasures of darkness and hoards in secret places that we may know that He is God who calls us by name (Isaiah 45:3).

Jesus teaches us not to flaunt or display our spirituality, but instead to go to our room and pray, and close the door behind us... and our heavenly  Father who sees what is done in secret will reward us. (Matthew 6:6)

There is a sure promise of protection for the one who dwells in the secret place of the Almighty. (Psalm 91)

The time of hiddenness is when the tree drives its roots downward into the earth. Much of what we see in the spring and summer is the result of the quiet winter months when the world is pretty much hidden under the thick blanket of snow.

Lately I have been reading Graham Cooke's writings about the two ways God works - in hiddenness and in manifestation.

It is when God seems distant and quiet, hidden from us, that He is working to build, equip, and transform.

Perhaps the simplest way to explain it is to say that manifestation is a time of blessing; hiddenness is a time of building. God desires to bring you through seasons of hiddenness because He wants you to learn the discipline of walking by the Spirit.

Developing an ongoing walk with God by the power of the Holy Spirit is a discipline. Practicing faith is a discipline. Hiddenness is God’s way of establishing these disciplines in your life. Once established, they prevent the enemy from invading your life and touching you, because regardless of your emotions, you know how to find the presence of God; you have a constant assurance of His presence and His commitment to you.

Understanding the fact that sometimes God is hidden and sometimes manifest will ground you in your faith and help you to have a more consistent walk with Him. Whether it’s a ‘‘good’’ day or a ‘‘bad’’ day, you will know how to live in the grace of God.
From Understanding Hiddenness and Manifestation by Graham Cooke

Oswald Chambers wrote these striking lines in his devotional My Utmost for His Highest: "Has God trusted you with His silence - a silence that has great meaning? ... When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible, with absolute silence -- not a silence of despair but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation." (October 11)

We live by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7

I like how the New Living translation puts it: For we live by believing and not by seeing.

The life of faith is developed in the back burners of our lives.

As I have often heard it said, the battle is won on the strategic planning board, not on the battlefield. And the battle is fought in our hearts first.

Bill Johnson once said:

Once you kill the lion and the bear in private,

God will trust you to kill Goliath in public.

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When I think about the events of this month, I can't help but be amazed at how God my Abba Father has quietly orchestrated every single day.

After getting back from Manila in early July, I made a tentative plan to visit my daughter again in late September. However, without a clear go signal from God, I needed to wait for confirmation before finalizing my plans.

In September I was given an opportunity to go on a ministry trip to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) for the first two weeks of October. The timing seemed perfect. From CDO, I would go directly to Manila and stay there till the end of the month.

However, this meant I would not be around for the birthday celebrations of two of my grandchildren: Joyful One's on October 8, and Forerunner's on October 20. Moving the schedules to a later date would mean I could not be back in time for our November family celebrations which begin on  November 1.

After much prayer, I had peace about pushing through with the original plans.

I arrived in Cagayan de Oro on October 3. The CDO seminars were scheduled only for Thursday and Friday evenings and whole day Saturday for two consecutive weekends. This gave me plenty of alone time during the day. I was hosted by a wonderful couple in their lovely home, and while they were away at work, I had the whole house to myself.

After almost two weeks in CDO, on October 15, I boarded my Sunday morning flight to Manila.

Since my daughter leaves early for work each weekday and gets home late in the evenings, I also spent much of my time in Manila by myself.

This month has really been a delightful month spent in solitude and serenity.

There were chunks of time for me to be in God's presence, something that I have longed to have.

During the Sunday worship I last attended at Victory Katipunan, Pastor Raymund spoke on the narrow gate as being the path to life that very few discover.

What a confirmation of the lessons Abba Father has been teaching me this month! Indeed the narrow gate is a hidden gate, and not many find it.

I arrived from Manila yesterday afternoon. Re-invigorated, renewed, and refreshed.

In the evening I attend the worship service at Victory Bacolod at the SMX, SM City. Pastor Jason preached a timely word on the foolish and the wise builder. This concluding message for their 16-week series entitled Redefined cemented the lessons God had for me this month of October.

It is in the hidden and obscure seasons of my life that God is teaching me true wisdom. Wisdom not as the world gives, in the center stage and under the bright lights of fame and acclamation, but in the quiet corner, in the secret place, even when it seems that God is far and nowhere to be seen.

How thankful I am to God for He has been steadily building my faith in Him, through the circumstances of my life!

And as this month ends, I am ready to face the remaining months of the year 2017, and ready to embrace what lies ahead of me in the year 5778, the year of new beginnings.

October has been very much a peaceful month for me. With this peace has come a gentle kind of joy... not exuberant, bubbling over, or showing off... but low key and inconspicuous, like a weaned child sitting contentedly in the lap of his mother.

I name this month, Finding Peace in Obscurity

Our family had an advanced celebration for the birthdays of Joyful One and Forerunner on October 1.

On October 3, I boarded my flight to Cagayan de Oro.

awaiting boarding at the Silay pre-departure lounge

Cagayan de Oro: October 3-14, 2017
God's presence was clearly felt during the two weekend seminars where most of the participants received spiritual breakthroughs and release from deep seated emotional bondage. My dear friend and fellow ministry team member Giok Tin arrived from Davao City to be with me during the Financial Foundations seminar.

The time I spent with the team was fruitful and encouraging.

Ancient Paths Basic Seminar in CDO

October 5-7, 2017

Beautiful roses from Lyn's garden!

at the Ostrich Farm

October 9, 2017

lunch with Richard and Giok Tin at Bibgy's

October 12, 2017

coffee time with Pastor Lloyd and Ric

October 13, 2017

last night in CDO with the team

October 14, 2017

One bonus privilege I enjoyed while in this city was the time I spent with my first cousin Bobby and his wife Girlie, and their family.

delicious lunch with my cousins and their family

at the Del Monte Clubhouse, Bukidnon

October 8, 2017 

Metro Manila: October 15-29

lunch with my dear friend Elvie at Pamana Bistro, Makati City

October 26, 2017

with daughter Obedient One and her pet dog George
October 29, 2017

A Heart of Wisdom

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So teach us to number our days

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Yom Kippur begins at sundown today, and ends at sundown tomorrow.

Of all the Feasts of the Lord, this feast, called the Day of Atonement in English, is the most sacred, and the most solemn. Jews believe it is on this day that the whole year's sins of the entire nation are atoned for, or covered, through a blood sacrifice.

Yom Kippur literally means "day of covering" or "day of ransom," the only day in the whole year that the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and have a face to face encounter with God.

In Leviticus 16 and Leviticus  23, we read the detailed instructions given by the Lord to Moses on how atonement was to be done. There were elaborate ceremonies to be carried out, including physical cleansing by water for the priests, putting on of special garments, the burning of incense, and collecting the blood of a young bull, a ram, and a goat, to be offered as sin offering and burnt offering, while another goat was to be sent out to the wilderness as a scapegoat.

All of this is a type, or a picture, of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He was the High Priest, and He was also the two goats, the one which was killed and offered as the sin offering, and the other, called the scapegoat, which was sent to the wilderness carrying the sins of the people.

All prophetic passages in the Bible, including those referring to the Feasts of the Lord, are fulfilled at least three times: first, in the historical and cultural context; second, in a future event in the prophetic timeline of God; and third, in the present personal context of our individual lives.

In the case of the seven feasts, a serious study of them will help us understand that they are each a foreshadowing of events that pertain to Christ's first and second coming.

Jesus Himself made this clear when He said:

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. - Matthew 5:17-18

The Old Testament contains hidden pictures of God's redemptive plan, the chronology, content, and significance of major events that pertain to the first and second coming of Christ.

Dr. William Ayles has stated it well:

Genesis to Revelation is God-breathed revelation and Christ himself provided us with the framework to properly approach New Testament prophecy: “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).

God has given us two witnesses: the Old and New Testaments.

If the Old Testament foretold what would come to pass in the future, then the Old Testament set God’s precedent: New Testament prophecy must be in agreement with the precedent set in Old Testament prophecy. The Old Testament is God’s standard—not only for behavior but also prophecy. Herein, we as Christ’s church need not be blown about with every wind of doctrine on the subject of prophecy. God already established the irrefutable standard in the Old Testament.

There is a divine harmony of divine revelation to be found in the Bible—and it is ours for the asking.

All throughout the New Testament, Christ and his apostles quoted Old Testament prophets to show us the fulfillment of prophecy or what shall be fulfilled. In essence, New Testament prophecy must be understood not only through the eyes of the apostles but the prophets as well. Prophecies about our present salvation and future salvation are found throughout the Old Testament. (TimeLine International)

I like the way Dr. Ayles put it: There is a divine harmony of divine revelation to be found in the Bible.

The New Testament has not replaced the Old Testament. The two make up one continuous story of redemption. The writings of Moses and the prophets give us a picture of what is to come, and if understood correctly, we will not be looking at the present events from a "trial and error" doctrinal mindset, but from a position of eager expectation, waiting for the fulfillment of what God is doing.

The first four feasts, namely, Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost, are spring feasts, and they were all fulfilled by Jesus Christ during His first coming.

We now await the fulfillment of the fall feasts, namely, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles, which Jesus Christ will surely do at His second coming.

God has made it clear that He intends for these feasts to be observed by His people as a lasting memorial for all generations. He never wants us to forget, or become complacent, and stop waiting for the return of Christ.

He wants us to wait with joyful hope, and eager expectation.

Thus we continue to celebrate the feasts, no longer in a ceremonial, cerebral, legalistic way, but as a heart response. A response of faith and devotion.

Going back to the Feast of Yom Kippur.

After the temple's destruction in 70 A.D., there is no longer a physical temple in Jerusalem, and there is no priesthood operating as in the Old Testament times, therefore this feast cannot be carried out to the letter today. Understandably, the elaborate ceremonies as specified in Leviticus 16 are no longer followed. Instead, human traditions of practicing good works and liturgical readings in the synagogue have replaced the Biblical practices.

"It is instructive to... remember that Israel did not invent Yom Kippur. A set aside corporate day of atonement was instituted by God Himself. It was His idea. Just as all the other biblical feasts, Yom Kippur is an appointment with God, made by God. Yes, that appointment was explicitly made with Israel, but it was implicitly made with the rest of us, as the relationship between God and Israel forms the blueprint of how He intends to relate to all mankind." (Should Christians Fast on Yom Kippur?)

Thus, for those who understand the meaning of moed (literally, appointed time), these feasts are really an appointment with God. And, as the word miqra (assembly, or rehearsal) signifies, we assemble together on these feasts as a rehearsal, a preparation for the coming of Christ back to earth in the future to fulfill them

There is a coming day, at a future Yom Kippur, that the present-day Jews, many of whom do not still recognize Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament writings, will see the truth plainly, and they will turn to Christ as their Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). They will understand the picture of the two goats in Leviticus 16 as referring to Jesus, and they will look on Him as the One they have pierced, and receive His death on the Cross as their atonement for their personal and corporate sins.

This passage in Zechariah speaks of the redemption of Israel, which will happen just before Jesus returns for a future fulfillment of the feast of Yom Kippur:

And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great.... -Zechariah 12:10-11

That future Yom Kippur is the Second Coming of Christ, what Bible writers have referred to as the Day of the Lord. 

Those who have not yet believed in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, both Gentile and Jew, will not be given another opportunity. That day is their last chance.

It is said that on Rosh HaShanah or Yom Teruah, the books are opened, followed by the ten days of awe, a chance to repent. Then Yom Kippur comes, and the books are closed. The judgment is final.

The fulfillment of this day will be seen when Jesus returns. The 'days of Awe' will reach their crescendo on that day. It marks the last chance for any to be saved for, on that day the gates of Heaven are again closed. For the nation of Israel it is the day of release from their enemies but also the day of mourning as they realise how they 'pierced' and killed their Messiah 2000 years ago. It is the day when the entire world will come 'face to face' with the living God and see Him with their own eyes. It is a day of liberty for the people of God. It is a day of judgement for the enemies of God. For the Lord Himself it is the day when this planet is returned to its rightful owner (HIm!) and His reign begins. It is the day of Atonement - the most solemn and holy day of all. (Jesus in the Day of Atonement)

(Note: To get clear understanding of the prophetic significance of Yom Kippur, go to this blog Understanding Scripture in Light of a Jewish Timeline by Randy Dockens.)

Now, I come to my personal Yom Kippur.

It is said to be a day of fasting, a day to afflict or deny oneself. Because I have received Jesus as my Savior, Lord, and King, I know that my sins have been atoned for by His death on the cross. My observance of this day is not to buy my salvation, or to earn a good standing with God. Honestly, I have not made any plans to go into fasting or attend a congregational observance of this feast.

I look at this day mostly with gratitude for what my Lord has done for me. I am grateful for the cross, for the blood of Jesus that has saved me from eternal death. For guidance, for direction, for protection, and provision.

But it's not just all about me.

In observance of Yom Kippur, I want to identify with the sins of my immediate family. I lift up each member - my sons, and my daughters, my grandchildren, pleading to God on their behalf. Praying for God to forgive them for any way they may not have trusted Him completely or given Him first place in their lives.

I identify with my nation the Philippines, repenting before God for the way we as a people have worshiped idols, embraced many false doctrines, and shed innocent blood. It is a difficult time for our nation. There are many fingers pointing to others in criticism, and self righteous judgment. I ask Abba Father to enable me to walk in the opposite spirit, in humility, offering fervent intercession for our president, that he be given wisdom in his words, thoughts, and decisions. I am praying for our judiciary, for true justice to reign in our land. I am praying for our legislature, that the laws they pass will not be self-serving, but for the good of all.

There is a war in our southern islands, I am praying for unity, and protection from demonic schemes. I am praying for our economy, for our entertainment industry, for the educational system, for the youth of our nation, for the countless fatherless and motherless children, as millions of our citizens scattered all over the world, employed as overseas workers.  There is so much to offer up to God. There is so much poverty around when we are aware that our nation is rich in mineral resources. We are not a poor nation.

Above all, I believe in the prophetic destiny of the Philippines. I pray that nothing will stand in the way of its fulfillment.

I identify with Israel, that tiny nation surrounded by other nations who look at her as their enemy, and whose number one aim is to annihilate it from the face of the earth. The Jews are very much on center stage these days, and they need our prayers and our support. Most of the people of Israel still do not trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, and for that reason, they are very much into a legalistic observance of the laws of Moses. Yet, Father God has been watching over them. Israel is the apple of God's eye. He has said that he who blessed Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed... and in the fulfillment of God's promise to bless Abraham, all the families, all the nations of the earth, will be blessed.

This is what Yom Kippur means to me. I look at my relationships, and ask God to show me how these are meant to teach me vital lessons in humility, and servanthood. Paul says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves..."(Philippians 2:3).


In many ways, I am grateful for the fall feasts that have fallen on this month of September -  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They have given me a renewed zeal to return to God in a more intentional way.

Since Rosh HaShanah ushered in the year 5778, I have attempted to read the book of Proverbs daily, one or two chapters a day. My personal desire is to walk in wisdom this year.

Today is the ninth day of 5778, and I hear the voice of Wisdom calling:

Wisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

Exalt her, and she will promote you;

She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

She will place on your head an ornament of grace;

A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Proverbs 4:7-9

Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,

And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

For my mouth will speak truth...

- Proverbs 8:6-7

Daily wisdom is needed to sort out which of the many demands facing me each day is the priority God has assigned for me. I desire wisdom in my daily walk with Him, in my relationships, in my decisions, even in my emotional response to my circumstances.

What a beautiful month this has been! It's been a month of realizations. Of renewed trust. Of looking forward to what God has in store for me.

I name this month, A Heart of Wisdom. Letting go of my own understanding, and holding on instead, to God's hand.

He alone knows the path that is best for me.

My Yom Teruah 5778

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing 
when he returns.
- Matthew 24:46

It's September 20, 2017. Tonight, at sundown, the year 5778 in the Hebrew calendar, begins. This significant event is observed for two days, Tishri 1 and Tishri 2, in a joyous celebration called Rosh HaShanah.

But this event is actually referred to as Yom Teruah in the Bible. It falls on the first day of the seventh month, or Tishri 1. Its name comes from Numbers 29:1, which recounts, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing of trumpets to you.”

It is also referred to as Zikhron Teruah (“a memorial of trumpets”) in Leviticus 23:24-25, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest to you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to YHWH.”

It marks the beginning of the three Fall Feasts in the Hebrew calendar, Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).

The past years, I have reconnected to the Hebrew roots of my Christian faith, and have found deep meaning in observing the feasts of the Lord.

The Bible enumerates these feasts in Leviticus 23 where God clearly explains to Moses that they are His feasts, and are to be observed as holy convocations, a memorial to be proclaimed throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

The Hebrew word for feast is moed, which literally means "appointed time, place, or meeting."

Really, an appointment with God.

It was like finding missing pieces to a puzzle when I first understood what it meant. Moed is a set time in God's calendar on which He expects His people to meet with Him throughout all their generations.

It's not just an Old Testament thing, as many people believe. These feasts are to be observed for all generations.

Another thing that struck me is the Hebrew word miqra for "convocation."

Miqra means a "solemn assembly," but it also connotes "rehearsal." (See miqra in the Strong's Lexicon of Hebrew words.)

That has completely changed the way I look at these feasts. I have come to understand that when we observe these special days by gathering together, we are in fact rehearsing for the actual days when the feasts will be fulfilled, in accordance with God's prophetic timeline.

So, today, as Yom Teruah begins at sundown, which also marks the beginning of the Hebrew New Year Rosh HaShanah, I take time to meditate on its significance in my own personal spiritual journey.

I ask myself,  "What is the message of Abba Father for me as I rehearse, or prepare for, the actual day of the fulfillment of this feast?"

The year 5778 in the Hebrew calendar holds a depth of meaning, too deep to be put into words. The number 70, which is the decade we are in, is ayin in the Hebrew alphabet, and has the picture of a seeing eye. This is the decade to see like we have never seen before.  It is also a silent letter, which speaks to me of the truth that there are things God is revealing that may not be spoken of, just pondered and treasured in my heart.

For meditation. For rumination. For absorption.

The number 8 is represented by chet in the Hebrew alphabet.

The picture we get from the character chet is that of a doorway in a wall or fence. It is a passageway, a crossing over from one place to another.

John 10:9 uses the idea of chet as a doorway so clearly:

I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.
He will come in and go out and find pasture.

Other versions use "door" instead of "gate" - but the Greek word thura for "door" can also mean "entrance." Gate is not an inaccurate translation.

For me, it points to an inner movement...

from a place of complacency, to a place of engagement and involvement;
from a place of passivity, to a place of action;
from a place of discouragement, to a place of renewal and hope;
from a place of wrong priorities, to a place of divine assignments.

There are just so many areas within my heart that need a forward movement, and an upward thrust.

And today is the best time to make a renewed commitment to the Triune God as my Father, my Lord, and King... my Redeemer, my Savior, and Friend... my Comforter, my Teacher, my Guiding Light.

My Living Hope.

Chet also means a fence. Lance Wallnau mentions a few key words relating to this: heart, private, separate.

Been pondering on these words this morning. Chet speaks of a passageway that could lead to a private enclosure, an inner room, a secret garden.

A tent of meeting with God my Father. A place of communion and intimacy where deep calls to deep.

Chet speaks to me of a crossing over, from bondage to freedom, from doubt to certainty, from the superficial to the deep.

Precious time is so easily wasted on things that do not matter. I have been guilty of this time and time again.

God laments: ... for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. - Jeremiah 2:13

Yet Father never gives up. Repeatedly He issues an invitation to return to Him, to draw near to Him.

I come to God in repentance and brokenness.

(Note: You may want to listen to the song below before reading the rest of the post.)

Chet is the number 8 in the Hebrew alphabet, a number that stands for new beginnings. Jesus Christ rose on a Sunday morning, technically the first day of the week... but counting beyond the seventh day, Resurrection Sunday is sometimes prophetically referred to as "the eighth day."

Chet therefore indicates resurrection life, and new birth.

A new season to celebrate the newness of life.

It is significant that Rosh HaShanah commemorates the creation of the world.

Indeed I am grateful for this season, a reminder that God is waiting for me this Yom Teruah, to keep my appointment with Him... watching and waiting for the final fulfillment of this day when the trumpet will be blown and Jesus will return for His own.

When exactly will that be?

I take to heart the precious words of Jesus in Matthew 24:32-39, and I quote,

32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Jesus gives us the signs that the time is near. He doesn't want us to be in the dark about these important things. Rather, he wants us to understand the times and the seasons. By watching, and waiting for His return, and being alert, we are ready at any given moment.

I do not want to live like the people in Noah's day, who did not know what time it was! Rather, I want to operate on God's timetable, so that these things do not catch me by surprise.

Note: The Spring feasts have been fulfilled: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks (Pentecost). We are still awaiting the fulfillment of the Fall feasts: Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles.

In truth, there are many indicators that the end is near. Earthquakes, destructive storms, wars and rumors of wars... these are just some of them.

Ryan LeStrange says that 5778 is "the year of glory storms." Even before the hurricanes struck the Carribean Islands and Florida, he wrote:

There are glory storms of fierce winds coming forth. These are winds of refreshing, winds of transition and winds of shift. 

When the winds of God's glory come, they are meant to help us find our proper place in Him, a place of faithfulness where we are doing the very thing He has created us for.

Sometimes the winds come forcefully, to expose false foundations, and to shake us from our complacency, in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. - Hebrews 12:27

The Lord's word is an encouragement to my heart: When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. - Luke 21:28

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!


Also posted in my Holy Ground blog.

Tenacious

I am my beloved’s,

And my beloved is mine.

He feeds his flock among the lilies.

- Song of Solomon 6:3

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.
I will give her her vineyards from there,
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;
She shall sing there,
As in the days of her youth,
As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.
- Hosea 2:14-15

August comes to an end today, but in the Hebrew calendar, we are in the month of Elul which began eleven days ago.

Elul is the month just before Tishrei, the last month in Israel's civil calendar, and is very significant to the Jews. It is a month of preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, something like a "countdown" before turning the page from the chapter of year 5777 to the year 5778.

It is a transition period between the old year and the new.

Before I continue with this post, I think some things need to be made clear. I am not a Jew, and I am not about to become one. But as I have already mentioned in my previous posts, it has been my desire to re-connect to the Hebrew foundations of my Christian faith. 

Larry Rowland of Messengers of Truth points out that to correctly understand the New Testament, "it is beneficial to have a working knowledge of the world from which it was birthed."

Mr. Rowland writes: 

"…Most of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation was written by Jews, for Jews, about Jews, or with Jews in mind. Even the Gospel of Luke and part of the Book of Acts, while probably written by Gentiles, nonetheless addressed Jewish issues and concerns on behalf of an early Jewish Church."

"Only the knowledge of our Hebraic Roots, will allow us, as Christians, to span the bridge of time linking yesterday to today; allowing us to understand the full richness of Scripture." (source: To Embrace Hebrew Roots in Seek God website)

I agree that we as Christians need to understand and know more about our Jewish heritage. Without that understanding, we are in effect burning important bridges to the very foundations on which our faith was originally founded. When Christ returns, He will return to be King over a universal body of believers, both Jews and Gentiles standing together as one.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to "Gentile" Ephesians, admonishes us to remember our Hebrew foundations.

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh

—who are called Uncircumcision 

by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 

that at that time you were without Christ, 

being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel 

and strangers from the covenants of promise, 

having no hope and without God in the world. 

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off 

have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 

-Ephesians 2:11-13

To state it bluntly, Paul says that before we Gentiles became Christians, we were:  "Christ-less, country-less, covenant-less, hope-less and god-less!"

If you don’t understand the history behind the Gentile nations and where Israel came from, then you don’t really understand the significance of how powerful the before/after truths in Ephesians 2 really are. Most of us are Gentiles and naturally we have a "Gentile mentality" thinking we deserve salvation and the Jews have received their due. We mistakenly think that God immediately came to save Gentiles. Many even forget that Jesus Himself was a Jew! Gentiles don’t seem to understand we are the late comers. We were the ones far off who have been brought near as Paul describes in Ephesians 2:13. (source: Precept Austin)

I have a number of Christian friends who have begun practicing the daily reading of Torah portions and are re-discovering the gems of the Old Testament.  It cannot be denied that a deeper understanding of the Hebrew foundations of Christianity does add a vital dimension to our faith.

Having said all that, let me emphasize that I consider myself a New Testament Christian, not going back to a law-based religion of do's and don'ts, or a legalistic observance of new moons, festivals, and Sabbaths, but as one redeemed by my Savior Jesus Christ. I am an undeserving recipient of His grace and mercy.  The Old Testament has tremendous value, because it is the foundation on which our faith is built, and Jesus Christ is the cornerstone that unites the Old and the New Testaments. Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it.

I am aware of the dangers of fully embracing the Hebrew Roots movement, hook line and sinker, for the reason that certain teachings of Judaism lean towards the occult and are not in line with Biblical truth.

The last thing I want to happen is to fall into error or deception in my desire to understand more about the Hebrew foundations of my Christian faith.

It is within this context that I write about the month of Elul and its spiritual significance for me.

Elul is said to be a month of repentance, of returning to the King who is waiting in the fields, longing to have a more intimate relationship with us.

Rosh HaShanah is the beginning of the ten days of awe which culminates in the Feast of Atonement, or Yom Kippur. Jews believe that the books are opened on Rosh HaShanah, and we are given ten days to repent, before our "fate" for the coming year is sealed - whether it will be a good year or a bad year ahead of us depending on whether or not we have repented and have returned to God.

Elul is a 30-day preparation for Rosh HaShanah. (Note: Elul has only 29 days, but the last day of the previous month Av is also considered the beginning of Elul, thus the start of Elul, Rosh Kodesh Elul, is celebrated for two days, on the 30th day of Av, and the 1st day of Elul.)

This is the time to make New Year resolutions, promises to God and ourselves to "turn over a new leaf."

Our sins have been atoned for by virtue of Christ's death on the cross. We are saved not on the basis of works or performance, but by trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary as the basis of our redemption from eternal damnation. But observing the significance of the months and feasts on the Hebrew calendar gives us good opportunities to deepen our faith.

Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)


Significantly, there are 40 days from the start of Elul until Yom Kippur, or the Feast of Atonement.

It is believed that on this month God releases into the earth the atmosphere of intimacy and spiritual desires to connect to Him. (source)

Thus, on this month, the Song of Songs and Hosea 2:14-23 are recited daily by Jews.

The Song of Songs speaks of how God's love finds us in our lowest condition, and causes us to grow and mature in that love. It is really a story of God's unconditional love for us.

I have been reading and meditating on this book for over a year now, and I am nowhere near to understanding its depth and richness. I often look at myself as that Shulamite maiden, longing to draw near my King in a growing intimate relationship with Him.

The Scripture passage in Hosea 2:14-23 is one that God has spoken personally to me time and time again over the past fifteen years or so. God has led me through many wilderness seasons, and has indeed opened up a door of hope in the valleys of Achor that I have found myself in.

I am amazed to discover that Jesus was led to the wilderness for forty days during the 30 days of Elul, and the first ten days of Tishrei!

Moses also re-ascended to Mt. Sinai on the first day of Elul, and went down 40 days after, on the tenth day of Tishrei. During these 40 days, Moses received the second set of stone tablets with the ten commandments inscribed on them by the hand of God. (The first set of tablets was broken by Moses when he discovered that the Israelites had worshiped a golden calf.)

Indeed, God has a precise time frame for all the significant events of our history. I would be a fool not to appreciate how important the month of Elul is to Him.

It is interesting to note that the word “Elul” means “search” or “inspect”.

This month is a time of returning to God, repenting for complacency, and receiving a fresh assurance of His favor!

There is much to repent from. Quality time with my Abba Father is my deep desire. Rather, I have been distracted by other concerns and seemingly urgent priorities. I acknowledge where I have been remiss and make a renewed commitment. This season is indeed an important one in my faith journey.


As the month of August ends, I call it Tenacious.

I look at myself as that Shulamite maiden in the Song of Songs, like a flower blooming in the most unlikely places, holding on to my faith, and asking my heavenly Father to honor it and make it grow strong.

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a rock.

image source

     

I've been to the rheumatologist several times the past weeks. Blood tests have been taken, and an X-ray. The blood tests are all normal. But the X-ray results show that in addition to my flat foot (Pes Planus) deformity which has caused a collapsed arch, there are two areas in the ankle bones where spurs have grown. This is the culprit, for they push into the soft tissue of my foot and causing pain and swelling.

I'm relieved to know that the pain is not nerve-related. "It's an anatomical deformity," the doctor said.

Surgery to remove the spurs is one option, but I'm not taking that path. There are other human remedies, including using arch support rocker shoes, medication, and physiotherapy.

And I am definitely not allowing myself to be hindered from what God intends me to do in the remaining days of my life.

I'm returning to God, seeking a deeper relationship with Him, holding on to tenacious faith as I continue in my journey.



Here are the events of the past weeks, in a "nutshell":

On August 3, Tata and I went on a land and sea trip to Cebu City with Pastor Hann and Eva Layawan to be part of an Ancient Paths Seminar at their church. Valerie, our FFI (Family Foundations International) ministry team member from Cagayan de Oro arrived to join us.

Ancient Paths Basic Seminar

Cebu City

August 3-5, 2017

On August 6, Valerie and I left Cebu City for Cagayan de Oro City where I conducted three seminars, assisted by our ministry team there.

Ancient Paths Basic Seminar
Cagayan de Oro City
August 7-8, 2017

me, Val, Bembi, Sheryl, and Lyn
Transforming Hearts (Ancient Paths Level 2) Seminar
Cagayan de Oro City
August 9-10, 2017

Financial Foundations Seminar

Cagayan de Oro City

August 9-11, 2017

While in Cagayan de Oro, I was happy for the opporunity to be with my first cousin Bobby and his family again.

I left Cagayan de Oro on August 12, with my heart full of joy, grateful to be part of what God is doing in this city.  It was rainy when I arrived in Bacolod, but it always feels good to come back home!

 in CDO airport, waiting to board the tiny turbo prop plane bound for Bacolod

on my way home from the Bacolod Silay airport

On Monday, August 14, Melanie, Miriam, and I celebrated Miriam's birthday.  

birthday brunch at Ann Co's resto

My dear friend Fely was in the country for two weeks for a short visit. What a joy it was to be able to spend some time with her!

lunch at Italia restaurant

breakfast at my home

That same week, it was a privilege for me to be part of the ministry team at an Ancient Paths seminar in my city.

Ancient Paths Basic Seminar

Bacolod City

August 16-17, 2017

On August 21, my sister in law Sue prepared a special dinner for our Monday night Bible study. We celebrated the special destiny that God had given each one of us! 

On the last weekend of this month, the Women of Purpose of our church had a two day retreat at Dan and Jing's beach house in Pontevedra. Our topic was the healing names of God, truly a fitting one for the month of Elul.

Family days of bonding with my children and grandchildren are the icing on my cake.

It has been an amazing thirty one days! I treasure how each of the past four weeks has been so special and heartwarming.

As this month ends, I know that my Abba Father is calling me to return to Him, and He is welcoming me with open arms.

Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord;

his appearing is as sure as the dawn;

he will come to us like the showers,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

- Hosea 6:3

This song by Martin Smith touches me to the depths of my being. It is indeed a fitting one for this season.

Song of Solomon
by Martin Smith

When I feel the cold of winter
And this cloak of sadness, I need You
All the evil things that shake me
All the words that break me, I need You

Over the mountains, over the sea
Here You come running my Lover to me

Do not hide me from Your presence
Pull me from Your shadows, I need You
Beauty wrap Your arms around me
Sing Your song of kindness I need You

Over the mountains, over the sea
Here You come running my Lover to me


All through the valleys
Through the dark of night
Here You come running to hold me till it's light

I'll come running
Come running
Come running, back to You...