Good morning,

This week we will explore the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot/Feast of Booths/Feast of Ingathering. One gathering with several different meanings.

The Facts:

What do the Scriptures say about it?

Lev 23:34 “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord.”
Lev 23:35 “On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”
Lev 23:36 “Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”
Lev 23:39 “Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.”
Lev 23:40 “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.”
Lev 23:42 “ Ye shall dwell in booths seven days…”
Deut 16:13 “Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:”
Deut 16:14 “And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.”

When is it?
Lev 23:34 “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto YHVH.”

What are we commanded to do?
1. Keep it Holy as a regular Sabbath, doing no servile work or the things associated with the seventh day Sabbath on the first day and the eighth day of the feast.
2. Keep it at its time and season on the fifteenth day of the seventh month.
3. Have a holy convocation on the first day of the feast and on the eighth day of the feast. This is a calling of the assembly or community of like-minded believers to assemble together and celebrate Tabernacles. If no one is able to convocate then call together your own family or travel to where another group of believers are assembling and keeping this day Holy or set apart.
4. We are to build “booths or sukkahs” out of various branches mentioned in Lev. 23:40. We are to dwell in booths or tents for seven days and rejoice before YHVH. This is one of the pilgrimage feasts where all of the males have to appear in Jerusalem before the Lord.

Tomorrow we will explain the spiritual and prophetic significance of Sukkot.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The process of renewal has taken place, so now we should be ready to praise God for His wonderful works.

Psalm 92 tells us of God’s goodness. This should cause us to rejoice and be thankful.

Does it? Do we really comprehend all that God has done for us? We are absolutely nothing without God’s intervention on our behalf. Had God not sent Jesus to pay our sin debt, we would be lost and headed for eternity in hell. Step back for a moment and think of all the ways God has impacted your life. Then thank God and rejoice.

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:² To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,³ Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.⁴ For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.⁵ O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.⁶ A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. ⁷ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:⁸ But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.⁹ For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.¹⁰ But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.¹¹ Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.¹² The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.¹³ Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.¹⁴ They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;¹⁵ To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

There is nothing better in this world or the world to come than God. This should cause us to worship and praise the Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is over. The yearly process of seeking God, identifying and repenting of sin completed, the sacrifice made by the High Priest has been accomplished, so now comes the process of renewal.

The Bible speaks of several areas of renewal.

Mind

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)

Spirit

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)

Knowledge

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10)

Strength

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment. (Isaiah 41:1)

Youth

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:5)

Allow God to renew you today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The evening of  18 September begins Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.

We will study this important Jewish holiday today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Download (Yom-Kippur.docx, DOCX, 19KB)

Good morning,

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Yesterday began the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Barzillai and David: Physical help when needed

“And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,²⁸ Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched pulse,²⁹ And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.” (Samuel 17:27-29)

“And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.³² Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.”   (2 Samuel 19:31-32)

David was fleeing Jerusalem. Absalom rebelled against his father the King and had captured Jerusalem. David and his people were tired, hungry, and weary. They needed sustenance. Barzillai provided that for them.

Barzillai was a wealthy man who supported King David. Barzillai’s support allowed David and his people to escape.

Do we share our bounty with others? It is God that allows us to get wealth. It is our responsibility to use those resources to God’s honor and glory.

Do we? Barzillai did!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Barnabas and Saul: standing in the gap

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:26-28)

Saul was out to arrest, kill, or jail as many Christians as possible. On his way to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. He now wanted to tell others about Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. He did and many believed.

When he came to Jerusalem and presented himself before the disciples, they did not believe his conversion, and were afraid of him.

Standing in the gap for Saul was Barnabas. He testified to Saul’s encounter with Jesus, changed life, and his bold preaching in Damascus. Acts 13:1-5, record for us the calling of Barnabas and Saul to God’s work. Barnabas encouraged, mentored, and helped Saul in his early years.

We need to be able to mentor other young believers in their faith. Discipleship is crucially important. That was what Jesus was doing for three years with His disciples. Young believers need to be taught the foundational truths of Scripture.

Will we stand in the gap for someone today?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Paul and Onesimus: Unprofitable to profitable

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Download (PHILEMON.docx, DOCX, 14KB)

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Ruth and Naomi: Undying devotion

“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.¹⁵ And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.¹⁶ And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:¹⁷ Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.¹⁸ When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.¹⁹ So they two went until they came to Bethlehem.” (Ruth 1:18-19a)

Naomi was a Jew and Ruth was a Moabitess. A famine caused Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, and two sons to move to Moab from Bethlehem-Judah. In the course of time, the two sons married two women of Moab. Then Elimelech dies, followed by both sons, leaving Naomi a widow. Naomi admonishes the girls to go back to their parents. One does, but Ruth will not leave Naomi. The famine is over and Ruth follows Naomi back to Bethlehem-Judah.

This begins the love story of Ruth’s complete devotion and care for Naomi. Ruth was the only family Naomi had.

What was Ruth’s motivating motive for going with Naomi? Love! Ruth saw a need and met it. She was all in. No wavering, questioning, or doubts.

Ruth had also observed the God Naomi worshiped. God Jehovah, the true God, the all mighty God of creation. When the time came to make a choice, she chose to follow the God of Naomi.

Because of this bond, Naomi was strengthened and encouraged to carry on.

Have we ever been that kind of friend to someone?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001