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Be Blessed by Embracing God’s Values and Relating with Him
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The greatest blessings of God are bestowed in the spirit of unity: when there is unity between man and God; and one with another. As David expressed in Psalm 133, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!...For there the LORD commanded the blessing.” For this reason, before He was taken to be crucified, Messiah Jesus framed His last prayers for His disciples on this very concept.
What does it really mean to be “one in Us” with God? At the heart of the matter is a true union with triune God: Father/Son/Holy Spirit. We have an awesome opportunity to truly get to know God; not necessarily know about God, but truly know God—as a friend. In fact, God desires this of us more than anything. Hear His heart speaking through the Hebrew prophet, Jeremiah.
Truly, God wants us to know the loving, caring and creative nature of the Father; friendship and righteousness of the Son; and comfort and wisdom of the Spirit. It’s simply a matter of VALUES. The more we desire and VALUE these virtues of God, the more of God we will have in our life; and more blessings we will experience. How to relate with God to a greater degree and apprehend these virtues and blessings? One way God did prescribe as a way to relate and interact with Him was through seven appointed ways, or Feasts of the Lord. Messiah Jesus came to reveal the full meaning and relevance of these feasts. The more you engage and relate with Him and see what He accomplished on your behalf, the more enriched your life will truly be! |
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Connection
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
God desires to build and maintain quality spiritual connections with His children. His heart, therefore, is focused on restoring, renewing and regenerating active relationships with Him. His goal, therefore, is to bring your relationship with Him to a flourishing state of oneness with Him—a true solid union. This was the core desire of the LORD’s heart, as expressed in His prayer recorded in John 17.
The blood of the sacrificial Passover lamb was sprinkled over the doorposts to mark the home that was spared from the plague of death. The blood, therefore, connected every family to God’s covenant of life. Any individual who did not participate in the feast would be cut off from the congregation of Israel. God’s word says this feast should be celebrated, “throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance.” (Exodus 12:17)
RELEVANCE
The Passover feast was inaugurated as the first of a cycle of covenant feasts of the LORD, marking deliverance from bondage. John the Immerser, Baptist, introduced the LORD as, “God’s lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 JNT)
The LORD came to Jerusalem on the very day the Passover lamb was traditionally set aside for inspection. Likewise, He endured five days of questioning and “inspection” from the Jewish leaders. He was crucified on the same day, at the same time the lamb was to be killed.
He, therefore, became the sacrificial lamb, obtaining eternal redemption, “setting people free forever.” (Hebrews 9:12 JNT) His blood was shed to, “cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (v. 14) It was shed, “that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” (v.15)
The precious blood of the LORD, therefore, was shed to set your conscience free from the anguish and guilt felt from performing worthless and vain works that cannot earn salvation, liberate your weary and bound soul, connect you to God’s Spirit, and guarantee you eternal peace with God! His salvation is a gift of His grace.
Our union with Him is also to be dynamic and full of life. Such a union enables us to live in a free state of communion and communication with God.
God, therefore, desires to connect and engage with you in bi-directional conversation. If you can connect to somebody via a cell phone, you can connect with God! As the LORD said, “My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life.” (John 10:27 JNT)
Truly, He is as close as your heart; for He resides within you! It just takes listening. His living word can come alive. Read His word….then listen intently to His Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
How can your connection to God be strengthened?
Is your communion and communication with Him bi-directional?
Do you know His Holy Spirit intimately?
Would you like to recognize His voice speaking to you? Ask and seek, my friend….
REFERENCES
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 30:11-14; Psalm 86:11; James 2:23; John 14:15-24
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Communion
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The second feast immediately after Passover is the feast of Unleavened Bread. Whereas Passover lasts for a day, Unleavened Bread lasts for a week. The feast serves as a reminder of past bondage, and value of leaving it behind.
RELEVANCE
While Unleavened Bread stands for a process of removing leaven from the home, this process in essence acts as a shadow reflecting the reality and value of engaging in an ongoing process of removing revealed sin and contaminating and corrupting influences from our life, purifying our heart—and walk—before God. In another sense, it also points to the outward sign of water immersion, or baptism; which affirms the inward cleansing work of the Holy Spirit.
In valuing this reality, we have the opportunity to submit our fleshly desires to the LORD. We then place our faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to help us resist those appealing, but unprofitable temptations.
Paul referred to this process as, sanctification by the Spirit or a “holiness that has its origin in the Spirit and the faithfulness that has its origin in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 JNT)
By doing so, we trade the harmful influences of the world for the grace of the LORDs dominion, headship, or Lordship. We also allow the power of His resurrection to become a personal reality, and work a progressive cleansing work in our life.
For this reason, Paul exhorted the disciples to, “abound more and more,” walking through life pleasing God. “For, this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 NKJV)
Therefore, in being alive in the newness of the LORD’s life, we need to understand that, as much as grace and sanctification work together, vibrant communion with God’s Spirit cannot coexist with idols in our heart. For, idols are images we place greater value upon, than that of our relationship with God. It, therefore, behooves us to honestly assess our values, and truly discern the things in life that may take on the form of idols.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
How do you examine your standing—or health of your relationship with God?
Are there crevices in your heart that the Holy Spirit may be shedding light upon to bring your heart into a greater degree of sanctification, and unity with God?
REFERENCES
2 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:1-3; James 4; Ephesians 1:15-21
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Consecration
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The Feast of First-fruits marks a time of expressing gratefulness to God for one’s harvest by dedicating the first fruits of the crop to God. It, therefore, acknowledges God’s headship over mankind; and man’s stewardship before God. It also serves as a shadow, pointing to the LORD’s resurrection as the first soul arisen in the newness of eternal life.
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. (1 Corinthians 15:20-24 NLT)
RELEVANCE
In identifying with His resurrection, the child of God is, therefore, elevated to a new spiritual state; “from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21 NKJV)
Grateful for this new sense of liberty, we will have opportunities to express loyalty—or faithfulness—to God. Such expressions of loyalty demonstrate the qualities of a consecrated life to God.
In addition to valuing God’s grace in the harvest, First-fruits gave the individual the opportunity to examine the first fruits of the crop to test the quality of the harvest. If the first fruits were good—and therefore blessed—the rest would likewise be blessed.
Here too, the LORD has become an example of the type of character we should value and embrace. The Holy Spirit, however, is the real enabler. He is the Comforter who, if allowed, will transform your mind and heart, bringing it to conformity with the LORD’s character and nature.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
In what ways do you submit to the LORD’s headship, allowing Him to have authority in your life?
How do you dedicate the first fruits of your labors to God?
What are some simple ways by which you can demonstrate loyalty to God?
REFERENCES
Psalm 26; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 4; 12:14-15; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 3:1-3; Galatians 5:22
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Consolation Communication Confirmation Conformation |
TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The Feast of Weeks or Harvest—Shavuot (Pentecost) is a feast of jubilee—a celebration of the glory of God. It marks the time God’s law was given to Moses. As the disciples were celebrating this feast, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as the LORD had promised. It truly marked His glorification, and glory of the power of God in their midst.
RELEVANCE
The LORD called the Holy Spirit the Comforter, promising He “will guide you into all truth.” The disciples learned quickly that it was by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit that the community of believers grew and maintained its vitality.
In appreciating the value of the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit, Paul encouraged believers to understand the nature of the Holy Spirit, and how He communicates with us. He, therefore, shed light on Isaiah’s comment in 64:4—“Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You”—by explaining…
It is to us, however, that God has revealed these things. How? Through the Spirit. For the Spirit probes all things, even the profoundest depths of God. 11 For who knows the inner workings of a person except the person’s own spirit inside him? So too no one knows the inner workings of God except God’s Spirit. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit of God, so that we might understand the things God has so freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12 JNT)
Paul encouraged all believers to grow and mature into the fullness of the measure of the stature of the LORD’s likeness. (Ephesians 4:13) Such growth promises real value in God’s eyes: “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV)
As we truly value the LORD’s gifts and nature, we will have the opportunity to respond to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit, working to enlighten and empower us and transform our minds and nature.
Real transformation happens in time through God’s process as we yield to the Holy Spirit and grow in the liberty of the Spirit.
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NKJV)
The result of God’s process yields good fruits. The more we submit to the Spirit, the more we reflect the fruits of the Spirit. “Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.” (Galatians 5:25 JNT)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
In what ways can you value the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life?
How do you think you can recognize the working of the Holy Spirit?
How does He speak to you?
How might you confirm what the Holy Spirit reveals to you?
How do you think you can be transformed into the fullness of the LORD’s nature?
REFERENCES
John 14-16; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; 12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18; Galatians 5; Romans 14
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Conquest
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets was to call the people to prepare to do battle against the enemy of the soul—sin—on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
RELEVANCE
The LORD has become the eternal “horn of salvation.” He overcame the devil first when tempted in the wilderness; and finally through His death on the cross and resurrection, conquered all authority over evil, sin, and death.
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:13-16 NKJV)
Paul, like David, experienced the full spectrum of pain and joy. He knew suffering and shame, yet also knew the sweet taste of victory. He knew that experiencing victory and defeat worked to build character. He knew that in the LORD—either way—he lived in victory!
I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who gives me power. (Philippians. 4:12-13 JNT)
Embrace his exhortation regarding our triumph in the LORD, Messiah Jesus.
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 NLT)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
In what real ways do you think you can appropriate the LORD’s victory?
Generally speaking, do you feel that you are living a victorious life, or is life overcoming you?
In what additional ways could you perhaps receive His victory?
Have you asked God what it will take for you to gain victory in the areas you need victory?
REFERENCES
Romans 8:18-39; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 9:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 John 5:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 2:18-21; 3:13-17; Colossians 2:13-16; Exodus 17:8-16; Psalm 16; 98; 108; 129
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Conviction
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, remembers the one day of the year when the high priest would go into the tabernacle, behind the veil, into the Holy of Holies to atone for the sin of the people. On the Mercy Seat covering the Ark of the Covenant, the priest would sprinkle the blood of the covenant sacrifice. From within the cloud of God’s glory over the ark, God would see the sacrificial blood as evidence of man’s atonement of sin, reversing God’s judgment, transforming it to mercy.
RELEVANCE
The LORD’s sacrificial blood was poured out once and for all reversing God’s judgment of sin. As much as we need to allow the Holy Spirit to convict our heart of sin, we also need to allow our heart to receive with conviction the Father’s love and the grace of His mercy.
As we receive God’s forgiveness purchased with the LORD’s blood, we can forgive others. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)
As we value the LORD’s sacrifice and His forgiveness, we are able to cast off condemnation, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and refresh our heart. Such liberty enables us to walk free from guilt; and empowers us to set others free from our judgment.
In a similar sense, as we take the “log” out of our eye (Matthew 7:4) and stop judging others, God cleans our eye, and clears our vision—so that we can see with His open vision.
Living free from the guilt of sin and judgment truly transfers us into a new realm. For, when you receive the liberty of the Spirit, you are transferred from the realm of the guilt and condemnation of sin to the realm of freedom in the Spirit.
We often find it difficult to shake off guilt. Therefore, we find encouragement and hope in Messiah Jesus. Allow your heart to embrace Paul’s exhortation.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
Have you fully received the love of the Father? Would you like to?
Do you know the mercy of the LORD?
Would you like to fully receive the Holy Spirit’s comfort?
Do you think there might be things preventing you from freely extending God’s love to others—even difficult people?
How do you think the Holy Spirit might help you extend mercy and grace to others?
REFERENCES
1 John 4:16; Psalm 19:7-14; 27; 136; Hebrews 6:13-20
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Contentment Community Completion |
TRUTH AND PURPOSE
Sukkot, Tabernacles, marks the time of completing the cycle of covenant feasts. Having gathered in the fruits of the harvest, Tabernacles was a time to express gratefulness to God for His provision, reflect on His goodness and relate with others.
RELEVANCE
The LORD redeemed us from vain works and lifted our burdens. He invited all who believe to be joined with Him, and receive His peace.
Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew11:28-30 JNT)
The LORD’s peace is truly precious. It is the true antidote to fear and anxiety. To some, real inner peace and God’s shalom may be hard to comprehend. But, it is real. It is available to experience.
How to find it? Don’t live in worry; but focus your thoughts on what is “true, noble and righteous” communicating with gratefulness to God, and “the peace of God which surpasses understanding” will keep you secure in God’s love. (Philippians 4:6-8 )
Through his labor and trials, Paul learned how to have contentment in the LORD. He confessed that, “I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. I can do all things through him who gives me power.” (Philippians 4:11-12 JNT)
Paul understood “follow-ship.” He, like Old Testament characters, followed after God. In a world that finds it hard to find satisfaction with the simple things of life, contentment in the LORD is to be greatly valued. He knew that the LORD is our source of sufficiency and peace.
The early community of faith valued the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit. They followed after the LORD. They received revelation of God’s Word and maintained a rich kind of fellowship.
Such dynamic follow-ship and fellowship enabled them to truly experience the fullness of God. These believers were convicted in their hearts that they needed one another, and needed to support one another through the trials and toil of life. They valued the different gifts, skills, and resources that God had given to them, and in turn, actively engaged in the practice of sharing and caring for one another.
Their sense of community was real because the presence of the Holy Spirit was real to them. That presence gave them a sense of confidence and peace. Although external trials abounded, they were exhorted to rest internally in His rest. “For in him, bodily, lives the fullness of all that God is. And it is in union with him that you have been made full — he is the head of every rule and authority.” (Colossians 2:8-10 JNT)
Furthermore, they learned that prayer and patience work together to see God’s will and purposes accomplished.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
How do you experience God’s peace and contentment?
What blockages could be preventing you from experiencing God’s presence and peace?
How might you be able to experience fellowship centered in the life of God and engage with God through the Holy Spirit in a real way?
REFERENCES
Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:4-6; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 2:8-10; James 1:3-8
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