Part one of three – Praise God!!

I know that on our Roman calendar we celebrate the New Year on January 1st.  However, in my life and perhaps yours, September has always felt more like the New Year.  Summer is over, and a new school year begins.  It is as if the cycle of life starts afresh not in January but in September.  Even the earth begins to shift into the new.  The green gives way to beautiful fall colors as the temperatures begin to cool.  It time to go apple picking and enjoy the latter harvest.  Animals get warmer coats, eat hardy and prepare for the coming winter.  As likely most of you know, September marks the New Year, Rosh Hashanah or Feast of Trumpets, on the Hebrew calendar.

This season begins with Rosh Hashanah, or the “Head of the Year” which is marked by the Jewish people as the birthday of the world, the anniversary of creation.  It is also the beginning of harvest season.  This year at sundown on Sept. 16th the Jewish people will celebrate Rosh Hashanah at the sound of the trumpet or shofar. It is a day God designed for the trumpet to be sounded, a sound that would pierce our souls and awaken His people, to get their attention.  This year may He get the attention of each and every one of us who serves the God of creation.  The God who loved the world so much He sent His only Son (John 3:16).

Ten days after Trumpets are called the Days of Awe.  They are also called Days of Teshuvah.  Teshuvah is a Hebrew word that means “to turn” and “to return”.  During this period Jewish people are encouraged to spend time in worship and the study of His Word.  It is time to seek God and allow Him to reveal old cycles in our lives that result in hurt or destruction.  It might be that God will bring conviction of certain harmful behaviors, attitudes, debt, or unconfessed sin.   It is therefore a time to turn and draw close to God and worship Him.  It is a time to ask God to speak into your life.  It is time to return to your first love, the Lord Jesus Christ.  In a sense it is a time to get clean and start over.  All things can be made new. 

I invite you to join me.  Listen for the sound the trumpet.  Worship our Lord and Savior.  Draw near to the one who loves you so much He laid down His life for you.

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Material used in developing this devotional:
God’s Appointed Times by Barkney Kasdan
The Messianic Church Arising by Dr. Robert Heidler