On Friday, as has become my custom, I lit some candles, recited some Hebraic blessings and breathed in the rest and peace that comes from my Heavenly Abba! In Jewish custom, this is called Erev Shabbat (evening of Shabbat). This is a time of blessing family members and recalling the faithfulness and goodness of God in our lives. I know that ritual is not thought highly of in our western mindset, however I believe that if God suggested that we spend one day at rest from work and in his presence, then no matter where we live or who we live with, perhaps we should listen and heed God’s suggestions.

A thought I can see transferring to the Biblical feasts (I know, before I was introduced to Gateways Beyond, I thought they were interesting festivals, but didn’t really have a clue regarding they relevance to today.) I believe that God spoke and offered to meet with mankind during specific times of the year. I guess some of the festivals were a little more local to the Jews, yet some are cross culturally relevant. Take Passover for an example, God came to meet His people every year during this time. If I want to meet with God, perhaps that is a good time. My challenge to the readers of this blog is perhaps to consider your time wisely. Meeting with God on a day to day basis is vital to our growth. What about communal times? Are the feasts relevant today? I believe yes. (If you want an interesting, yet well written book check out Messianic Church Arising by Robert Heidler). I am not going to preach this point to you here though I do want to make one statement.

If God asked you to meet with him at specific times every year would you dare not to show up??