October
A Psalm for Festivals
original psalm by Keith Kleeschulte
1 Your truths are hidden from those who hate You,
But Your Word is revealed to those whom You love.
2 In Your Sabbaths we find what festivities please You.
Your rest days are expressions of Holy celebration before Thee.
3 That man might know that You are the Lord who makes Time Holy
And in Your days You are sanctifying a people for Yourself.
4 In them You declare a sign between God and mankind forever
For all Your days announce an annual pattern, offering Yehovah’s testimony!
5 For You have created all things and for Thy pleasure they were created
Blessed are the people who take pleasure in the God of Creation.
6 Seven Sabbaths each year and seventh day each week is Sabbath
These are fixed to recognize that You alone establish Holy Seasons.
7 These are “My Feasts” that mark Your people as set apart, even peculiar
Because those things that are Yours are not from the world nor ever can be.
8 Holy Convocations proclaimed at their appointed times for Christians,
Moeds for the Israel of God who are sons of Abraham through faith.
9 Your feasts make me feel privileged, accepted, and an object of Your love
And I will respond with adoration, shouts of exaltations, and indebtedness.
10 My heart delights to see many brethren who proclaim a like love unto Thee
For Christ is the center piece of all our worship where Your Name dwells.
11 I’ve been with multitudes that keep pilgrim feasts rejoicing and praising
Never have I experienced such continuous joy for 8 days; I am without words.
12 Among the clouds is Your chariot and the heaven of heavens Your throne
Feast songs like sacrifices drifting upward, You inhabit the praise of Your people.
13 Would it be too bold to ask as pilgrims for a taste of Your precious glory?
Let us understand, Father, more of Your greatness when in secret with Thee.
14 Remind us that we are here to worship The King and keep it Holy!
Your Word, Oh LORD, reveals that Feast is a rehearsal of the eternal story.
15 For by Biblical guidance do we enjoy the mutual gift of assembly
We rejoice with one another, loving God with shared Spiritual purpose.
16 You knew when we were created that Sabbaths would be fundamental,
So You filled our years with Holy Days to shepherd our hearts to You.
17 By invitation we have heard Your call to come and drink in of Your goodness
We longingly arrive to hear those words, “All things are ready come to the Feast!”
God’s Holy Days are the rest stop on the road of life.
~Wayne C. Cole, in a sermon at the Feast of Tabernacles in Squaw Valley, 1979
The Path of Life
by Sally Rollins
We had occasion recently to go to Salt Lake City to attend a wedding. We knew there would be a lot of “free” time involved, so we asked some people we know in Salt Lake City what there was to see and do in that area. One of the suggestions was to hike up to Cecret Lake in the mountains east of Salt Lake. It seemed like a good idea. We drove to the park and had to pay $5.00 (with senior discount) to drive to the trailhead, which we did.
We parked the car, took a drink of water, and left the water in the car to have when we returned. The trail started out very good - a graded path about six feet wide with a gradual incline. That didn’t last long, however. Soon we were on a single-file path and the incline was steeper. We jumped from rock to rock to cross a small stream. After that the path deteriorated rapidly. Before long, we were picking our way around big rocks, and the trail grew progressively less well-define and steeper. Sometimes I had to steady myself by holding onto a rock beside the trail. And once I tripped over a rock but caught myself on another rock.
As we climbed, the few people we met who were coming down assured us that, “When you reach the top, it will have been worth the climb.” Sometimes (often) we stopped to get a breath at the 9,500-foot elevation and longed for the water we’d left in the car. Sometimes we would come across a patch of beautiful red, blue, and golden wild flowers which would lift our spirits and, again, provide an excuse to stop and rest for a few minutes.
But the trail kept going up. Then the trail became a series of switchbacks because it was too steep to go straight up. But finally, we topped the last ridge and there was Cecret Lake in front of us! WOW! Words fail me to describe the beauty of that high mountain lake with its clear blue water. The high rocks stood like sentries stationed around it, interspersed with aspen trees and green grass among the rocks. And the peace! It was almost palpable! Indescribable!
We stayed a long time, wanting to soak in the beauty and peace, but we knew we had to get down the mountain. It was just as steep going down, but easier to do while exercising a lot of caution.
The next day we were back at the hotel sitting on the patio with the city sounds all around us.
The lessons learned: 1When we decide to seek the kingdom of God, it will cost us the totality of our lives - no senior discounts. 2At first the path is easy and wide and there are others walking with us. But as we continue to seek God - as we set our minds on the goal - the path gets harder and there are fewer walking with us. 3Christ is the Living Water; take Him with you - don’t leave Him at the bottom of the mountain. 4Know that the path gets harder, pick your way carefully around the obstacles; if you stumble, get up and keep going. 5If you stop to rest and to enjoy God’s creation, that is good, but keep your eyes on the top of the mountain, and 6after He has given you rest, keep going.
There are a lot of witnesses in the Bible that attest to the glory and the peace to be attained in the kingdom. Believe them; the climb is worth the effort.
Isaiah 35:3,4: Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, . . . He will come to save you.”
Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory
by Cynthia Saladin
Many years ago, someone asked me if keeping the holy days was salvational. Let me be very clear: you cannot earn your salvation by observing God’s holy days. There is one name under heaven by which you may be saved: Jesus Christ. Our salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be purchased or earned. So I don’t celebrate God’s holy days because I’m trying to earn my salvation.
Nevertheless, observing God’s Holy Days is very important. Why? First of all, I observe the Feasts because my God says to! Leviticus 23:4 says, “These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.” These are not man’s feasts nor the Jewish feasts. These are God’s Feasts! And God says they are sacred assemblies. They are set apart! They are holy! And we are to assemble, gather together to worship Him on His days.
Secondly, I keep the Feasts to worship God with His people. Having celebrated 48 feasts, I have met a lot of people - many of whom I only get to see at the Feast. It’s very much like a huge family reunion - only better. These people are here to worship God. We share a love for Jesus Christ which compels us to come before Him as He commanded. Sometimes that means I have more in common with my church family of feast-goers than my blood relatives that I rarely see.
I also celebrate God’s holy days because they are truly a celebration. God commands us to rejoice before Him for seven days (Leviticus 23:40). Keeping God’s feasts with other people who are likewise worshipping Him, all of you with the attitude of rejoicing in a Godly manner - it just doesn’t get any better than that!! The world looks on in amazement that whole families are having such a wonderful time, with no artificial additives, like drugs or alcohol.
Finally, one of the best reasons (ranking right up there with the previous three) for keeping the Feast is the reassurance I receive that striving for the goal, God’s kingdom, is worth the effort. The Feasts picture God’s plan, what He’s doing, in my life. They remind me to keep my eyes on Him. They are like the reset button which helps me to re-evaluate and make sure He’s always at the center of my life. In an environment where everyone is focused on a similar goal, I am encouraged and exhorted and strengthened to keep going, keep fighting the good fight, keep seeking God with all of my heart. Celebrating God’s holy days reminds me of the glory that awaits those who overcome (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Jonah 2:8; Revelation 3:21).
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss the glory.
Calm seas never made a skillful sailor.
A Psalm for Festivals
original psalm by Keith Kleeschulte
1 Your truths are hidden from those who hate You,
But Your Word is revealed to those whom You love.
2 In Your Sabbaths we find what festivities please You.
Your rest days are expressions of Holy celebration before Thee.
3 That man might know that You are the Lord who makes Time Holy
And in Your days You are sanctifying a people for Yourself.
4 In them You declare a sign between God and mankind forever
For all Your days announce an annual pattern, offering Yehovah’s testimony!
5 For You have created all things and for Thy pleasure they were created
Blessed are the people who take pleasure in the God of Creation.
6 Seven Sabbaths each year and seventh day each week is Sabbath
These are fixed to recognize that You alone establish Holy Seasons.
7 These are “My Feasts” that mark Your people as set apart, even peculiar
Because those things that are Yours are not from the world nor ever can be.
8 Holy Convocations proclaimed at their appointed times for Christians,
Moeds for the Israel of God who are sons of Abraham through faith.
9 Your feasts make me feel privileged, accepted, and an object of Your love
And I will respond with adoration, shouts of exaltations, and indebtedness.
10 My heart delights to see many brethren who proclaim a like love unto Thee
For Christ is the center piece of all our worship where Your Name dwells.
11 I’ve been with multitudes that keep pilgrim feasts rejoicing and praising
Never have I experienced such continuous joy for 8 days; I am without words.
12 Among the clouds is Your chariot and the heaven of heavens Your throne
Feast songs like sacrifices drifting upward, You inhabit the praise of Your people.
13 Would it be too bold to ask as pilgrims for a taste of Your precious glory?
Let us understand, Father, more of Your greatness when in secret with Thee.
14 Remind us that we are here to worship The King and keep it Holy!
Your Word, Oh LORD, reveals that Feast is a rehearsal of the eternal story.
15 For by Biblical guidance do we enjoy the mutual gift of assembly
We rejoice with one another, loving God with shared Spiritual purpose.
16 You knew when we were created that Sabbaths would be fundamental,
So You filled our years with Holy Days to shepherd our hearts to You.
17 By invitation we have heard Your call to come and drink in of Your goodness
We longingly arrive to hear those words, “All things are ready come to the Feast!”
God’s Holy Days are the rest stop on the road of life.
~Wayne C. Cole, in a sermon at the Feast of Tabernacles in Squaw Valley, 1979
The Path of Life
by Sally Rollins
We had occasion recently to go to Salt Lake City to attend a wedding. We knew there would be a lot of “free” time involved, so we asked some people we know in Salt Lake City what there was to see and do in that area. One of the suggestions was to hike up to Cecret Lake in the mountains east of Salt Lake. It seemed like a good idea. We drove to the park and had to pay $5.00 (with senior discount) to drive to the trailhead, which we did.
We parked the car, took a drink of water, and left the water in the car to have when we returned. The trail started out very good - a graded path about six feet wide with a gradual incline. That didn’t last long, however. Soon we were on a single-file path and the incline was steeper. We jumped from rock to rock to cross a small stream. After that the path deteriorated rapidly. Before long, we were picking our way around big rocks, and the trail grew progressively less well-define and steeper. Sometimes I had to steady myself by holding onto a rock beside the trail. And once I tripped over a rock but caught myself on another rock.
As we climbed, the few people we met who were coming down assured us that, “When you reach the top, it will have been worth the climb.” Sometimes (often) we stopped to get a breath at the 9,500-foot elevation and longed for the water we’d left in the car. Sometimes we would come across a patch of beautiful red, blue, and golden wild flowers which would lift our spirits and, again, provide an excuse to stop and rest for a few minutes.
But the trail kept going up. Then the trail became a series of switchbacks because it was too steep to go straight up. But finally, we topped the last ridge and there was Cecret Lake in front of us! WOW! Words fail me to describe the beauty of that high mountain lake with its clear blue water. The high rocks stood like sentries stationed around it, interspersed with aspen trees and green grass among the rocks. And the peace! It was almost palpable! Indescribable!
We stayed a long time, wanting to soak in the beauty and peace, but we knew we had to get down the mountain. It was just as steep going down, but easier to do while exercising a lot of caution.
The next day we were back at the hotel sitting on the patio with the city sounds all around us.
The lessons learned: 1When we decide to seek the kingdom of God, it will cost us the totality of our lives - no senior discounts. 2At first the path is easy and wide and there are others walking with us. But as we continue to seek God - as we set our minds on the goal - the path gets harder and there are fewer walking with us. 3Christ is the Living Water; take Him with you - don’t leave Him at the bottom of the mountain. 4Know that the path gets harder, pick your way carefully around the obstacles; if you stumble, get up and keep going. 5If you stop to rest and to enjoy God’s creation, that is good, but keep your eyes on the top of the mountain, and 6after He has given you rest, keep going.
There are a lot of witnesses in the Bible that attest to the glory and the peace to be attained in the kingdom. Believe them; the climb is worth the effort.
Isaiah 35:3,4: Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, . . . He will come to save you.”
Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory
by Cynthia Saladin
Many years ago, someone asked me if keeping the holy days was salvational. Let me be very clear: you cannot earn your salvation by observing God’s holy days. There is one name under heaven by which you may be saved: Jesus Christ. Our salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be purchased or earned. So I don’t celebrate God’s holy days because I’m trying to earn my salvation.
Nevertheless, observing God’s Holy Days is very important. Why? First of all, I observe the Feasts because my God says to! Leviticus 23:4 says, “These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.” These are not man’s feasts nor the Jewish feasts. These are God’s Feasts! And God says they are sacred assemblies. They are set apart! They are holy! And we are to assemble, gather together to worship Him on His days.
Secondly, I keep the Feasts to worship God with His people. Having celebrated 48 feasts, I have met a lot of people - many of whom I only get to see at the Feast. It’s very much like a huge family reunion - only better. These people are here to worship God. We share a love for Jesus Christ which compels us to come before Him as He commanded. Sometimes that means I have more in common with my church family of feast-goers than my blood relatives that I rarely see.
I also celebrate God’s holy days because they are truly a celebration. God commands us to rejoice before Him for seven days (Leviticus 23:40). Keeping God’s feasts with other people who are likewise worshipping Him, all of you with the attitude of rejoicing in a Godly manner - it just doesn’t get any better than that!! The world looks on in amazement that whole families are having such a wonderful time, with no artificial additives, like drugs or alcohol.
Finally, one of the best reasons (ranking right up there with the previous three) for keeping the Feast is the reassurance I receive that striving for the goal, God’s kingdom, is worth the effort. The Feasts picture God’s plan, what He’s doing, in my life. They remind me to keep my eyes on Him. They are like the reset button which helps me to re-evaluate and make sure He’s always at the center of my life. In an environment where everyone is focused on a similar goal, I am encouraged and exhorted and strengthened to keep going, keep fighting the good fight, keep seeking God with all of my heart. Celebrating God’s holy days reminds me of the glory that awaits those who overcome (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Jonah 2:8; Revelation 3:21).
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss the glory.
Calm seas never made a skillful sailor.
