Moving in and out of others' lives can bring great rejoicing, delight and benefit when led by God's Holy Spirit

Let's talk about the third and final annual holy day season. As the excitement builds we eagerly anticipate the momentous time in the future when Christ returns to the earth upon the sound of the 7th Trumpet call which is represented by the Feast of Trumpets (Revelation 11:15). Just over one week later we have the Day of Atonement to share in with one another as we realise the enormity of what this time represents for mankind in the future. God will bind Satan for 1,000 years and his terrible influence through deception and destruction will cease (Revelation 20:1-3). Then we gather together far and wide all over the earth to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and The Last Great Day as the ultimate representation of what God has planned for His first fruits (James 1:18) and then the whole of humanity (Leviticus 23:33-39).

There is much to rejoice over. We know that God's plan works and He will never let us down. We can count on His promises to us (Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Timothy 2:4, Jeremiah 29:11), enjoy the richness of this peace given to us His children (John 14:27), and the blessings which follow from keeping His Feasts (Deuteronomy 30).

As we prepare spiritually and physically to attend these Holy Days we also consider those for whom we pray that may not be able to attend through sickness, grave illness, or unforeseen circumstances. Some who were looking forward to attending these Feasts may be lying in a hospital bed near death or sitting at home unable to move freely about as their illnesses progress and give them severe challenges. Perhaps we can take a little time to remember our beloved brothers and sisters by sending them a lovely card with heartfelt words, as it is just not the same when we know others are suffering (1 Corinthians 12:26). None of us really know which Feast season will be our last and we need to make each moment count.

For those who are able to attend these Holy Days, plan to prepare adequately by meditating on God's Word and how we can provide godly love to others. We know God is all about love, for God IS love (1 John 4:8) and the words of Jesus Christ in John 15:9-12 tell us how to practice perfecting that love which leads to joy. Godly joy and rejoicing are a huge part of the theme of God's Festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11-15, 1 Peter 1:8, Psalms 33:21, and Isaiah 25:6-9).

Let us gather together and exhibit righteous character by acting on the words which the apostle Paul wrote under inspiration in Philippians 2:1-4, "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others".

Ensure that your departure and arrival is done in love, joy and peace to make it the best Feast ever for others as well as yourself!