My dear Mishpacha,
It is with great delight and expectation that Candyce and I write to you
today. As I mentioned this past Shabbat, we are about to encounter the 40 Days
of T’shuvah, or the 40 Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur. It begins
next Monday evening, August 5, at sunset. In years past we have welcomed these
40 days as a time of returning, and have truly sought to return to the LORD
with all of our heart. We have participated in Daniel Fasts, Raw Foods Fasts,
and even some have felt the LORD leading them to do a 40 day fast, drinking
only water and juices.
The word t’shuvah, repentance, means to stop in the
direction you are going and to walk the other way. Previously, many of you have fasted for
breakthrough in your life, and have found tremendous healing. This year our
focus is going to be on feasting, not fasting. On August 10, I am going to
begin a new message series and initiative that will carry us from the beginning
of Elul through Yom Kippur and beyond. This series is called, My Cup Runneth
Over, 40 Days of feasting at the LORD’s table.
We are utilizing these 40 days leading up to Yom Kippur to
help retrain our senses, to say NO to
the things that are hindering us from fulfilling our destiny in Messiah, and to
engage with full abandon in the Presence of the LORD, in building a legacy of
faith within our families, and nurturing the God ordained relationships we have
within the CBH community.
Sometimes it’s easier to fill our mind with knowledge about
God, than to sit at His feet and let Him fill our heart with His presence. When
we abide, He gives us something so much greater than mere knowledge, He gives
us a revelation that transforms us- heart and soul. Likewise, it is often
easier to busy ourselves with the demands of life, which leave us emotionally
and relationally empty. We miss out on
the richness of covenant relationships, whether that be with your spouse, your
family, or with dear friends.
The 40 Days of Feasting at the LORD’s table is not a new
spiritual fad that we are only doing for 40 days. Rather, we are utilizing it as
a tool to re-align our appetites for the things that really satisfy. When we
nourish our spirit, soul and body at it’s roots, surrendering to Yeshua’s best
for us, we grow in extraordinary health, and bear good fruit- fruit that will
last.
You may have to disconnect from some habits so you can be
free to pursue a new depth of love with the LORD and your family. That’s okay. It’s time to
say, “YES” to Yeshua’s best for us, and, “NO” to the energy, time and
relationship thieves.
Here is a great video that exemplifies the kind of
“teshuvah” that we are welcoming.
Love,
Rabbi Tim and Candyce
