STEPS TO RECEIVING YOUR DOUBLE PORTION - God promises that if you bring your offerings and obey what He’s told you to do, He will pour out seven specific Covenant Promises in your life: An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles. An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles. God will be an enemy to your enemies. The Lord will prosper you. God will take sickness away from you. You will not die before your appointed time. Increase and an inheritance will be yours. What the enemy has stolen will be returned to you.As wonderful as these blessings are, God amazingly offers us seven additional “Double Portion” blessings when we observe the Feast of Tabernacles… The Bible says God has instituted “Appointed Times” when He wants to bless His people in extraordinary ways. These seasons of supernatural blessing and provision remind us that there are two different economies in which we can choose to live. The world’s economic system says work hard, be smart, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s all up to you. In contrast, God’s economic system is based on the law of Seedtime and Harvest. He says He will take care of you if you’re obedient to His commandments and faithful in your tithes and offerings. While the world says hold on to what you have, God says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” And while the world says hoarding our wealth brings prosperity, God says withholding what you have will lead to poverty.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Steps to Receiving Your Double Portion

God promises that if you bring your offerings and obey what He’s told you to do, He will pour out seven specific Covenant Promises in your life: An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles. An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles. God will be an enemy to your enemies. The Lord will prosper you. God will take sickness away from you. You will not die before your appointed time. Increase and an inheritance will be yours. What the enemy has stolen will be returned to you.As wonderful as these blessings are, God amazingly offers us seven additional “Double Portion” blessings when we observe the Feast of Tabernacles…

by David Cerullo

 

This month Inspiration Ministries is celebrating an amazing milestone.

Twenty-five years ago, we said yes to God’s calling and took a step of faith to launch what has grown into a worldwide Soul-winning ministry that is now touching lives in more than 155 nations.

What a testimony to God’s faithfulness when we take steps of faith and obedience.

During the past 25 years, He has transformed this ministry into a multifaceted international media and crusade outreach known as Inspiration Ministries.

In addition to being the twenty-fifth anniversary of this ministry, there’s an even MORE important reason why this month is a special season on God’s calendar — a season when supernatural Harvests are available for all those who will trust and obey the Lord.

The Bible says God has instituted “Appointed Times” when He wants to bless His people in extraordinary ways.

These seasons of supernatural blessing and provision remind us that there are two different economies in which we can choose to live.

The world’s economic system says work hard, be smart, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s all up to you.

In contrast, God’s economic system is based on the law of Seedtime and Harvest.

He says He will take care of you if you’re obedient to His commandments and faithful in your tithes and offerings.

While the world says hold on to what you have, God says, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).

And while the world says hoarding our wealth brings prosperity, God says withholding what you have will lead to poverty (Proverbs 11:24-25).

Every promise in the Word of God has a condition attached to it.

The Lord tells us in Malachi 3:10, “Prove Me.” He says, “If you’ll do ‘this,’ I’ll do ‘that.’”

Though our salvation has NOTHING to do with any actions on our part other than believing and receiving His free gift of eternal life, the blessings we receive from God have EVERYTHING to do with our obedience… fulfilling His conditions.

The Lord’s amazing love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness are 100% unconditional, but His blessings are just the opposite: They are 100% conditional.

Special Days on God’s Calendar

One of the Lord’s Appointed Times is the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating His care and protection of His people when they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.

During the Feast of Tabernacles, we’re reminded each year…

There is shelter, protection, and provision in the tabernacle of God’s presence!

Along with the Feasts of Passover and Pentecost, the Feast of Tabernacles is one of three Appointed Times when God said He would meet with His people and bless them in extraordinary ways.

God clearly instructed His children that these are to be perpetual feasts, for all generations (Leviticus 23:40-41).

Yes, there is a BLESSING in store for you when you commemorate the perpetual feasts, celebrations, and Holy Convocations (“rehearsals”) God designated as His Appointed Times.

God promises in Exodus 23 and Leviticus 23 that if you bring your offerings and obey what He’s told you to do, He will pour out seven specific Covenant Promises in your life:

An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles.

1.    An angel of God will be assigned to protect you and lead you to your miracles.

2.    God will be an enemy to your enemies.

3.    The Lord will prosper you.

4.    God will take sickness away from you.

5.    You will not die before your appointed time.

6.    Increase and an inheritance will be yours.

7.    What the enemy has stolen will be returned to you.

As wonderful as these blessings are, God amazingly offers us seven additional “Double Portion” blessings when we observe the Feast of Tabernacles…

A Double Portion of Blessings

Joel 2 has many parallels to the “Days of Awe” leading up to the Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles.

Just prior to the Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) sounded an alarm and called people to sober soul-searching.

In the same way, Joel 2 begins with a call to repentance, fasting, and holiness: “Blow a trumpet in Zion” (verse 1)…

“Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, gather the people, sanctify the congregation” (verses 15-16).

This passage goes on to list seven special “Double Portion” blessings the Lord wants to provide for His people during the Feast of Tabernacles:

1. A double portion.

“He will cause the rain to come down for you—the former rain, AND the latter rain in the first month” (verse 23).

Although the periods of the former and latter rains were usually separated by many months, God wants to give you a double blessing during the Feast of Tabernacles so you can receive both of these outpourings of provision “in the first month.” 

This double portion was of great practical necessity to the Israelites, because the Harvest blessings of the Feast of Tabernacles season had to last them a longer period than the interval between Passover and Pentecost (just 50 days) or between Pentecost and Tabernacles (about four months).

2. Financial prosperity.

“The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil” (verse 24).

3. Restoration.

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (verse 25).

4. Special miracles.

“You shall…praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you” ( verse 26)…“and I will show wonders” (verse 30).

5. God’s presence and favor.

“You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel…My people shall never be put to shame” (verse 27).

6. Blessings for your sons and daughters.

“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…your young men shall see visions” (verse 28).

7. Deliverance from harm or oppression.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered” (verse 32).

Honoring God’s Appointed Times

In order to unlock the “Double Portion” of blessings God has for you, it’s crucial that you fulfill His conditions.

Deuteronomy 16:16 says, “None shall appear before the Lord empty-handed.”

At these special times each year, the Israelites were to present their sacrifices and offerings to the Lord from the Seeds they had Sown and the Harvest He had given them.

Do you want to Reap God’s BEST?

Do you want to see Him move in your life as never before?

Then begin now to prepare your heart and your special Feast of Tabernacles “Double Portion” offering to the Lord.

I’m convinced that if you need a miracle breakthrough in your body… your relationship with the Lord… your marriage… your children… your emotions… or your finances…

This is your opportunity to obey God and receive His DOUBLE PORTION blessings!

I am standing with you, believing God to give you amazing breakthroughs during this very special season on His calendar.

God bless you!

David Cerullo is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Inspiration Ministries, located in Indian Land, South Carolina ­– a ministry dedicated to impacting people for Christ worldwide through media. The son of international evangelist Morris Cerullo, David took a less traditional approach to ministry, graduating from Oral Roberts University with a degree in business administration and management. He has authored over 20 books, and operates a global media ministry that powerfully impacts the world for Christ. More from David on Inspiration.org.

https://inspiration.org/david-cerullo/strengthen-your-walk/steps-to-receiving-your-double-portion/

WORSHIP ON THE NEW MOON - Although the new moon is the foundation for determining the start of the Biblical calendar, there is no command that any special worship should take place every time it occurs. Priests at Jerusalem's temple, however, were commanded to fulfill specific requirements every time the New Moon took place. Taking note of a new moon, in the Old Testament, was one of the only ways people could keep an accurate track of the passage of time. The observation of these days in a religious sense whereby worship of God was commanded, is not found in the Bible. Moons have, and continue to play, a critical role in determining when God's annual Feast days of worship should be kept. The first day of the Hebrew civil calendar is called Tishri 1 and always falls on a new moon. Once this day is determined, based on calculations and what is called postponement rules, all the other Feast days for the year are set. Tishri 1 is the annual Feast day of worship called the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah). The moon also takes a role in other holy periods. Each year the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall and the Feast of Passover in the spring take place when the full, not the new, moon is visible. Although the new moon is the foundation for determining the start of the Biblical calendar, there is no command that any special worship should take place every time it occurs.

.................................................................................................................................................

Worship On The New Moon

Should we worship on the New Moon?

.

Although the new moon is the foundation for determining the start of the Biblical calendar, there is no command that any special worship should take place every time it occurs. Priests at Jerusalem's temple, however, were commanded to fulfill specific requirements every time the New Moon took place. Taking note of a new moon, in the Old Testament, was one of the only ways people could keep an accurate track of the passage of time. The observation of these days in a religious sense, however, whereby worship of God was commanded, is not found in the Bible.

BibleStudy.org

 

Why was the New Moon important in the Old Testament?

Should Christians worship God every time it occurs?

What are the problems in observing New Moon days?

Moons have, and continue to play, a critical role in determining when God's annual Feast days of worship should be kept.

The first day of the Hebrew civil calendar is called Tishri 1 and always falls on a new moon.

Once this day is determined, based on calculations and what is called postponement rules, all the other Feast days (Leviticus 23) for the year are set.

Tishri 1 is the annual Feast day of worship called the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah).

The moon also takes a role in other holy periods.

Each year the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall and the Feast of Passover in the spring take place when the full, not the new, moon is visible.

Although the new moon is the foundation for determining the start of the Biblical calendar, there is no command that any special worship should take place every time it occurs.

In Leviticus chapter 23 God lists all of the days He commands His people to observe and to worship him upon.

They are called "holy convocations" (Leviticus 23:1-2) because they are a commanded assembly based on his holy authority.

The days of worship all of Israel was to observe are

o  the weekly Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3),

o  the Passover (verse 5),

o  the Days of Unleavened Bread (only the first and last days are convocations - verses 6-8),

o  Pentecost (verse 21),

o  Trumpets (verses 24-25),

o  Atonement (verses 27-32),

o  Tabernacles and Last Great Day (verses 34-36).

There is no mention or command in this chapter for the average person to commemorate the new moon each month.

Priests at Jerusalem's temple, however, were commanded to fulfill specific requirements every time the New Moon took place.

Trumpets were to be blown, and large numbers of sacrifices were required (Numbers 10:10, 28:11).

The killing of sacrifices created a lot of meat to be eaten, so the new moon was a feast of sorts (see 1 Samuel 20).

Beyond the work of the priests, though, there were no statutory requirements of the people to worship on the day.

It should be noted that at certain times in Biblical history New Moons were a time when special events were held.

For example, King Saul had a special meal on the day and expected certain guests to attend (1 Samuel 20:5).

King David and Saul's son Jonathan attended these meals.

Although King Saul had special meals or banquets on the days of the new moons, this does not show it was required of Israel as a whole.

God never commanded kings partake of special meals on these days.

It seems Saul simply had a tradition of having a good meal on these days.

In summary, here are the main reasons why believers today do not have to worship or otherwise observe New Moons that occur each month.

·      There are NO commands anywhere in the Bible to observe new moons in a religious manner.

·      There are NO instructions, guidelines or even restrictions on the proper way to observe or worship during these monthly periods.

·      Leviticus chapter 23 carefully lists ALL the days in the year God expects us to observe. The observation of any monthly special time is not listed!

·      Inferences from references to the new moon during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (Isaiah 66:23) are not clear indications for what we today should be doing.

Taking note of a new moon, in the Old Testament, was one of the only ways people could keep an accurate track of the passage of time.

The observation of these days in a religious sense, however, whereby worship of God was commanded, is not found in the Bible.

 

BibleStudy.org is a 100% independent and Bible based Christian outreach begun in 1996. We are not owned, operated by, controlled, an outreach of, or otherwise affiliated, in any way, with any religious or non-religious group, church, denomination, etc.

Because we are aligned with God, and not any man or group, we make every attempt to stick to what the Bible teaches. We are more than willing to make corrections to our materials whenever God, and strong Biblical support, leads us to do so. A collection of some of the general beliefs we currently support is located in our article on the Bible's basic teachings.

https://www.biblestudy.org/maturart/are-believers-required-to-observe-new-moons.html

SONGS OF ASCENTS - This collection of psalms was composed for worshipers on their way to the temple in Jerusalem. These psalms were climbing songs, travel songs sung by Jewish pilgrims as they walked up the road toward Mount Zion. For the Old Testament believer, the temple was important not so much in itself, but because of the one who dwelt there. For Christians, Jesus is the temple. He is the place where God can be met, the one through whom the Father is worshiped. Through his indwelling Spirit, the highway to Zion now lies within our hearts - “My soul longs . . . for the courts of the LORD.” - Psalms 120-134 are titled the “Songs of Ascents.” This collection of psalms was composed for worshipers on their way to the temple in Jerusalem. These psalms were climbing songs, travel songs sung by Jewish pilgrims as they walked up the road toward Mount Zion. Jewish worship in the Old Testament was seasonal, not weekly. Public worship took place at the temple in Jerusalem during the three great annual festivals. In the spring, Passover commemorated the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Then seven weeks later came Pentecost, marking the giving of God’s Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. Finally, the fall festival of Tabernacles was held to give thanks for the harvest and recalls God’s provision and guidance during the years of wilderness wandering after the exodus.

..................................................................................................................................................

Songs of Ascents

.

This collection of psalms was composed for worshipers on their way to the temple in Jerusalem. These psalms were climbing songs, travel songs sung by Jewish pilgrims as they walked up the road toward Mount Zion. For the Old Testament believer, the temple was important not so much in itself, but because of the one who dwelt there. For Christians, Jesus is the temple. He is the place where God can be met, the one through whom the Father is worshiped. Through his indwelling Spirit, the highway to Zion now lies within our hearts

David Bast 

“My soul longs . . . for the courts of the LORD.” - Psalm 84:2

 

Psalms 120-134 are titled the “Songs of Ascents.”

This collection of psalms was composed for worshipers on their way to the temple in Jerusalem.

These psalms were climbing songs, travel songs sung by Jewish pilgrims as they walked up the road toward Mount Zion.

Jewish worship in the Old Testament was seasonal, not weekly.

Public worship took place at the temple in Jerusalem during the three great annual festivals.

In the spring, Passover commemorated the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

Then seven weeks later came Pentecost, marking the giving of God’s Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Finally, the fall festival of Tabernacles was held to give thanks for the harvest and recalls God’s provision and guidance during the years of wilderness wandering after the exodus.

So, faithful Jews gathered in Jerusalem for worship:

o  at Passover to remember God’s salvation,

o  at Pentecost to give thanks for his Word, and

o  at Tabernacles to celebrate his providential care.

For the Old Testament believer, the temple was important not so much in itself, but because of the one who dwelt there.

Longing for the place was really longing for the person, for intimacy with God through worship.

For Christians, Jesus is the temple. He is the place where God can be met, the one through whom the Father is worshiped.

Through his indwelling Spirit, the highway to Zion now lies within our hearts, and we are blessed indeed (verse 5).

As you pray, give thanks that you have free access to the Father through the Son by the Spirit.

Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.

Words of Hope proclaims the gospel through media in order to build the church in hard-to-reach places.

https://www.woh.org/devotional/2019/03/16/songs-of-ascents/