New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 5

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 5

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Last, it can be easy to lose track of our purpose or ultimate goal when we get caught up in our daily life activity, so if you have the chance take this time to reflect on what you have planned for your year ahead and life in general. Just like anything in life, if you can find the positive in any situation you will be blessed. Just ask God, through Christ for the help and He will give it to you. God bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 4

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 4

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

In regards to New Year’s resolutions in particular, this could be a great time, especially from a Biblical perspective to get rid of a “bad habit” that needs to go. Take this time to earnestly pray about it and let that “bad habit” go! This could be compared to the celebration of the “Days of Unleavened Bread” or “Day of Atonement” mentioned in the Old Testament, which are also ancient Jewish Holy Days that are celebrated by Jews and some Christians alike, which represent removal of sin and getting closer to God and Christ. I will speak more about these days in later posts, but if you are interested look to Leviticus 23 for their descriptions.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 3

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 3

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Now, that we have established the history of our modern calendar and the Old Testament indication for the beginning of the year. What next? Well obviously none of us here on earth have the power to move times and laws (Proverbs 19:21). And just like any other national or internationally recognized celebration, we do our best to get along with everyone (Romans 12:18). But there are some things we can do during this time of celebration and preparation for a New Year to keep ourselves grounded in the truth. Be safe in your activities, do not overindulge or plan for travelling safely if you do, that is find a designated driver. And just enjoy the renewing of life, your freedom and remember who gave you that freedom (Ephesians 2:4-10)!

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 2

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 2

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Next, let’s look into the Bible a bit for what God says about keeping time! First, in Genesis 1, God set the “two lights” to be sings for seasons, days and years and to govern the night and day (Genesis 1:14-18). In the Old Testament the beginning of the year was Nisan 1, which we can know is sometime in March, or shortly around that time, because it is connected with the Jewish celebration of Passover or the Christian Easter, which in the Old Testament is said to begin at Nisan 14 (Leviticus 23:5, Exodus 12:2). Is it any coincidence that this time of the year is the end of the year fiscally for most business’s and tax season for all?

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 1

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 1

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice.

First, let’s talk about the history of the current calendar the majority of the world uses to mark the beginning of the New Year. It has it’s foundations in Rome and actually, seems to be traceable to Greek civilization before that. The calendar we currently use is the Gregorian; it was adjusted slightly from the Julian calendar, both of which use the sun to determine dates, months and years. Although I am far from an expert on keeping time, it seems that the early version of the Greek calendar matches up more closely with the Old Testament laws of keeping time, that is, there are 29 and 30 day months, vs. the 30 and 31 day months we have now.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Being satisfied in all circumstances – Part 3

Being satisfied in all circumstances – What does that involve? – Part 3

The challenge of being content in all circumstance may be a lifelong challenge, but it is possible. God would not ask us to be content, if it were not possible. As I have mentioned before, the challenge is being content in the “worst” of circumstances. When you learn how to rejoice in suffering you have made it! This week I will talk about how to be satisfied in all circumstance, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Last, as I have said, contentment comes from our source, God, through the Holy Spirit; we “top up” our spirit by communing with other believers, reading the Bible, prayer and praise or listening to worship as well. Jesus said, if we were to keep quiet even the rocks would cry out in praise to God (Luke 19:40)! So even if you were the last person on earth, you would still be able to hear the praise of God through His “inanimate” creation, the rocks and streams and trees. In the constant noise of this ever integrating and expanding world, take a minute to listen to that still small voice that comes from seemingly nowhere (1 Kings 19:12). You will then know that you are indeed not alone in this world and you may realize that indeed you do have everything you will ever need with you and in you; to live here on earth and forever more with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and God our Father!

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Being satisfied in all circumstances – Part 2

Being satisfied in all circumstances – What does that involve? – Part 2

The challenge of being content in all circumstance may be a lifelong challenge, but it is possible. God would not ask us to be content, if it were not possible. As I have mentioned before, the challenge is being content in the “worst” of circumstances. When you learn how to rejoice in suffering you have made it! This week I will talk about how to be satisfied in all circumstance, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Next, the word in the New Testament for satisfied is content. And the Greek word is “arkeo” and can also be considered as, unfailing strength, to be strong or to defend. A few of the places that it is used are in Luke 3:14, Phil. 4:11, 1 Tim. 6:8 and Heb. 13:5. Each verse suggests being “content” with what you have, with food, clothing, and your circumstances. But if you substitute “content” with be “strong” this can take on a new meaning. The point is, that God wants us not only to be satisfied or content, but strong in our circumstances in general, whatever they may be. And this strength can only come from putting our trust in Him!

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Being satisfied in all circumstances – Part 1

Being satisfied in all circumstances – What does that involve? – Part 1

The challenge of being content in all circumstance may be a lifelong challenge, but it is possible. God would not ask us to be content, if it were not possible. As I have mentioned before, the challenge is being content in the “worst” of circumstances. When you learn how to rejoice in suffering you have made it! This week I will talk about how to be satisfied in all circumstance, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice.

First, Philippians 4:8 is a perfect prescription for developing a mind that is satisfied regardless of who you are with, what your circumstances are or where you are at physically or spiritually. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Pain, Suffering and Endurance – Part 4

Pain, Suffering and Endurance – What must you endure to be saved? – Part 4

I was raised in such a way to ignore pain or “play” through pain. I rarely used doctors when I had injuries and I usually patched myself up when I had them, unless someone was around to help me. Between sports injuries, work injuries, etc. I had become somewhat “immune” to the pain. Not that I am saying I did not cry as a child when pain came, but I learned to “live” with it. Nevertheless, once I started reading the Gospel my heart started to “soften” and I began to experience pain in a new light. That being said, pain is inevitable; it is purposeful and can be a warning sign against much worse things to come. So, this week we will talk about the subject using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Last, depending on our level of faith, we may need to “tap” into this world and its “resources” for some parts of our healing, whether it is medicines, doctors, therapists, etc. There are people in this world who are following God and are “professionals” in the health industry as well. So we must discern what avenue of healing is the best for our circumstances. But I can assure you that if you trust in Jesus Christ and listen to His Holy Spirit for guidance and ultimate authority, He will be with you through all of your trials, healings and bring you to ultimate peace. He is peace and the King of it after all (Ephesians 2:14, Hebrews 7:2)! Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed (James 5:16). Have faith in Jesus Christ, He is our ultimate healer both spiritually and physically (Ephesians 2:10-22). Rather than harden your heart in suffering, rejoice in it (Romans 5:3, Philippians 4:4). Remember again, God is our healer, “Jehovah-Rapha” (Exodus 15:26). By His stripes you are healed… (Isaiah 53:5)!

Darrell

Interested in more reading? You can find a copy of my books at the links below!

Seven Steps to Freedom

Time, Times and a Dividing of Time

Pain, Suffering and Endurance – Part 3

Pain, Suffering and Endurance – What must you endure to be saved? – Part 3

I was raised in such a way to ignore pain or “play” through pain. I rarely used doctors when I had injuries and I usually patched myself up when I had them, unless someone was around to help me. Between sports injuries, work injuries, etc. I had become somewhat “immune” to the pain. Not that I am saying I did not cry as a child when pain came, but I learned to “live” with it. Nevertheless, once I started reading the Gospel my heart started to “soften” and I began to experience pain in a new light. That being said, pain is inevitable; it is purposeful and can be a warning sign against much worse things to come. So, this week we will talk about the subject using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Regarding healing in general, it would seem at least in the Bible that different people have different “levels” of faith. Some believed in Jesus so much that even His words of healing were enough for them (Mark 10:51, 52). Others had physical touch from Him and still others touched His clothing to receive healing (John 9:6, 7; Matt. 9:20-22). Some believed so much so that they asked for healing for others who were not in the same town and Jesus said that the person would be healed by faith, and they were (Matt. 8:8)! This would be the closest thing to “intercessory” prayer, which we can use today to pray for others in need, which we cannot necessarily “see”, but we hear about their needs for prayer from a third party. Like when we pray for people in disaster zones, or in war zones, authorities in power, distant family & friends, etc.

More to come…

Darrell

Interested in more reading? You can find a copy of my books at the links below!

Seven Steps to Freedom

Time, Times and a Dividing of Time