The Feast of Tabernacles is a time of rejoicing. As we read in Leviticus 23:40. "And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days." Deuteronomy 16:14-15 adds, "You shall rejoice in your feast...because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful."
In his remarks at Church of the Messiah's festival celebration, guest speaker Brad H. Young reminded us that there is "fullness of joy" in God's presence (Ps 16:11), and that Jesus came to bring us that joy (John 15:11). He emphasized that joy is a choice, and he suggested seven practices that promote joy:
- forgiving and receiving forgiveness;
- building relationships with God and each other;
- praising God in our hearts;
- counting our blessings and being grateful;
- doing what is good and right in God's eyes;
- praying the disciple's prayer;
- walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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