It is that time of year on the Jewish calendar, the days of awe, when God's children are to remember that He is God...and that we are not. The trumpeted shofar is blown as the King goes into the fields to awaken His people to come and meet Him at the throne room. Humbly, we bow down as we enter His presence asking for forgiveness. We hope for mercy and healing for the errors of our hearts. We are to forgive, as we are forgiven. We can seek the redemption and amazing grace from the Savior of our soul. Rosh Hashanah is an appointed day to meet with God; to remember His covenant, sacrifice, love, holy power, and righteous ways. According to Jewish traditions, after Rosh Hashanah, there are ten days of repentance leading to Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. It is a time of prayer, self-reflection, and repentance. Will we surrender to His Spirit beckoning us to turn from ourselves and to seek only His will? He asks us to examine our hearts.

I reflect on this past year and think of the many times I have slipped from His will, but God's grace and love toward me has remained steadfast. His promises are true. He is patient, and He is slow to anger. He loves us even when we fail Him. What an amazing God? I wish I had been more conscience of my thoughts, my words, and my actions toward others. I wish I had remained in His peace instead of the many times I worried about "things." I imagine how God may have winced a few times at my choices. The good news is that if we are able to surrender and understand that His ways are higher than our ways....we can choose to do what He asks. God enables us with the power to change through His Holy Spirit. Just think with a clear mind how you have chosen to live this past year. Can one approve? Absolutely. I pray that this coming year I will let go of the pain, disappointments, anger, and failures of the past in order to receive the clean slate and healing God wants to release into my life. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans for hope and a future. For all those who are called according to My will and My purposes." Jeremiah 29:11-12

It is time to surrender, and let God have His way with my whole life. Excitedly Christians can come before the King and ask forgiveness any time they like. They do not need to wait until Yom Kippur. Through Christ all things are made new! So take out your white flag and wave it with me! I am praising God for His amazing Holy Spirit "Etch-a-Sketch" that washes away all sins....the redemption of the cross at Calvary. I surrender...will you?