FOOD ART AND FAMILY FUN - EVERYTHING PUMPKIN

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

EVERYTHING PUMPKIN

What exactly is a pumpkin?  A vegetable?  No. 

A fruit?  Yes!

A fruit is defined as being the part of the plant which contains seeds.  The average pumpkin contains about a cup of seeds, so pumpkins are most definitely a fruit.

Pumpkins come in a multitude of colors, shapes and sizes.  Some are green, yellow, red, white, blue and there are even multi-colored and striped pumpkins.  

They can be huge, tiny, flat, short, tall, round, pear necked, smooth, ribbed and even warty.  

Some pumpkins are fabulous for culinary uses.  Some pumpkins are more suited to being carved or displayed.  

You are sure to find a use for pumpkins in the Fall Season.  They are so decorative and full of color!  There are so many different ways to use them.

This article only incorporates recipes for pumpkins, none of which are original to the author, so credit is given for where we found them.  

For your other more decorative fall pumpkin uses - simply use your own great imagination!  The sky is the limit.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

by Kent Rathbun of Abascus Restaurant

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces granulated sugar
• 2 ½ pounds cream cheese
• 5 each whole eggs
• 11 ounces pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 4 ounces sour cream
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1 teaspoon ginger, ground
• ½ teaspoon cloves, ground
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

Directions

1.      Place the sugar in a large mixer with paddle attachment. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth, scrape the bowl.

2.    Add the eggs slowly with the mixer on the first speed. Very important not to over beat the eggs into the mixture because will cause cheesecake to souffle and break.

3.    As the eggs are being incorporated scrape the sides of the bowl to keep mixture very smooth.

4.    Add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, lemon juice, cornstarch, sour cream, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg - scraping the bowl between each addition. Never allow mixture to be beaten.

5.     Pour into prepared pans or molds and bake in 275 degree oven. Use water bath when possible, allow to bake until middle is set and slightly souffleed.

6.    Turn the oven off and allow the cheesecake to fall in the oven slowly, then allow to cool to room temperature before placing in the cooler. (Cheesecake will crack if placed in the cooler when too warm)

7.     Once chilled thoroughly then can be un-molded. (Warm sides of the mold with a torch and cake should slide out)

  

Yummy Pumpkin Pancakes

(From Jack Creek Farms Country Store Recipe Collection)

This recipe is so much fun! It is super simple to make with amazing results. It is a great breakfast item to prepare for guests. They will think you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavor of warm pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup is a fabulous combination.

Ingredients:

2 cups Bisquick
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk

1/2 cups cooked mashed pumpkin
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

In a bowl, combine Bisquick, brown sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour batter by 1/2 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes. Cook until second side is golden brown. Serve with butter and maple syrup. 

OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN COOKIES
 (From Libby’s Kitchen)
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.
COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and
salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.    
    Ingredients:
    2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   1/2 teaspoon salt 
   1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
   1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened
   1 cup Libby's 100% pure pumpkin 
   1 large egg
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract

   Glaze (recipe follows)
         

     BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.  FOR GLAZE:  COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

PUMPKIN LATTE

(FROM THE FOOD NETWORK)

Whisk 2-1/4 cups milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons pumpkin, 1 tablespoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 cup espresso in a saucepan; bring to a simmer.  Pour into two mugs and enjoy!

Frosted Pumpkin Bread

(From Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients:

3-1/3 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

2/3 cup water

1-15 ounce can of pumpkin

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of two 9x5x3, three 8x4x2 inch, or four 7-1/2 x3-1/2 x 2 inch loaf pans; set aside.  In a large bowl stir together flour, baking soda, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg; set aside.  In an extra mixing bowl beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined.  Add eggs, beat well.  Alternately add flour mixture and the water to egg mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.  Beat in pumpkin.  Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pans, spreading evenly.  Bake for 55 to 60 minutes for 9x5-inch loaves, 45 to 50 minutes for 8x4-inch loaves, 40 to 45 minutes for 7-1/2x3 inch loaves, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean.  Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans.  Cool completely on wire racks.  Wrap and store overnight.  For cocoa-spice frosting, in a small mixing bowl beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds  Beat in 1 cup of the powdered sugar, the cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, coffee powder, and vanilla until combined.  Beat in the remaining cup powdered sugar.  Beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency.  Spread the tops of loaves with cocoa-spice frosting before slicing.

HAPPY CARVING!!

AN APPLE A DAY (DAY 101) LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF

365 DAYS TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE.

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

  

Many of us need to comprehend the message that working toward being totally healthy and taking care of our own physical needs isn’t a selfish way to live!  

If you are trapped in this popular and common line of thought; you might need to stop and take a few moments to imagine those that you love learning to live without you.  It isn’t selfish to tend to your own health in the midst of tending the health needs of others!  

Think of it this way:  Realize that keeping you healthy is very similar to doing missions work.  You are the mission, because all of the other things will not be happening without you!  

The purpose of your body is to carry God’s will out in this life; and you can’t exactly do that if you have a dysfunctional body.  It is one thing for a body to be dysfunctional through channels out of control, but it is another thing for your body to become dysfunctional through neglect.   If you are going to help others eat better, sleep more comfortably, get enough sunshine and exercise in their day; you have to be able to do those things too.   Why is it so easy for us to consider the needs of others and put the emphasis there, but forget our own basic needs and feel they are unimportant? 

Please stop right now and take an inventory of how you go about your day.  If you find that you are so busy tending to the needs of your family, friends, church, job, community, etc., that you do not have the time that you need to eat properly, sleep properly or even take any portion of your time to get the exercise and recreation that your body requires; you might need to stop and ask yourself a few "why" questions.    

Are you actually denying yourself your basic needs in the name of caring for others?  Do you see this to be something that you are doing as an unselfish offering of love for those that you have chosen to serve?  If so, we may need to take a deep breath right here and examine the truth of your definition of love.

This is a VERY common problem today, especially among working women and young mothers.    This is probably the worst unnoticed culprit that is stealing the health of every family in America.  I see it everywhere I look.  It is a very easy trap to fall into.  I have been among the guilty myself.  

I see busy, overworked Moms feeding their children very carefully and using all the healthiest choices, then turning around and doing without food themselves (or even worse - living off of easy and quick junk food) because they just are not taking the time to sit down to eat a healthy meal.  

I see Dad’s out there working hard, stressful jobs almost 24/7 in order that their families can have all the very best luxuries of life; but denying themselves the basic 8 hours of sleep that they need to regain enough energy to go out there and face all the workload again day after day.  

I  even see working people so concerned for the health of their dogs that they will spend way over their budget on vet bills and hire someone to walk the dog while they are at work; but they won’t even take the time off from work when they have a serious health issue to go to the doctor, nor will they be as concerned that they get out into the sunshine for a walk themselves.  

The children and dogs and the fringes of the social circles that we constantly do our good deeds for are all getting healthier and healthier while those who are helping them to be that way are simply exhausted and turning into couch potatoes!  

How sad!  

It will do no one any good to sit and read about health all day  in order to go out there and preach it to family and friends and make every effort to be sure they have the knowledge.  Nothing will ever be completely helpful and fruitful in our lives unless some of that knowledge sinks down inside our own heads and our legs and feet and arms and hands rise up and go perform what it takes to be healthy! 

The saddest part of all of this is that most people are in this trap because they think they are doing the right thing.  They actually think they are making valuable sacrifices out of their love for others.  

Perhaps it is time to re-examine our definition of love.  I prefer the biblical definition of everything and the bible says we should love others as we love ourselves.   Hmm…..that would mean, in order to love anyone else properly – I would have to properly love myself first!  We must realize the truth is that if there is no self-love inside a person, no recognition of the beautiful and holy spark within; then there is no way that person can truly love or give to another.

If you do not feed yourself first, (spiritually, physically and mentally,) or take care of yourself first, or know your own physical  limitations; you simply will not have what you need in order to be giving to others.  

In order for a new mother to take the best care of her baby, she needs to be able to eat and sleep herself!  The taking care of our selves is a prerequisite to all that we do.  It isn’t optional; it is necessary for ALL to be happy and healthy.  

In order for your happiness to spill over and serve those that you love, you must first be happy from within yourself.  Once you are able to see and appreciate all the beauty that God created within you, you will then gain a much greater appreciation for the goodness that God created and put within your fellow man.  

In order to stay on the healthy side of things you must value and accept yourself.  You must grow and learn from all of your life’s challenges and mistakes.  Don’t beat yourself up over them; learn to be kind to yourself.   Be creative.  Think of ways to incorporate the tending to your own health needs every day.  Make it a priority, then go and tend to the others that you love. 

Take Jesus Christ as your first example.  He did not rise and start serving immediately upon waking up; the scriptures speak of how He rose early in the mornings and went off to pray in a solitary place.  He knew the importance of filling up your own spiritual tank before taking fuel to others!  An empty tank has nothing to offer.  Once Jesus had communicated with His Father and received the proper instructions for the day; He was good to go out and serve the world.  It is the same for us; whether we are dealing with physical, spiritual or emotional things.  

Take care of your own necessities; then go to tend to those you love.  When you shop for others, include your own needs at the same time.  When you feed your children, let someone else hold the toddler for a little while so you can eat your meal too (or put them in their crib until you have had time to feed yourself.)  Work hard and do your best at work, but when you have been there for an acceptable amount of time, go home and enjoy what you are working for.  Take the time you need to find ways to refresh yourself and re-energize.  The rest of the world will not frown at you - they will love you more for it!  Your tank will not be empty, so you will have much more to offer and you will enjoy the process as it transpires.  

You know what will happen, you will eliminate one of life's silent killers; that old enemy called "stress."  Stress is very unhealthy and the leading cause of most health problems.  When you tend to your own needs, stress is kept to a minimum. 

So, my friends, the first rule of becoming a healthier person and walking into a healthier lifestyle is to learn to love yourself .  By now you have probably grasped the fact that self-love and selfishness are not the same thing.  They are not even related!  Don't be selfish; learn to love yourself.  The whole world will appreciate the new you.  Hence from this you will learn to love and better serve your fellowman.  This is the starting place that moves you into a much healthier lifestyle.  All of the rest of the knowledge we might discuss or gain in this blog will be totally useless unless you can grasp this fact first; hold on to it and remember to love yourself!

. 

          

COME AS A CHILD LESSON 138 - ON EAGLE'S WINGS

ON EAGLE’S WINGS

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

When telling the Old Testament stories it is sometimes helpful and interesting to notice the actual dates of when certain events actually took place.  References to dates and times are often vague; but they are actually noted in the scriptures for a reason.  If you just remember to notice certain passages, such as the one mentioned at the beginning of Exodus 19:1, you can determine definite time frames that were observed by the Israelites in the wilderness.  This verse says;  “On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt – on that very day – they came to the Desert of Sinai.”

This noted time period would have been during the month of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar, which relates to late May and early June on the calendars we use today. 

When they reached this point in their journey, and they entered the Desert of Sinai and camped at the foot of the mountain; it would have marked forty five days since they left Egypt.

Moses moved a little higher up the mountain from the people and there he met with God.  God called down to him from the highest part of the mountain and told him:  “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:  You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself.  Now, if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.  Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.  These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Moses must have pondered the words of God in his heart as he descended the mountain and moved back to the people.  He must have thought of God’s beautiful choice of words to them; and how God mentioned that He had “carried the people on eagle’s wings and brought them to himself.”

This beautiful and poetic language that originated straight from the mouth of God right there on top of Sinai is often used in our poems and songs today.  It is a beautiful word-picture of refuge and rescue from hopeless situations. 

Why do you think God chose to use an eagle to illustrate his care for his people?

Some have observed that the other birds of prey carry their young in their talons to protect them from the attack of other animals from above and behind; but this is not so with the eagle. 

The eagle is mighty and he fears no other bird.  The only thing an eagle fears is the arrows and shots from mankind. 

The eagle actually carries it’s young on its wings; knowing if it is shot by an arrow from below, the parent bird would suffer the injury and the young eaglets would have a chance to fly away and survive. 

Old Jewish legends have explained that when the Israelites were attacked by Pharaoh’s arrows at The Red Sea, God sent angels from the divine cloud that protected them from the Egyptians.  It is said that the angels absorbed the blows of the Egyptian arrows and they acted as shields in front of the Israelites.

It is so amazing to me that the Jewish people will see and relate to this great example; but they fail to see how Christ took the blows for the sins of mankind at the crucifixion.  Jesus was there for us, as if He were carrying us on eagle’s wings. 

Christ has always followed the example of The Father.  This is the way God was protecting and abiding with the people at Sinai; He was saying:  “I love you so much that I will defend you!  I will die for you if need be!  Because of me; you will survive and thrive as my children! “

The things that happened at Sinai represent God’s marriage to Israel.  It is important, before entering the covering of the wedding ceremony, to stop and consider the relationship we have with our Creator. 

After the marriage ceremony at Sinai, civil laws will be emphasized.  This is necessary even though at times these civil laws may feel heavy and burdensome.  It is important to remember that our FIRST commitment to God came from a prior loving and nurturing relationship, one that happened even before the giving of the law where God took us unto himself purely out of unconditional love. 

In many ways, the Israelites were as guilty and as sinful as the Egyptians that God destroyed; yet God chose them, He loved them, and He took them as His beloved.  He set them apart and proclaimed them special people.  He brought them out of Egypt as if on the bonding wings of an eagle.  His love swooped down just in the nick of time, and without stipulation he suffered the pain in our place and bore us on eagle’s wings to the foot of the mountain where He chose to instruct us on the best ways to live; so very much like an eagle looking after its young!

But; you say; I wasn’t born Jewish!  Where does that leave me? 

My friend; anyone who belongs to Christ has been adopted into the family of God.  This family definitely started out with the Hebrew people; but it has grown over the years!   If you have come under the love of Christ and made Him the covering for your life; you have come into the wedding ceremony and are a part of the Bride through the marriage covenant with Jesus, and through adoption by God.  You have been welcomed into the family as a much loved wife and daughter. 

Much more of this will become clear as we go along.  For now we are discovering how a people, living long before Christ ever entered the world, came to be chosen by God.   We are looking at the beginnings of the family heritage!

It is very important to get the “love” aspect of God before you delve into the giving of the law.  The law was given out of love, not works.  Real love always brings us to ways of righteousness and justice.

So in that day, the 46^th day Moses listened to God and then went back down the mountain to summon the elders he had chosen to help him govern the people. Moses told them all the words that God had given him to speak to the people. 

The elders and Moses relayed the message of God together to the people.  All the people responded as one man and answered “We will do everything the LORD has said.”

On the 47^th day after Passover (when they left Egypt) Moses climbed back up the mountain and relayed the answer of the people to God.    

SEASONS AT-ONE-MENT

CHRISTIANS OBSERVING THE DAY OF ATONEMENT
(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood,

and I have given it for you on the altar to atone for your souls,

for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.  (Lev. 17:11)

At sunset on Tuesday, October 11, 2016,  we will come to the holiest day of the sacred year, Yom Kippur, or The Day of Atonement. 

One of the scriptures that compells me to observe this day is found in Leviticus 23:27-32.  

Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.   And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God.   For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.  And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.   Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.  It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your Sabbath.

As Christians and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we serve a God who was willing to give up His kingly status and become like us.  He loved us so much that He was even willing to die for us.  What other god out there in all of the religions of mankind has ever done such a thing?  This is evidence that The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is The One True God. 

So how does this tie in with Yom Kippur traditions? 

Isn’t the Passover more symbolic of Atonement? 

In some ways, for the Christian, the answer is yes, Passover is more about Atonement for sins, but Yom Kippur is more about realizing that time is drawing short for everyone to receive that atonement. 

Passover is more about our individual sins, and Yom Kippur is more about the sins of our nation and the world as a whole. Has there ever been a more urgent time for this?

Passover is more about mercy and forgiveness, Yom Kippur is more of a statement that Judgment Day is coming, and a warning sound to help us to get ready. 

The Lord is going to return soon!  

There are many out there who do not know Him.  They do not yet have atonement; not because it is not available and freely offered to them, but simply because they have not believed that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and repented of their sins.  This is especially true of our nation, America.  

Satan has been very busy deceiving people because He too has a clue that the time is short.  He is on his usual favorite subject; himself.  He is worried that his time is coming to be put away forever.  He enjoys being loose and wrecking havoc on our world.  He has deceived the world with materialism, false doctrine, churches that want to entertain instead of worship, and “buy” their congregations, luke-warm worship, false worship, evil, death and lust.  His tools are always the same.  He rarely changes his techniques,

 yet the world falls for his tricks constantly. 

In the traditions of the Fall Holy Days it is said that on Rosh Hashanah the doors of heaven are opened.  This is God communicating with mankind saying, “Come closer to me.” 

In order to come closer to God you must be clean.  Those of us who have The Holy Spirit working in us are continually being led to come before God and confess our sins.  We have long ago repented and turned, trying to imitate Him more and more.  We have the good sense to realize and be constantly aware that we are not perfect, and that Jesus must keep us covered with His righteousness.  Yet, there are those who have not yet repented.  I am continuously shocked these days to find those who have never been taught the basics of repentance.  God is listening for them, waiting on them to begin a conversation, waiting on them to say “I repent of my sins, please blot them out of your book.” 

As a Christian I know my sins have been blotted out.  I totally understand that Christ died on the cross once for all.  But this is a time period when I am praying more for the souls of those who have not yet repented.  

As the ordinary priests, ordained after the Order of Melchizedek when we came to Christ, we Christians, as a holy nation and a divine priesthood, have the opportunity, just as the Old Testament Levitical priests did, to intercede for the sins of our people and our nation daily. 

The ordinary priests took the sacrifices of the people daily and offered them up to God.   Once a year the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies and offered up the sacrifice for the sins of the whole nation.  Our High Priest, Jesus Christ STILL carries these intercessions into The Holy of Holies for us and God hears and receives our prayers.  Unlike the high priests of Levitical descent, our High Priest, Jesus Christ, is perfect in every way. 

So can you see how I have come to relate that Yom Kippur should be a strong time of intercession by Christians for the souls of the world?  

Judgment Day is coming.  

It is said that after Yom Kippur the doors of heaven are closed.  On Yom Kippur whatever God has written for the year is sealed.  It is finished.  It is done.  You will either be a sheep or a goat when you enter into judgment after the final seal is sealed.  

If you know Christ, you are covered by the blood of the atonement.  You are separated into the fold of the sheep; and you will be allowed to go into the Marriage Supper of The Lamb.  

If you do not heed God's call and believe on the name of Jesus and repent, you will be separated into the group called the goats.  You will not be allowed to go into the marriage feast, because you are not “covered” by the blood atonement of Jesus.  You will be sentenced to eternity in hell.  The DOOR WILL BE SHUT, and anyone without a wedding garment will not be allowed inside.  

Do not let the doors of heaven close on you.  

Repent and be saved by the blood of Jesus.

In the traditions of Yom Kippur the “books” of God are often discussed.  The tradition is that the destiny of the righteous is written down into The Book of Life.  

The destiny of the eternally wicked is written down in The Book of Death.  

If you have come to Jesus Christ and accepted His blood atonement to cover your sins, you are written in The Book of Life.  Every sin you have ever committed will be blotted out of the heavenly records.  It is His blood that covers the sins.

It is ONLY all that Jesus did that allows you to stand clean before God on The Last Day.  It is nothing that you have done.  

There is a period of 10 days during The Days of Awe, from Rosh Hashanah until the end of Yom Kippur where you can be reassured (by talking to God) that your sins have been covered and you can pray for those that you love that do not have this blessing.  

The tradition says that many people are not yet written into either of the books of heaven.  This is because God gives us free-will and many have not yet made a final decision.  

You can plead with God for them, to do whatever it is that will change their hearts, open their eyes, help them to see the truth.  Our Jewish brothers and sisters fall into this category, but God has promised that many of them will one day wake up and believe.  There will come a day when their eyes will be opened and they will mourn for the One they have pierced.  This tells me they will repent and turn to Christ as The Messiah. 

Our prayers of intercession are important for everyone who has not made a decision to follow Christ.  This is an important time of intercession.  

The 10 Days of Awe are comparable to the period of grace that the church is living in today.  There will come an end to these times.  Judgement Day will arrive, whether the world is ready or not.  Yom Kippur is all about getting ready for Judgement Day.  It is a time to be purchasing oil for your lamp.   

Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, is returning to this earth.  When He does, there will be a great battle.  It is our place, as Christians to be ready to join in with Him.  All Christians will be right there with Him, riding on white horses into battle, riding by the side of our Groom.  We must be ready and prepared for that battle.  Yom Kippur is a reminder of this fact.  

When the last person that is going to repent has done so, the doors of heaven will be closed.  The writing in the books will be finished.  Christ will return for the final battle that will destroy all evil and usher in His 1000 year reign on earth. 

Are you ready? 

So many of my Christian friends are saying we MUST heed II Chronicles 7:14: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

Isn’t it ironic that we speak these words continuously in our congregations and sermons.  We clearly know the answers; yet many Christian churches still turn away from acknowledging or observing Yom Kippur, the very holy day that God, Himself set aside for all nations to do the very things that we are always so loudly proclaiming should be done?  

God doesn’t change.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  If He said it to the nation of Israel, He meant it for everyone.  He isn’t just the God for the Israelites, He is God of ALL.  

If every Christian church in America would put aside their politics of the world for the period of time called The Day of Atonement and devote that time to prayer and fasting and intercession, as is the tradition for Yom Kippur, and begin praying for our nation and praying for the deliverance of our brothers and sisters who are still living in sin; we would fulfill the commandments of God.  

God would hear us, for this is the time that He has proclaimed that He will be listening with attention and deciding.  He would save us from ourselves and heal our land, just as He promised.

God says what He means and means what He says.

He always keeps His promises. 

As fall brings it's beautiful red covering to the trees across our land, it is my earnest prayer that  the people of our nation turn to Jesus and receive His precious atonement covering. 

May God heal our land and bring peace to the earth.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah!