10 Days of Awe

A few weeks ago I talked about the beginning of the new year in Jesus' time.
Israel celebrated the harvest (Rosh Hashanah), then took ten days to prepare for the day of atonement (Yom Kippur).

They were called the 10 Day of Repentance, or, the 10 Days of Awe.

I'll let you get a head start on where we're taking the Connections Community this weekend.
We are starting our New Year off with our own 10 Days of Awe.

Take the first ten days of 2010 to prepare for the coming year.
Here are a couple of suggestions:

First, write down some goals.
To start, don't worry about any structure or program.  Just start writing. Write a bit each day.  As the ten days go by look back on what you've written.  See what patterns emerge.  What do you keep saying you want to do, or start, or quit.  Just start writing to God and see where it goes.  As you get closer to that ten day mark nail down a couple specific things.
Maybe it's getting on a budget.  So get on a budget!
Maybe it's read through the bible.  So get on a plan.
Maybe it's a whole new career.  So start taking classes, or preparing a resume, or whatever it takes.

Second, begin taking to others.
There is incredible power in accountability.  If you feel God is moving you in a certain direction, let some folks know.  Get some feedback.  Get some encouragement.

Third, commit to a specific "Spiritual Discipline" during the 10 days.
I recommend, and find helpful for myself, fasting.  Maybe it will be a total fast for 1 or more days.  Maybe a fast of one meal (maybe lunch) for the whole ten days.  Whatever model you choose, use that time normally spent eating in prayer and time with God.
Maybe fasting is hard for you and it will just be easier to wake up a half hour earlier for time with God.
Maybe it's a book.  One you know will help you stand in awe of God and get positioned for the coming year.

Fourth, and I'll end on this.
Read the Psalms.  These prayers will help you worship and give awe to our great God.
There are 150.  But don't making getting through all of them the goal.  Maybe you'll read one and just get stuck on it- great.
Maybe it will take 4-5 to find one that really hits you.  That's fine too.

So there you go- get started on your 10 days of awe.
We'll have more to say on this journey when we hit the new year.