The month of Elul

Being that the month is actually almost over, this post is a tad late...however, still timely. I have always been especially fond of September. Autumn is my favorite season by far - the cool crisp air, the changing colors, harvest. It always symbolized new beginnings for me, yet I had no idea that in the Hebrew calendar it is far more significant than just lining up with a new school year (which most likely was the source of my "fresh start" feeling).

In the Hebrew calendar, this is the month of Elul (alef-lamed-vav-lamed). From the letters we can see that it is a time of learning. Traditionally it is known as a time of repentance. It's really both. Elul is a moad, a set apart time by Yahweh, to examine ourselves. The whole rest of the year we are told to focus on Yahweh, to set our eyes on Him and off of ourselves. Yet the month of Elul is a set apart time to do some self evaluation, to check our fruit (or lack thereof), and to clean house spiritually. It is a time to learn of ourselves in light of what we have learned of Yahweh, and repent in the areas where we have gone astray.

Irma Diaz (a prophetic, messianic teacher from California) believes people's emotions and thoughts are tied to the Hebrew calendar if they are connected to Ruach Ha'Chodesh. So in this month of Elul, people who know nothing about the Hebrew calendar are finding themselves thinking about themselves regardless. People who are connected to the One true living Yah are doing some real soul searching this month without even being aware that Yahweh ordained this time just for that. Elul is even the 6th month in the Hebrew calendar; the number of man. Powerful.

So go ahead and turn inward a bit. Reflect, purge, get real honest. It is alright with Yah. He has set this time apart for you to check yourself before you wreck yourself (lol I couldn't resist). Just do so in the love of Yah, knowing there is therefore now no condemnation to those that are in Yeshua. A fresh start is yours for the taking. Make it what you want - the desires of your heart were put there for a good reason!