Introduction
   The Bible reveals as far back as the days of creation that Almighty Yahweh established certain appointed times that were specifically chosen by Him for His called-out people. These are unique times when He would meet with His True Worshipers:
   And Elohim said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons; and for days, and years, Genesis 1:14. The word seasons is Strong’s Hebrew No. 4150 moed (mow-ed), and literally means “appointed time.” It is a term used for the annual gatherings of Yahweh and His people.
   A number of scholars understand that the first moed took place in Genesis 4:3-7, where Abel correctly kept the Passover by offering a lamb, and Cain brought an offering more suitable for the Feast of Tabernacles, the work of His hands. Abel’s offering was accepted, Cain’s was not.
   Tradition has it that Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees on Passover, and the Feast days can be traced through his journeys and stopping places in Genesis 12. Certainly, the appearance of the three celestial beings in Genesis 18 took place in the spring as Abraham fed his guests unleavened cakes (v. 7, margin); and later Lot did likewise (Gen. 19:3). Likely this was also a special time of moed.
   It is apparent that Abraham kept all Yahweh’s Sabbaths and Feast days: Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws, Genesis 26:5.
   The Feast days were again given to Israel after they came out of Egypt, when they agreed to the Covenant. These are listed in Leviticus 23. The Savior kept all the annual Feast days perfectly, 1 Peter 2:21-22.
   Scripture tells us that the Feasts and all of Yahweh’s laws will be kept in the Millennium: And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, says Yahweh, Isaiah 66:23.
   Pay close attention to the words: “all flesh,” meaning that all mankind will worship Yahweh as He has ordained. Yahweh’s government will reign supreme in that day, and all nations will obey Him:
   And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem,” Isaiah 2:2-3.
   As we have seen, the Bible clearly shows that the seven annual holy days were established even at creation. They were kept by the patriarchs, observed by ancient Israel, memorialized by the Savior and the Apostles, and will be commemorated regularly in the Kingdom. (See Ezek. 45:21-25 and 46:3, 9, 11.)
   The fact that these days will be continued to be kept in the Kingdom is a powerful indication that we should pay special attention to them now. We are to make them our way of life. We simply cannot ignore them and still be His people.
   Yahweh’s Assembly in Yahshua publishes a calendar each year pointing out the dates of each of the seven annual Feast days. Our calendar is based upon the lunar months or new moons as were observed anciently by Israel throughout the year. The Feasts are grouped according to the harvest seasons, beginning with Abib (meaning, in context, maturing ears), which comes in the spring at the time of the barley harvest in the northern hemisphere at Passover time. See the NewMoonReport.org website’s calendar section more detailed information.
   Next comes the harvest of wheat in early summer (Pentecost), followed by the harvest of olive oil, grapes and garden stuffs in the fall (beginning with Trumpets). We are told the Feasts are prophetic (Col. 2:16-17), that is, they foretell the future. Yahweh works everything out according to His timetable:
   To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Training for Rulership
   The simple fact is, we are being called now to be priests and rulers in the coming Kingdom:  And He [Yahshua] has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His Elohim and Father — to Him [Yahshua] be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen, Revelation 1:6 NASB.
   In obedience to His Word, we train to learn of His ways so that we will be found worthy to be kings and priests: And He made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth, Revelation 5:10.
   If we are faithful to the high calling we have in the Messiah and are the firstfruits, we will be made spirit beings to reign at Yahshua’s side:
   Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of Messiah, and shall reign with Him a thousand years, Revelation 20:6.
   The firstborn will be in that better resurrection (Heb. 11:35), and we will be partakers of the promise given to Israel. We will be grafted into the olive tree (Rom. 11:17). Peter says we will then be partakers of the promise made to Israel:
   But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9.
   We have touched on only a few of the Bible’s promises that we are to be kings and priests in the coming Kingdom on earth. We are called now and are preparing to be spiritual guides, to help others to know Yahweh and find the way of salvation. Because the Feast days will be continued in the Kingdom, we must learn all we can about these special times called moedim (plural form).
   We need to know when the Feasts are to be kept, what to do during these special observances, and how they show us the great plan of salvation — for we have been purchased by the blood of Yahshua our Savior. He expects us to be obedient as He is: If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love, John 15:10.
   How can we expect to be a priest or a king in the Kingdom and teach Yahweh’s ways if we have never kept His special times a day in our life? We cannot teach what we do not know! As a king or priest, how can we judge others for not keeping these Feast days if we have never kept them ourselves?

Sign and Seal
   The two most ignored commands in the Bible are the sign He has given us and the seal by which we are preserved. Briefly, we find that the “sign” is keeping His Sabbaths:
   Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a SIGN between Me and them, that they might know that I am Yahweh that sanctify them, Ezekiel 20:12. And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a SIGN between Me and you, that you may know that I am YAHWEH your Elohim, Ezekiel 20:20.
   We are sanctified by keeping His Sabbaths; that is, we are set apart as a special people for His holy purpose. The Sabbaths are a distinct time in which we come to truly know Him and draw closer to Him. The world in general rejects these days, thinking they are free from all such obligations and responsibilities and thereby they miss the opportunities to learn to know Him.
   His Sabbaths set us apart from the world. The time spent honoring His Sabbaths enriches our understanding of Him and His ways. What’s more, important and prophetic events likely will occur at these times, which will reveal His very presence.
   The seal is His Name: We are sealed with His Name upon baptism (Rev. 14:1) and already carry His Name for we are known as “His wife” (Rev. 19:7), and have prepared and made ourselves ready. The sealing agent is the Holy Spirit: And grieve not the holy Spirit of Yahweh, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. We are to be baptized into the saving Name of Yahshua, the only Name that has salvation (Acts 4:12). He holds His Father’s Name within His own, which is significant to know and understand (Joel 2:32).

Feast Financing: Here’s How
   The seven annual Feasts scattered throughout the year in three groupings (or seasons) are commanded convocations. Yahweh’s people have no choice about attending — the directive is there. Our overriding obligation is to go to where Yahweh has placed His Name. We must not make up excuses to stay home, and especially not use the rationalization that we lack the finances.
   Yahweh has already taken care of that problem, and the True Worshiper should have no trouble with the means with which to attend — that is, if he has been obedient to Yahweh in all things. In His plan, Yahweh reveals a financial design that allows us to fund our trips to the appointed gatherings without their being a heavy burden.
   In His wisdom, Yahweh has not only told us that we are to keep these days to honor Him, but He has also made a way for us to compensate our Feast observance. It is known as the second tithe.    Just as we assume the responsibility of tithing so that His plan of salvation can be proclaimed around the world to all nations, He also shows us that we are to set aside special funds just to keep the Feasts:
   You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year. And you shall eat before Yahweh your Elohim, in the place which he shall choose to place His Name there, the tithe of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim always. And if the way be too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from you, which Yahweh your Elohim shall choose to set His Name there, when Yahweh your Elohim has blessed you: Then shall you turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go unto the place which Yahweh your Elohim shall choose, Deuteronomy 14:22-25.
   And you shall bestow that money for whatsoever your soul lusts after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before Yahweh your Elohim, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household, Deuteronomy 14:26.
   Notice that this is a special tithe kept by the individual to use for the Feasts. It is retained and managed by the individual to assure sufficient funds to attend and enjoy the Feasts as commanded (Lev. 23:14, 21, 31, 41). It is separate from the first tithe, which is to proclaim the Evangel to the world, and is holy unto Yahweh, only to be used for that purpose.
   Yahweh also expects us to support those doing His work, proclaiming His truth to the world. Learn the deeper spiritual lesson of why tithing is so important for us today in Messiah. Read the booklet called, The Temple Tenth.
   Production and mailing costs for literature become more expensive each year. Providing tapes, videos, and answering questions takes time and money, as do ministerial trips. We are grateful to those dedicated people who provide the means for us to continue proclaiming His truth.
   We are always encouraged to find those who desire to pay their own way and not be a burden on others. But it is a greater blessing when we hear from those who not only pay their own way, but also provide for others as well through their generosity.
   In His wisdom, Yahweh established the tithe to proclaim His truth. And the second tithe ensures that His people can keep His holy days as well. Both are extremely important for the True Worshipers.
   Instead of setting aside funds as the world does for a vacation or some “Xmas savings plan,” Yahweh long ago gave us the command of the second tithe as assurance that we could always attend His Festivals. Bank and payroll savings institutions have saving programs that are actually patterned after Yahweh’s plan of saving the second tithe for what is very important to Him.
   In obedience to what really matters, the majority of Yahweh’s people, therefore, plan their vacations and time off work in accordance with the Feast days. They save a second tithe to enable them to observe these annual Festivals.

Feasts: a Part of Life
   What better way to spend a vacation than to gather with others of like faith and clearly identify with the “sign” Yahweh gives us that we might learn of Him by honoring His Sabbaths! Spiritual enrichment for the entire family is a part of His Feasts plan. At His appointed moedim we get to know other saints and share our joy and experiences with the future kings and priests of His coming Kingdom! Determine now to worship with and share time and experiences among future kings and rulers under the Savior!
   Making Feast attendance a part of our life is a maturing experience as we discipline ourselves to obey Yahweh and gather where He has placed His Name. His Feasts are like schools of higher learning.
   Yahweh’s Assembly In Yahshua holds the Feast of Tabernacles at a campground so brethren can stay in tents, RV’s or even motels if necessary. We encourage all to stay on the campground if at all possible. There we have main lodge for meetings and some rooming accommodations, while today’s Israel encamps around the “tent of meeting,” just as ancient Israel of old.
   The three “Pilgrim Feasts” are the seven “Days of Unleavened Bread,” “Pentecost,” and the eight days of “Tabernacles.” Plane reservations, transportation, motel or sleeping accommodations, auto repairs, etc., should be taken care of early, for we are to: “...bind up the money in your hand, and shall go unto the place which Yahweh your Elohim shall choose” [which He does through His ministers] (Deut. 14:25).
   In keeping Yahweh’s Feasts, His people are sanctified. That is, they are set apart as a special treasure, away from the world to become all the more near and dear to Him:
   Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, “Verily My Sabbaths you shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh that does sanctify you, Exodus 31:13.
   Consider the words Moses gave to Israel just before they were to cross over into the Promised Land — (for we will someday cross into the Kingdom):
   Three times in a year shall all your males appear before Yahweh your Elohim in the place which He shall choose; in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and in the Feast of Weeks, and in the Feast of Tabernacles: and they shall not appear before Yahweh empty [handed], Deuteronomy 16:16.

Is Yahweh Calling You?
   Our Heavenly Father is not calling everyone to understand the Bible today or to comprehend the deeper truths of His Word. He is looking for a special people to be the firstfruits elite in His Kingdom. He is seeking those who are willing to give up whatever it takes in this life to be obedient to Him.
   This fact is missed by the vast majority, who think Yahweh is competing with the Adversary for converts. The masses have the idea that they can be nonchalant and superficial about following Him and He will go along with it. They can live their lives as they want to and give Him only the crumbs of obedience. Those with that attitude are not fit for the Kingdom, let alone for rulership next to Yahshua who was obedient in all things and expects us to be the same! Yahshua said, So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of my mouth, Revelation 3:16.
   But a growing number have a burning thirst and hunger for a deeper knowledge of the Bible, and they seek with all their being to know more.
   Yahweh’s Spirit is moving among His people today, and that spiritual activity will steadily increase. He is calling many, but only a few will answer that call, which will draw them closer to Him and His Word through obedience to the Father they worship.
   If you feel Yahweh has His hand on your shoulder, do not shrug off that inner compulsion to obey, but consider Yahshua’s warning words: For many are called, but few are chosen, Matthew 20:14. In John 6:44 Yahshua said, No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at that last day. Yahweh may be drawing you right now. Are you listening to His call?
   Yahweh promises a blessing upon those who obey Him. Begin now to set aside and keep a second tithe for the next Feasts, as Yahweh has commanded. If you need a calendar to determine when the next annual Feast days will be, or should you have questions, feel free to contact us or one of the elders in your own area around the world (listed on the International contacts page). Include the Feast in your annual vacation plans. And let us hear from you during the year.
   We look forward to seeing you at the next Feast of our Creator!