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Happy 8/10 Day!

Our beloved Lead Pastor, Eric Wakeling, in his book, “God Joy” has named 8/10 (August 10th) a day within our community here at Calvary Church to celebrate that our conviction and repentance from sin has led us to grace, forgiveness and salvation, found in Jesus Christ!

This was the story of the Nation of Israel in Nehemiah, Chapter 8. They had forgotten God and in turn turned to their own sinful ways. Nehemiah, led by God, leads the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and in Nehemiah, Chapter 8, the Prophet Ezra assembled all the people inside the town square and began to read the Bible over them as is described in Nehemiah 8:8, “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.”

The people began to weep as they heard the word of God spoken over them. Then Nehemiah stood before the people and said, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” He continued, “Go and celebrate with the richest of foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is the sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:9-10 – NLT)

On 8/10 day, we are called to celebrate! For we the Prodigal Son have been welcomed home by the loving father. No longer do we need to live in shame. No longer do we have to mourn. For through Jesus, we have been forgiven and received mercy. Therefore, the joy of the Lord is your strength.

We have God Joy!

One translation of Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Eat the fat and drink the sweet.” Eric suggests that on 8/10 day, as a way to celebrate the grace of God in our lives, we throw a party, invite others and enjoy good (fatty) food and fancy drinks. (Click here for some ideas on how to do this from Eric).

One way we want to do this here at Calvary today is to offer free coffee drinks at our Corner Books & Coffee from 8:00 am to Noon, here on 8/10 day. Come on down and enjoy a sweet drink on us! Plus, you can get a FREE Kindle Edition e-book of God Joy for a limited time on Wednesday 8/10 - CLICK HERE. 

Nehemiah 8:10 also suggest we celebrate “God Joy” by, “sharing gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.” We encourage you to bring food to a neighbor today or drop off a to-go plate to a homeless person who you routinely pass by around town or even drop off groceries to the OC Rescue Mission in Tustin (1 Hope Dr, Tustin, CA 92782; accepts donations 8am to 5pm), who depend on community donations to serve daily meals to the over 200 men and women in their program.

Send us a photo to  of your 8/10 day meal or what you did today, we would love to see it!

May the joy of the Lord be your strength not only today here on 8/10 but each and every day this week!

Matt Doan
Reach Pastor