There are three Fall Feasts that all prophesy of the LORD’s return to rule and reign as King and judge with a people who are chosen to serve His cause, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets:

“Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.  For this is a statute for Israel, a law of the God of Jacob”(Psalm 81:3,4).

So what is the significance of the Feast of Trumpets? The literal Hebrew translation is “a memorial of blasts.” In Hebrew, this Feast is called “Yom Teruah.”  Yom means day, but Teruah doesn’t mean trumpets.  It means a shout or blast of war, alarm or joy. So literally translated, this is a Feast that is a “Day of Blasting or Shouting.”

The Feast of Trumpets is the ONLY Feast that is celebrated on Firstfruits, tying its meaning with “firsts” and making this day the “granddaddy” of all Firstfruits celebrations. It is believed by Biblical historians that Adam was born on this day. It has also been known by the Jews as the “Anniversary of Creation.”

The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated in the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Tishrei was originally recognized as the first month of the calendar the Hebrews followed, due to the epic beginnings just described. 

However, in God’s master plan for redemption, He needed to create a separate, but intimate, calendar with the people He was in covenant with to follow so that they could become His SIGN to the nations that He was the One True God.  

This special covenant calendar was purposed to establish a pattern, purpose, timing, and union with God that set the Israelites apart from all other nations.  But it also was a witness of the sign of the “Coming One” (Jesus), as God would use the calendar to fulfill His prophetic promises.

It’s worth mentioning that the Hebrew Covenant Calendar was created when God spoke to Moses and Aaron in Ex. 12:2:

“This month (Abib/Nisan) shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first of the year to you” (Ex. 12:2). 

God followed this commandment with His instructions for Passover:

“So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations.  You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance”(Ex. 12:14).

Later on when the children of Israel arrived at Mt. Sinai, God gave instruction for all 7 Feasts after He sealed His Covenant with them and set them apart from all the other nations. The month of Tishrei became the seventh month in this new covenant calendar, rather than the first in the known civil calendar, and the first day of the harvest (blessed) season and the month in which all the Fall Feasts were celebrated.

“Therefore, all the men of Israel assembled with King Solomon at the feast in the month of Ethanim (Tishrei), which is the seventh month” (1 Kings 8:2).

The overall purpose of the Feast of Trumpets is to awaken God’s people with a blast of the trumpet.  What is the awakening for? The trumpet has many significant meanings in the Bible.  The trumpet was blown to signal war against the adversary:

“When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies (Numbers 10:9).

It was also used to announce the king:

“Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon.  And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” (1 Kings 1:39).

The trumpet was the sound to wake up the Church:

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet”(Rev. 1:10).

All of these reasons (and there are many more) of why the trumpet is used are all united together on the Feast of Trumpets. This “dress rehearsal” shares it’s purpose of becoming the signal (/sign/proclamation/alarm/shout) to awaken us, to announce war against the adversary, to announce the return of the King, and to summon God’s people who are IN covenant with Him.  And when this Feast goes “LIVE,” it will mark the beginning of the Millennium, and the rise of the King of kings who is returning to judge the nations.

At sundown on August 23rd, we will be entering into the sixth month of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar known as ELUL, which is linked to the tribe of GAD. Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and his name primarily means a “troop.” However, GAD can also be translated as: good fortune, to attack, to overcome, to invade, and to gather together.

Gad’s name alone reminds us of the “good fortune” that comes when God’s people choose to gather together in union (like a troop) with a heart of humility, repentance, and forgiveness as they wait upon the King.

GAD was known to be great warriors, taking the lead line in the battlefield. 1 Chronicles 12:8 says, “Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR, MEN TRAINED FOR BATTLE, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.”

This scripture lists “valor” as a foundational quality of God’s mighty warriors, which is having great courage in the face of opposition. Courage is increased when faith in God is greater than the threat of the enemy, a quality that is strengthened by being “battle tested.” (The summer months are known cyclically to test our flesh in the heat of fiery trials).

The Gadites were most effective when they joined the king’s forces and came under their authority and purpose.

Before Moses died, he prophesied over the tribe of Gad. “..he (Gad) administered the justice of the Lord, and His judgments with Israel” (Deut. 33:21).

The great prophet, Elijah, was from the tribe of Gad. His life illustrates the great warrior God is training for battle today. He saw, listened, and obeyed God’s righteousness, and was used to administer the judgments of God with a “sword” = the WORD of God.

In 1 Kings 18:18, King Ahab accused Elijah of being a “troubler of Israel.” Elijah boldly answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed after Baals.” It was after this encounter that Elijah challenged King Ahab to bring all the false prophets to Mount Carmel. King Ahab accepted the challenge, and invited all the children of Israel to gather together for this “spiritual battle.”

God then uses Elijah to draw a line in the sand, challenging the children of Israel to chose God or the false gods they had begun worshipping. In verse 21, Elijah spoke to the people, “How long with you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” Unfortunately, God’s people were not inclined to let go of their idolatry.

Afterwards, Elijah challenged the false prophets to a duel to prove to all observers that there was only one God Almighty. “Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God” (1 Kings 18:24). Elijah eventually called on the Lord after the false prophets fail the task. The Lord consumed the sacrifice with fire, and then had all the false prophets executed.

This is the same cry of God’s heart today: HOW LONG WILL YOU FALTER BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS? God wants to see the warrior gift of Gad rise up in all of us and confront the enemy, but more importantly, he wants us to have ears to hear His rebuke so we can stop compromising and repent before judgment comes.

After Elijah’s huge victory over the enemy, we find him alone in the wilderness, fleeing for his life after Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him.  Ironically, this happened immediately after he was used by God to call down the fire of judgment on the false prophets; a huge military feat.  This fear gripped a battle fatigued Elijah after he SAW and HEARD the threat of the head of government, which became more real than the King he served.  All of the sudden, God’s ability and strength to save him dwarfed under the pressure of the threat. Can we all relate?

What happened to Elijah in this interaction? How is it he went from a man full of faith, to a man full of fear running for this life? The answer can be found in Jacob/Israel’s latter day prophesy over the tribe of Gad:

“Gad, a troop (Gad) shall tramp upon him, BUT he shall triumph at last” (Ge. 49:19).

This latter day prophecy over Gad reveals that the greatest enemy of Gad was Himself! As in the case of Elijah, he lost faith through a “victim” self-talk, even though he was a great prophet and warrior who could believe God for everyone else. How many Christians today are defeated by the fear of man or the fear of failure instead of the fear of the Lord, and their own self-talk removes them from the front lines of the battlefield to fulfill their destiny? How many Christians hear the plans and threats of all the unrighteous leaders today and are gripped by fear, focusing on the threat, rather than preparing for the fall of the Mystery of Babylon and God’s triumphant plan to restore?

Thankfully, we see in Elijah’s example that God didn’t abandon or reject Elijah in his moment of weakness. God came to Elijah in a still small voice, meeting him intimately in his time of need. As God spoke, Elijah gathered strength, humility, and the instruction of moving forward with God’s plan.  This is the heart of ELUL, and the heart that is ready to hear and meet the King of kings!

“In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).

ELUL translates substantively that God “ leaves His throne” and meets us intimately right where we are at, even in the midst of struggle, and “hang with us.”

This desire to meet us in our weakness is pictured in the New Testament through the ministry of Jesus here on the earth: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” (John 1:14).

Two thousand years later, this same Word is pictured and prophesied through the gathering of the Ecclesia, dwelling together in unity, and crying out to the LORD (Dan. 12:7). Jesus leaves His throne to come and save His people and rule with an iron fist, and manifest His glory FULLY in the earth to a world in darkness:

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘…Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev.21:3).

The word “dwelling” is actually the word for “tent” or “tabernacle.” Jesus left His throne to come and “tabernacle” among us for 33 years. Then He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit who “dwells” within us. But, this was only a guarantee of a greater inheritance to come, and the reason why we still wrestle with our flesh.

The “New Jerusalem” prophesied in Rev. 21::2 is the full inheritance to come, when death is swallowed up in victory, and the corruptible garments are exchanged for “incorruptible” garments of glory, much like the garments of glory Adam and Eve had before the fall. This vision ahead is a pictured as the “second Adam” (Christ, the Son of man), and His unified “troop” (His Firstfruits remnant) who are called to bring healing to the nations.

Historically, the two months prior to ELUL were tragic in the days of Moses. The children of Israel had built the golden calf, and when Moses returned and saw what they had done, he broke the tablets of Covenant. Moses made a call to repentance: “Whoever is on the Lord’s side-come to me” (Ex. 32:26). Those who came repented and were then given instruction to kill everyone else left, totaling 3,000 people.

Afterwards, Moses instructed the remaining people to consecrate themselves while he went to ask God to pardon them for their sin. God finally answered Moses’ plea and called Moses back up for the “do over.”

On the first day of ELUL, Moses went back up to Mount Sinai to get the second tablets of covenant.  It was during this month that the children of Israel gathered together and prepared their hearts in humility.  They understood it was the mercy of God that had given them a second chance. It is no different today. God’s MERCY will save His remnant:

“And it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, will never again depend on him who defeated them, but will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel in truth” (Is. 10:20).

Today, this month is symbolic of the body of Christ getting their hearts ready individually and corporately with an atmosphere of humility and thanksgiving for God’s mercy, as we await for the revolution of Jesus and His Firstfruits company (troop) to manifest in the earth.

We must never underestimate the power of prayer and unity, and the value of God’s “still small voice.” For they are God’s greatest weapons of war and the true gold we all long for.

“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” (2 Chron. 7:14)

The 5th month of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar begins at sundown on Thursday, July 24th, known as “AV.” The root meaning is translated “to will or to desire” but AV is literally translated as “father.” It is linked with the tribe of Simeon, whose name means “to hear and obey.” If you put all those Hebrew clues together, this month has the significance of “hearing and obeying the will/desire of the Father.”

The summer months are tied to seeing, listening, and then obeying, which produces a unified troop armed for the Lord. Last month the focus was on sight. This month it is on hearing. If Satan can get our vision and our hearing impaired from what God has said, we get off track.

Last month, the significance of the story of the twelve spies who went out was that they SAW all the giants. 40 days later, they returned to the people of Israel who HEARD two reports (Numbers 13,14). 10 spies shared all the problems and obstacles they SAW. 2 shared the promise God had given them. On the 9^th of AV, the people decided to choose the negative report they HEARD and to not believe what God had shared about the Promised Land.

“So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:1,2).

In their unbelief, the children of Israel proceeded to make bad decisions that led to severe consequences because of what they chose to HEAR. First, they complained and cried. Then they had the idea to dethrone Moses as their leader, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Finally, when hearing Joshua speaking the truth about God’s promise, they came up with the idea of stoning Joshua. None of these actions were pleasing to God (Numbers 14:4-10).

If it was not for Moses and Aaron interceding for the children of Israel despite their plot to dethrone their leader, the children of Israel could have been wiped out because of God’s anger. Nevertheless, it did not stop God’s judgment. None of them were able to go into the Promised Land, and all those spies who brought the wrong report died of a plague.

When God speaks, it is important we listen. Our disobedience can affect a whole community! However, our obedience can bring us (and others) into the “Promised Land.”

It is recorded in history that the 9^th of Av has continued to be a day of judgment. IN 587 BC, the armies of Babylon destroyed Solomon’s temple. In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed the 2^nd temple. In 1095 AD, the 1^st crusade was launched, killing thousands of Jews. In 1290 AD, the Jews were expelled from England. In 1492 AD, the Jews were expelled from Spain. In 2005, the Jews were removed from Gaza.

The 9^th of AV incidences are NO coincidence. Cyclically, the window of destruction has opened up during this month and judgment has been released. This cycle started when the children of Israel said after the spies report, “The enemy is too strong of us. We will die!” Through their unbelief, they put themselves under a curse.

When the Jews rejected Jesus, they were “cut off” from Covenant and outside the covering of the Father. According to laws written in Leviticus 17 and Deuteronomy 29, the Jews refusal to accept the New Covenant left them subject to the debt of the law which they breached. Therefore, their curse continues to open up the door of destruction. Until they repent and believe in the Son of God slain for their sins, their generational sin of unbelief and rebellion continues on. But the Bible says, “I will give You (Jesus) as a covenant to the people (Is. 42:6).

Simeon, the tribe associated with this month, was one of two tribes that Jacob cursed in his final prophetic blessing to his sons. This was because Simeon and Levi decided to murder the men of Shechem for the rape of their sister Dinah. This vengeance was evil, and Jacob called them on it:

“Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; let not my honor be united to their assembly; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self will they hamstrung an ox; cursed be their anger for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” Gen. 49:5-7

Simeon was made to be a warrior and one called as a weapon of justice in the hand of God. But when his own hand ruled Simeon, as he did so in Shechem, his passion and temper produce a work of destruction against God rather than for God.   This can be true for all of us. We can think we are going to help God out by executing justice out of a “righteous anger.” But when we do that, our character is one that kills, steals, and destroys in the name of righteousness, and we appear to be sons of the enemy of God.

Av is a month that presents to us a choice to hear God’s word and have faith and believe in the promises of God. It is also a month to remind us to keep our passions under His command by taking the time to HEAR what God has to say about the matter. We are not under the curse any longer.

Today, we are seeing and hearing a lot going on in this world. But what is God saying? Can we see all that is going on through His eyes? I encourage all of you to take time to do some listening prayer this month. God has a lot to tell us IF we stop and listen. Our history proves this month to be a month that the children of Israel heard the wrong voice because of what that they saw. So, guard your ears and declare His Word out loud so your ears hear what God is saying. And expect this month to ENTER in to the Promises and celebrate His goodness as God had intended!

The next Firstfruits begins at sundown on June 25th, celebrating the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar known as Tammuz.

Tammuz has been coined the month of “hidden sin” because of the repetitive failure of the children of Israel to trust the LORD.

It was during the month of Tammuz that the Israelites became impatient, waiting for Moses to come back with the Tablets of Covenant. In their discomfort and fear, they chose to make a golden calf to “fix things.” If it wasn’t for Moses interceding for the people, God would have “cut them off” of Covenant (Ex.32:1).

Another test that came in the month of Tammuz was when the twelve tribal leaders left to spy out the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were the only “spies” who SAW the land through God’s promise and potential. While their “eyes” led them to share a faith-filled plan to advance, the others shared how big the problem and enemy was.

Unfortunately, the Israelites didn’t pass this test as well, and chose to adopt the report of fear, which caused the hand of God to send them into the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 13, 14).

On the flip side, in Chapter 10 of Joshua, a pivotal battle is recorded during the month of Tammuz against 5 Canaanite kings who teamed up to wipe out the Israelites after their wilderness experience.

Joshua’s men were outnumbered and out of solutions with their limited resources. Joshua could have SEEN this situation and lost hope. But Joshua leaned into God for help to see things from His stance instead. God then replied,

“Do not fear them (the forces of darkness that are coming together to rule the nations), for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you” (Josh. 10:8).

Joshua had courage to believe God at His word, and the Lord assisted with what Joshua couldn’t do on his own by sending hailstones from heaven, which caused many to die.

Hail symbolically represents the sweeping away of the “refuge of lies” that enslave humanity caught under the power of evil leaders (Ex.9:26; John 8:44). Hail then represents God’s truth removing the blinders by His mighty hand to set the captives free.

“I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies”(Is. 28:17).

“Hail (truth) mixed with fire (Gods judgment) is what is shaking the nations today. Expect truth to come to the surface this month.

Joshua’s story of courage continued on in this epic battle. Needing more assistance after the hail came, he was led to pray and ask God to make the sun stand still so they could finish defeating the Canaanite kings. God answered that prayer, and the sun stood still!

“…So the sun stood still and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel” (John 10:13,14).

When the wartime was over, Joshua had defeated 31 kings. Joshua’s maturity to believe God at His Word in the midst of opposition made him one of the greatest military leader’s of the Bible. This kind of supernatural partnership with God is what Christians needs to grab hold of and model today: do what God is directing, and expect God to bring the increase in what we can’t do on our own.

The month of Tammuz is also linked to the tribe of Reuben, whose name means, “SEE, a son!” As you can summate, sight is a major theme of this month. Now the question to answer is: What kind of son is the world SEEING through our words and actions? Do they see a Joshua? Or a Rueben?

Reuben became known in biblical history as the one who lusted after his father’s concubine and lost the firstborn inheritance. This is no different than believers choosing to follow the lusts of the flesh and losing their rewards (not salvation) of an “overcomer” spelled out in the letter to the Churches (Rev. 2&3).

Reuben did have moments of courage and moral strength, but it wasn’t consistent, which gave him the reputation of being “unstable.” Unlike Joshua, Reuben went back and forth between faith and fear. This is why Jacob prophesied over Reuben these latter day words:

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength. The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. UNSTABLE as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it…” (Gen. 49:3,4).

Reuben’s life reflects the internal war believers battle to mature to be known as “sons of God” that mirror the character of Joshua. Through our acceptance to humble ourselves through God’s sanctification process, we become stable and steadfast in faith.

In Ephesians 1:18-20, the Apostle Paul took this concern to prayer for the Church:

“….that our EYES of understanding would being enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of His calling for us all, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceedingly greatness of His mighty power which He worked in Christ.”

This month we are challenged to “WORK the WORD.” We cannot forget to read, speak, and believe God’s Word above our circumstances nor be moved by what we see across the headlines.

The “working” of the word will be the necessary ingredients for Christians to become the beacon of hope the world is in need of. Summer months are known for war, but we must war with the sword of the Spirit, believing the WORD of God, and not moved by what we see the enemy doing. Our character is being tested to subdue our flesh and not join the masses gripped with fear and anger. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

The first chapter in the book of James sums us God’s WORD of instruction to us this month:

“If anyone of you lacks faith, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let that man not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Let’s all find joy through the heat of these summer months, believing God reigns over the nations and the schemes of the enemy, so we are a “Joshua company” in the hand of God, used to defeat the enemy.

On May 27th, the third Hebrew month kicks off known as “Sivan.” Sivan is linked to covenant, giving, glory, and alignment. This month is a month inherent “to do business with God” for His kingdom cause as we sync with His purpose.

Zebulun is the tribe associated with this month of Sivan, who was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle with the tribe of Judah and Issachar.  Judah brought to the trio the apostolic sound of praise, awakening, and an alarm to move out or go to battle. Issachar shared the wisdom and timing of God needed. And Zebulun brought forth the provision and the place to rest and store the abundance of blessings. Jacob prophesied over Zebulun:

“Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea;
He shall become a haven for ships,
And his border shall adjoin Sidon.” (Gen. 49:13)

Moses prophesied concerning the latter days that Zebulun and Issachar would work side by side together:  Zebulun was said to rejoice in going out, while Issachar would stay in his tents:  

“They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.” (Deut. 33:18).  

Issachar’s portion was to “intercede and pray” and “gather the hidden treasures of intel.” Zebulun found joy in taking the revelation and facilitating the distribution of resources using the intel from Issachar. 

Zebulun was also known to profit through maritime trade.  God blessed this tribe to fill “the storehouses.” This month, we are reminded to activate our faith to believe the LORD for the increase of spiritual and natural provision for the kingdom business at hand.

When Jesus began His ministry, He first went to the region of Zebulun, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9, which said that the people who had been in darkness would see a great light.  HE was the Father’s PROVISION, and the kingdom business of sharing the heart of the Father began.

In the Old Testament, the month of Sivan coincides with the timing of the children of Israel arriving at Mt. Sinai. It was then God asked Moses to communicate His “marriage proposal”to the Israelites:

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel”. (Ex. 19:4-6).

The Israelites accepted the proposal, and God revealed Himself through thunder and lightning. Through the midst of a thick cloud of glory dwelling over Mt Sinai, the nation heard the voice of God respond to their desire to be in covenant with Him( Ex. 19).  The provision was… His presence!

This memorial day of God manifesting Himself at Mt. Sinai 50 days after the death plague passed over the Israelites would be embedded in one of the Feasts of the Lord known as the Feast of Pentecost.

Thousands of years later, an outpouring of God’s glory occurred in a similar pattern 50 days after Jesus became the “Passover lamb” on the Feast of Pentecost.

When Jesus returned after His resurrection, He visited the disciples for 40 days.  During that time, the Lord gave His disciples a personal invitation to become His apostles, and to wait in the Upper Room (A new Mt. Sinai) for His glory (Acts 2).  On the Feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came suddenly with an outpouring of glory, and the disciples began speaking in tongues of fire.  

Even as God came down as fire upon Mt. Sinai, the Holy Spirit came as a fire upon the disciples on the exact same day in His Hebrew Covenant Calendar: 50 days after Passover. The difference was that the fire was no longer external as in the days of Moses, but internal! This shows a difference now concerning the new “temple” that God would inhabit. 

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwell in you” (1 Cor. 3:16)? 

It is no coincidence that Zebulun means “habitation or dwelling.” Our hope ahead is a third outpouring, when God’s presence completely fills our temples and transforms our corruptible bodies into incorruptible bodies with the fullness of His glory (1 Cor. 15:53-55).

Sivan is the third month which is the number associated with completeness, and a oneness with ALEPH, our Father.  Jesus took three disciples with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed three times. During this time of great distress, He cried out to the Father, “Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will but what You will” (Mark 14:36).   

After the third time praying and surrendering all, Jesus was ready to die for our sins and trust the Father to use Him to create a way to redeem mankind. Jesus was placed on the cross on the third hour (9a.m.).  At 3p.m., He died.  There was three hours of darkness while He was suffering on the cross.

Three is a number closely associated with resurrection life as we know that it took three days and three nights before Jesus rose from the dead.  It was after His resurrection that the disciples were given the resources and ability to go “build His Stone Kingdom not made of hands” (Dan. 2:45). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit also gave the disciples comfort that the LORD was with them intimately, and opened up His storehouses of His powerful signs and wonders as they went forth.

God’s business is always centered on honoring His Covenant for a people He has chosen. His mercy covers our mistakes, and His grace is sufficient for our weaknesses. Pentecost is a time of receiving His outpouring of grace, mercy, and power so we can align with heaven and go do “business” for the Lord in establishing His Kingdom here on earth.  We cannot even comprehend the great outpouring that is directly ahead of us….IT WILL BE MAGNIFICENT!

This Sunday evening, April 27th, we begin the second month of the Hebrew covenant calendar known as IYAR, which is translated “reflected light.” 

Cyclically, Iyar reveals a pattern of how God gave increase of His timing and strategy to align with His purpose.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Iyar was in the midst of the 50-day period of transition when the children of Israel left Egypt and began journeying to Mount Sinai.  Through their wilderness travels, God alone became their resource for healing, provision, and deliverance.  

In Exodus 15, God made Himself known as “Jehovah Rapha” the God who heals.  When the children of Israel lacked water, God cleansed the waters at Mara and made the bitter waters pure for drinking.  

Next, God came to them as “Jehovah Jireh,” the Lord who provides.  Crying out in hunger, God released “manna” or “bread from heaven” supernaturally which the Israelites found in the morning dew.   

And finally, unable to defend themselves against their attacker, God revealed Himself as “Jehovah Nissi,” their victorious defender who covers their back with His righteous hand (Ex. 15-17).

The exodus from Egypt was a significant transition in departing from the oppression of a “worldly system.” Pharaoh’s government had brainwashed the Hebrews into accepting systems of enslavement that became normal and “comfortable.” This is evident through the complaining and grumbling of the children of Israel after their deliverance. Nevertheless, God “shows up” during this transition and makes Himself known to prepare them for His glory.

Similarly, during the same 50-day calendar time period in the New Testament, Jesus “shows up” after He rose from the dead to help the disciples through their transition.  Throughout the month of Iyar, Jesus manifested Himself alive as their Healer, the “Bread of Life,” and Deliverer. Thomas the doubter and Simon Peter both experienced healing of their faith and a renewal of purpose ahead. The LORD nurtured those who would be chosen to birth the “Church Age” and gave them direction to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). 

Two thousand years later, we can expect a similar pattern once again as Jesus “reintroduces“ Himself during the shakings of heaven and earth. Pray for His miraculous healing, provision, and deliverance and instruction through the uncertainty.

The similarity between the children of Israel, the disciples waiting in the Upper Room, and the Overcomers of today waiting for the Millennium reign is that all experienced a revolution of transition, bringing forth a greater encounter of God’s glory.  At Mt. Sinai, the glory rested upon them  (Ex. 19:18;24:16-18). At Pentecost, a portion of the glory dwelt within the disciples through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). During the Millennium, believers will receive greater glory. (Rev.21:3).

The tribe of Issachar is associated with the month of Iyar. This tribe was gifted to know the timings of the Lord for the nation.  As one of the tribes who came alongside David when he was anointed as King, the Bible says in 1 Chron. 12:22-32 of Issachar, “and the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times to know what Israel must do.”  I believe there is an anointing this month to go deeper in our understanding of the times we are in and our faith in a Covenant Keeping God so we can go out into the world with greater authority and power.  

The Hebrew meaning of Issachar is “bringing reward.”  It comes from the root word “nasa” and means “to lift, to advance, arise, bring forth exalt or raise up.”  What better reward can we get than to humble ourselves and seek the Lord and get the treasures of seeing and experiencing the God of Covenant!

Issachar was the tribe nestled in between Judah and Zebulun on the east side of the Tabernacle.  These three tribes formed a branch to march out first when God instructed the tribes to move. Judah would be given the charge to praise and worship, but Issachar understood the timing with which they were to depart and go.  Zebulun then came alongside the two and had the ability to provide the supply or “business” of what needed to be done.

Issachar’s symbol was a humble donkey.  He gets this symbol through Jacob prophesying over his tribe:  “Issachar is a strong ass couching between two burdens.” (Gen. 49:14). A donkey carries the burden of a load from one place to another.  Issachar represents a strong but humble servant of God who fulfills the law of Christ spoken of in Gal. 6:2, “Bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  

Issachar is rewarded from the Lord for serving His people, standing in the gap and carrying their burden whether it be through prayer or practical application.  Issachar is spoken of as carrying two burdens:  one for himself and one for a “brother in need.”  Rewards for intercession as well as carrying other’s burdens that the Holy Spirit is leading us to do is priceless and brings much joy.

God’s desire is to reveal His “mysteries” so that we are armed with His story, stand as His witness, share His truth, and obey His voice. The remnant is coming into their finest hour. The Issachar intel received this month will help bridge the gap between what God’s purpose is this year, and how to accomplish His goal.

Join us as we share the “screenplay” of the Spring Feasts that is established in the Old Testament and fulfilled through Christ’s obedience as our “Sacrificial Passover Lamb.”

Get ready to celebrate the HEBREW NEW YEAR at sundown on March 29th which is accompanied by another sign of a solar eclipse.

God proclaimed to Moses in Ex. 12:2 that His Hebrew covenant calendar year was to begin with the month of Nisan:

“This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

Nisan means “to take flight,” so it was appropriately named since this was the month the children of Israel took flight from the captivity of Egypt and journeyed through the Red Sea to Mt. Sinai.

Nisan is associated with the tribe of Judah, whose name means “praise.” God called for “PRAISE” to go first into their “flight” from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land (Num. 10). When the trumpet was blown twice, this signified it was time for all the tribes to journey on, with the tribe of Judah chosen to lead out first.  Judah was also the first tribe to cross the Jordan, and the first to be allotted land in the Promised Land (Num. 14). This month is known for FIRSTS!

In Genesis 49:10, we read the prophetic destiny that Jacob spoke concerning the tribe of Judah in the latter days.  “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” 

Judah was destined to carry the Messianic ruler ship (scepter), which we can see documented in Matthew 1 that traces the lineage of Judah. Jesus was born out of this tribe when he came to earth to be our sacrificial Lamb first, returning as the King of Kings. This month reminds us to start our day with a sacrifice of praise, and then step out in His authority as He leads.

The tribe of Judah was also responsible for making sure the “tablets of covenant/testimony” were safely passed down from generation to generation until Jesus came.  The “Torah (first 5 books of the bible) was canonized during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah during the 7th year of King Artaxerxes.  Ezra and Nehemiah were both a part of the House of Judah.

As the head of the tribe of Judah, Jesus was then responsible for multiplying God’s law. After His death and resurrection, He continued on with that responsibility by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to inscribe God’s law on the tablets of the hearts of believers. This gift has been tutoring Christians in this Church Age to walk in faith and obedience to a Coming King of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

Jacob’s son Judah had a notable flaw in his character that was difficult to overcome; the love of money.  In Genesis 37, we read the story of Jacob’s sons who became jealous of their brother Joseph because of their father’s love and favoritism toward him.  After conferring, the brothers decided to throw Joseph in a pit to die.  But Judah assessed the situation and said, “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?” (Gen. 37:26).

Judah was wired to make a profit. He suggested to sell Joseph, and made a bargain with the Midianite traders who agreed to purchase him for twenty silver coins. The brothers agreed, and Joseph was sold as a slave. As time went by, Judah became remorseful in profiting for selfish gain. Judah’s shame led him away from his family and down a path of bad choices and personal loss.

After a season of heartache, Judah came back to his family with a repentant heart. Not long afterwards, the famine hit in the land, and Judah became instrumental in negotiating a deal to save his family. This deal was made at the expense of sacrificing his own life. Judah’s gift had gone through the “refiners fire,” and God used it to profit the whole family (Gen. 44:14-34).

Judas (Greek for Judah) Ischariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, also had this same weakness in his character.  The Bible reveals his greedy heart in John 12:5 when Judas cannot understand why Mary poured costly fragrant oil on Jesus instead of selling the oil and giving it to the poor.  The scriptures go on to say in verse 6, “This he (Judas) said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box, and he used to take what was put in it.”

It wasn’t too long until we read about Judas betraying Jesus by making a bargain with the religious leaders for 30 silver coins (Mark 14:10,11). The stronghold of the need for wealth was more powerful than family ties or intimate relationships once again. Judas, however, ends up taking his own life because of the guilt he bore in betraying Jesus.  

Jesus tells us how difficult the struggle is for those who have a gift to profit once they have accumulated wealth:

“Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt. 19:23,24). 

Looking around the financial world today, many Jews are the world’s top financiers and control many of the banks, including the Federal Reserve. Left to selfish gain like Judas, they have been used to set up a world money system that is corrupt and never satisfied.  This system is about to experience Gods judgment, and perhaps even this year. But like Judah, if they repent and submit to the Lord’s headship, their gift can benefit the advancement of the Kingdom of God, especially in helping visions “take flight.”

There were three tribes, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, who were positioned around the Tabernacle on the east side to form a branch.  Judah’s banner of the lion represented this branch, and it was these tribes who worked together to move the whole army out under God’s direction. Judah was chosen to “sound the alarm!”

Starting with Nisan, we enter into the “spring season” with the Lord. This season has a pattern for new beginnings; new seeds to plant, new alliances, and new battles arise during this season.  Kings go to war, praise leads the way, and the authority of Judah sets the foundation. Coming out of the “winter” rest and revelation season guides and directs the movement of the Hebrew year beginnings.  Expect new doors to open up.

This month also honors God’s redemption plan found in Christ and prophesied through the Feasts of the LORD as we celebrate and remember Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Firstfruits (Lev.23).  

When Jesus rose from the dead, He presented Himself as the “FIRSTFRUITS” offering unto the Father in heaven.  Through Jesus, we see the pattern repeat once again where “Judah” goes FIRST. In doing so, Jesus made a way for heaven and earth to reconcile, and for a people (harvest) to be presented to the Father after He returns. 

“But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (1 Cor. 15:23).

King Jehoshaphat was one king in the Old Testament whose story captures the heart of this first month. In 2 Chronicles 20, we read about Jehoshaphat’s humility as he seeks the Lord when his army was ridiculously outnumbered and overpowered. “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” (2 Chron. 20:3).

God gave Jehoshaphat a strategy of winning the war through PRAISE.  Jehoshaphat stepped out in obedience and asked the worshippers to go before His army as God instructed. This opened heaven to help him overcome in time of need:

“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated (2 Chron. 20:22).

The landscape of seeing the kingdom of heaven here on the earth will shift ahead through the praises of God’s people FIRST. This month, above all else, God wants us to praise Him.  PRAISE HIM in the midst of the chaos! PRAISE HIM as you take flight! PRAISE HIM as you go into battle! PRAISE HIM because you have been CHOSEN to rule and reign in Him! PRAISE HIM for “FIRSTS!”  Your praise will spring you forward into the New Year!

On March 14th, there will be a lunar eclipse that coincides with the celebration of Purim that is found in the book of Esther. What makes this incredibly significant is that it happened last year, and will line up with Purim in 2026 as well.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, and the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.

The “blood moon” that occurs during Purim will happen fourteen days after the seven-planet alignment that just occurred. God declares in Genesis 1:14 that He chose the sun, moon, and stars to be for signs and seasons. Signs in the sky, such as the constellations and the eclipses, invoke much interpretation. But the true purpose of the sign God established was to bear witness to His covenant promise of the restoration of all things that would come forth through the first and second coming of Christ our redeemer and King. With 7 of the planets “aligned,” this sign in the sky could be pointing to a completed time when judgment comes to the earth to fulfill God’s covenant promises.

In addition, the signs in the sky takes on a multiplicity of meaning of the sign of the WITNESS of not only Christ, but also His bride who are joined in covenant with Him. (A lunar eclipse has historically been associated with a sign of warning for the nation IN covenant with God to prepare). As the “bride” has been getting herself ready for His return, the anti-christ spirit has set forth an agenda to kill, steal, and destroy her. God’s judgment of the nations is upon us. Thus, we find ourselves in a historical time in God’s covenant timeline, much like the days of Esther, in which God positions a people to carry a torch of obedience that will save a people from destruction.

As mentioned, the month of Adar is typically associated with the story of Esther because the plot to kill all the Jews was overthrown by Esther and her uncle Mordecai’s obedience during this month. When looking at this story and how it relates to today, Esther represents a remnant (not just one person), in whom God is choosing in this hour to stand in truth and wisdom and courage to help bring healing and deliverance to the nations that have been under the anti-Christ agenda.

There are three important points to highlight about the story of Esther that are applicable to believers today chosen to be history makers for God’s covenant plan.  First, Esther had to “surrender all!”  Her purpose for the Lord putting her in a position of power to save the people had to be more important than even her own life.  It was through her fast that she found the power to do so. But it was her Uncle’s words, “For such a time as this” that moved her into action to trust the LORD above all.  Believers are called for such a time as this to step into an influential role with courage.  

Secondly, Esther’s true identity was revealed through the process of her “wrestling with God” for the breakthrough needed to cancel the “murderous edict.”   Once that identity came to light, Esther stepped into a new level of authority and power. Most of the remnant God is raising up in this hour have been hidden until “such a time as this.”

Finally, because of Esther’s obedience, the Lord “cut off” the assignment to kill the Jews and instead, reversed the curse on Haman himself!  God declares in His word that there is a reward for those who diligently seek Him. Those who are stepping out in faith and obedience will be God’s instrument to deliver families, cities, regions, and nations at this hour. And they will see justice come forth.

By God’s grace, each believer has been given a gift to bring forth His light and glory for the earth to see.  Satan’s “M.O.” is to steal, kill, and destroy God’s purposed gift in us.  Satan also wants to keep the believers from joining together as ONE force with distraction, chaos, and division. But the Spirit of wisdom and discernment is available in greater measure to defeat the enemy (Haman’s edict) assigned to prevent us from entering into the fullness of our heavenly purpose. God wants to “cut off” anything that holds us back.  This month may be a good time to fast and pray and seek His face for increased wisdom and strategy.  

I encourage you to read the book of Esther to remember and gain insight on how God comes through an impossible situation using people who put their trust in Him.

At sundown on February 28th, we enter into the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar known as ADAR. In Hebrew, the word Adar means “strength.” God’s desire is that His people finish the year strong IN HIM. This may require us all to put our “JOY ON” as we wrestle God to see Him face to face on matters of the heart.

It is interesting that this month is linked with the tribe of Naphtali. The name Naphtali in Hebrew means, “to struggle and wrestle forward.” Naphtali reminds us of all of the necessary wrestle, sometimes through our fiery trials, to move us forward in the direction toward the Lord and His purpose for us. It is through our wrestle our faith is tested and our core strength challenged to trust in God alone.

“… We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:3,4).

Naphtali’s mother was the concubine of Rachel. Rachel named him Naphtali because of her own struggles to give birth. “ With great wrestling’s I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” (Gen. 30:8).

Naphtali’s father, Jacob, also had an “all-star” wrestling match with the Lord as well, found in Genesis 34. During that time, Jacob was hard pressed on all sides. He was wrestling God to come through because his circumstances far outweighed his skill set and resources to get a breakthrough. Jacob was so used to “working the plan” to get results. He finally had no option but to turn to God for help.

God met him through an Angel, whom he wrestled with all night. During this encounter, Jacob was exercising his familiar muscle to work the plan and to do whatever he thought it took. If God hadn’t crippled his strength, Jacob would have kept going to his own hurt.

Jacob’s story reveals that God will sometimes use measures to physically impair us to intervene for our good because it puts a pause in us from heading down a destructive path. There was a fundamental part of Jacobs character that needed changing in order for him to fulfill his destiny. The fiery trial set up Jacob for the change.

Quite often, we are blinded to the very thing that can destroy our destiny. Jacob had learned, adopted and justified deception to obtain victory. This part of Jacob’s character was so familiar to him that he couldn’t see it wasn’t pleasing to God. Through the wrestle, this heart issue came to the surface.

When the revelation came to Jacob in the midst of the struggle, the Angel asked him what his name was. God was using this moment for repentance that led Him to the heart of God. Jacobs name meant deceiver, which needed to change. God then gave him a new name as a sign of the old nature now cut off to make way for the new.

The results of this wrestle changed history for himself, his family, and countless of multitudes that have now inherited God’s covenant promise. The veil came off of Jacob’s eyes, and he began to carry God’s covenant forward as a “prince under Gods headship,” which is why God gave him the the name Israel.

Jacob’s story reminds us that there comes a point in all of our lives that our greatest efforts, gifts and talents can only get us by so far. If we want to cross the finish line of our God given destiny, we all need to go through the wrestling of submission to let go of control while we cling to God alone. This wrestling produces a death in us to a life independent of God and builds in us a character that reflects His nature.

Before Jacob died, he prophesied over the tribe of Naphtali these words: “Naphtali is a deer let loose; he uses beautiful words.” The word “loose” comes from the Hebrew word shalach meaning, “to send away, cast away, to cast out, conduct, forsake, leave, let depart, push away.”

The expression, “let loose” has the implication of one who has escaped from the hunter. Deer are beautiful animals created to be free. Deers flee when they sense danger. We too are reminded to flee from enemy and to escape the bullet that kills our freedom found in Christ alone.

In Judges 4:6, we can read about one hero of Naphtali named Barak who worked with Deborah the judge to set God’s people free. This tribe was not typically known among the tribes as warriors. They were a part of the brigade with Dan and Asher in the rear guard, so they were not usually called to the front lines of battle.

This quality becomes evident when Deborah confronted Barak on why he wasn’t listening to the Lord who had commanded him t to deploy troops against the enemy. Deborah’s strength was what Barak needed to get the job done. He requested that Deborah assist him with this task. Barak was using humility at this point, needing to find a way to obey the Lord with a skill set he wasn’t trained for. Unifying with Deborah to make a strong team with the combination of their giftings IS God’s heart for His people today.

The banner symbol that identified the tribe of Naphtali was a deer. A significant fact is that deer have no gall bladder. The gall bladder is a membranous sac attached to the liver, in which excess bile is stored and concentrated. Bile is the bitter, yellow-brown or greenish fluid secreted by the liver. Bile produced and stored is like bitterness that is produced from an angry and jealous heart.

The beauty of Naphtali is that this tribe has the characteristic of one who has NO BITTERNESS! And because of that, “beautiful words come out of Naphtali’s mouth. “ God’s word instructs us:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without no one will see the Lord; looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness, springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Heb. 12:14,15).

Before heading into the New Year, take time to reflect on the issues that lie deep within the heart. We are commanded to “cast off” any bitterness, even bitterness toward ourselves, so we can enter into the joy of the Lord.

Moses also prophesies over the tribe of Naphtali in Deut. 33:23. “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south.” Because Naphtali represents a pure heart, the favor of God is with this tribe to bless them. True intercessors, a characteristic of this tribe, are one’s with a pure heart, willing to lay their life down and stand in the gap for all, even the wicked.

Moses says to Naphtali to “possess the west and the south.” The west speaks of the land that lay to the west of Naphtali, which was the Mediterranean Sea. It was the gateway to new lands and new adventures. This is symbolic of “entering into the New Year through the gateway God opens to a new year of adventure with Him.”

The south speaks of the pleasant things, which lie at the foot of Naphtali. It was the southern coast of Naphtali that Jesus preached most of His life. That was the sea coast of Galilee, and the town of Capernaum. The Sermon on the Mount was preached in the land blessed for Naphtali, in which Jesus said, “Blessed are those….”

Adar is the twelfth month, and twelve is the number for “government.”  Jacob had twelve sons, and Jesus had twelve disciples. The first recorded words of Jesus in the New Testament were when He was 12 (Luke 2:42). 

Twelve symbolizes God’s power and authority as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation.  New Jerusalem has 12 gates and Christ’s bride in Revelation 12 wears a crown of 12 stars.  The Lord has a remnant of 12×12, totaling 144,000 that are marked as His.  Jesus is coming back with “government on His shoulders” to rule and reign (Is. 9:7).  We are being prepared to understand God’s government in heaven and apply it on earth. 

Finally, I believe that this month of ADAR is key for the body of Christ to get ready to launch out corporately. God has been preparing His army to go into a GLOBAL season with Him. It is a season of preparing for His return, and it will require separation unto Him, and a willingness in the heart to say, “Not my will but yours.”

God has “hidden” the remnant for a time. Our identity has been hidden. Our gifting has been hidden. Our regional, and national calling has been hidden. BUT, the wrestle is on, and the blessings are coming. God is taking off the masquerade and we will be seen as a people identified as His. 

When it was God’s time, Esther’s true identity was revealed to the king. But that famous quote given to Esther when she was wrestling to step into that identity was, “For such a time as this.” It is for “such a time as this” we have all been called to understand His Covenant, His story, and His truth, and to walk accordingly in His plan.