On July 2nd, we will begin celebrating our next Firstfruits in the Hebrew covenant calendar known as Tammuz.  

The fourth month of the Hebrew calendar is associated with the tribe of Reuben whose name means to, “SEE, a son.”  Reuben was the firstborn of all the tribes of Israel, and the meaning of his name is a foreshadowing of God’s only begotten Son, in whom we “SEE, His Son” sent to save us from sin.

God uses the tribes of Israel as a foundational pattern reflecting a part of our identity, heritage, and inheritance that we are born into as “sons of God.” Reuben reminds us to fix our EYES on Christ, our redeemer, and the one who is Lord over all.

When we face life challenges, our faith is tested to SEE God’s truth over what we actually see that is before us.  Regardless of how long you have been a Christian, this test never goes away.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8).

Below is a picture that was drawn by Reese Mueller, depicting the focus of this month: what we SEE can shape our destiny.

“The lamp of the body is the EYE. If therefore your EYE is good, your whole body will be full of light” (Matt. 6:22).

I love how Reese captured in the eyes of this picture this truth:  what we focus on can change our whole countenance.

This month God reminds us how important our EYESIGHT is to our spiritual and natural health:  

“Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see'” (Luke 10:23).

When our spiritual eyes are in the drivers seat over our natural eyesight, our minds are thinking like Christ:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”(Phil 2:5).

Paul prayed like this:

“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may He give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the EYES of your understanding would be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of glory of His inheritance of the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Eph. 1:17-19).

Our hearts change by the things we think and SEE:

“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10).

Like a domino affect, what we say is the evidence of the health of our heart which is being fed with God’s thoughts and promises SEEN by faith.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

When our hearts and minds are fixed on Christ, we experience His peace and our words will be full of life and love.  Listening to what people speak gives us a great indicator on what they think and SEE:

“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).

So the challenge this month is:  What are you talking about?  It will give you a great indication of what you have put your SIGHT on.

It was during the month of Tammuz that the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel were sent out by Joshua to spy out the Promised Land (Numbers 11).   Only two spies came back with a report that lined up with God’s promises.  The other 10 had put their focus (EYES) on the obstacles in their path that appeared to be too difficult to overcome, filling their hearts with fear, and reporting their fears to the community awaiting their return.

This negative report created a chain reaction that infected ALL the Israelites to fear and retreat from the plan of God to “enter in” and to take hold of the land God had promised to prosper them.

Unfortunately, God’s judgment came as a result.  Instead of entering into the Promised land, 40 years were given to them to live in the wilderness to learn from their mistake to get their eyes adjusted.

God will use opportunities, when facing our enemy, to see where our allegiance is:  FEAR OR FAITH!

“The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord’s throne is in heaven; His EYES behold, His EYELIDS test the sons of men” (Psalm 11:4).

When we SEE with God’s understanding, no matter what is presented before us, we can respond victoriously.  David was a great example of this even in his youth.  When all the men of Israel saw the champion Philistine, Goliah, they ran in fear.

“And all the men of Israel, when they SAW the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid” (1 Sam 17:24).

David didn’t focus on Goliath’s champion battle record, his reputation, his size, or his strength.  David didn’t even take a moment to look at his own size and strength.  David kept his focus on how big GOD was.

“Then David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him (Goliath); your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17: 32).

We all know the rest of the story:  David’s brother’s mocked David for even being there at the battlefield; King Saul told David he wasn’t fit for the job; and the enemy Goliath despised and cursed David for thinking he could even stand up against him.

YET, David never lost his focus on trusting the Lord.    

This month, we enter into a summer season that is challenging us to see and hear what God is saying.  We must WAR with God’s word so our SIGHT lines up with His promise.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matt.5:8).

I am confident that everyone reading this had some sort of provision that God released these past three months since the Hebrew Covenant Calendar started.  And most of you sowed a seed of something God told you to go and do, say, or pray about. Most likely, it produced excitement, hope, and joy.  Now as we continue to head on into the summer, many of you may be wondering why things have seemingly halted, are difficult, and wondering if God is really going to come through.

I want to encourage you that as much as we want to skip this time, God won’t.  We must go through the season of tending to the seed, which ultimately determines whether what was started with the Lord will produce a harvest.  It is the testing time of your testimony.

God said, “Seed, TIME, and harvest” (Gen. 8:22).  Time has to go by to tend to the seed with your faith, so watch your sight, guard your heart, and speak life over your seed.   Your initial seed was merely a deposit of greater things to come.  SEE that truth.  Let go of your expectations, and trust God with the seed given to you. Water it with your faith, believing in His promise, no matter what you see today.

For those of you who are following the Hebrew Covenant Calendar, the next “divine appointment” is Sunday, June 9th, which is the Feast of Pentecost.

If you would like to read what I have written about this Feast, search this blog, “Remembering the Feast of Pentecost – Part 1 and 2, which I posted on May 19th and 20th, 2018.

The Feast of Pentecost falls in the 3rd month of the Hebrew calendar known as Sivan, which is translated to mean, “glorious.”  As believers in Christ, we come into a corporate, unified heart, to thank God for the Holy Spirit given to us to empower us with His power and truth.

Jesus promised this gift when He spoke to the disciples:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirit is also a reminder of the guarantee of greater glory to come:

“For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” (2 Cor. 5:4,5).

For this reason, ALL believers have His word written on their hearts, and can be led to do the work of the Lord here on the earth through this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit.  No longer do we need a mediator to know the heart of God.  We can now come boldly to the throne and hear from the Lord:

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He ^[c]will take of Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-15).

I am looking forward to embracing God’s presence through this divine appointment God established in His blueprint to honor His love for us, and embrace this part of His redemption plan that included the GIFT of His glory dwelling in each believer:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:15-18).

WHOOHOO!  Let’s all position our hearts to embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit and to honor Him, for God is looking for us all to come in unity of heart and allow His Spirit to work through all of us so we can be a SIGN to the world that He is GOD:

“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Heb. 2:4).

On a side note, but not really, as it is relevant to what God is doing NOW, and I believe will help stir up our faith to trust in God’s provision, God keeps reminding me this past week of the story of Elijah.

Back in the days of Elijah, there had been a draught in the land for three years. Toward the end of those three years, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal with a challenge to prove who really knew the true God.

After the prophets of Baal failed in their attempt to prove that their gods were powerful and true, it was Elijah’s turn to show off to all the unbelievers who was the “living” God.  This is when the FIRE of God fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and many of the people fell on their knees and were in awe:

“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God” (1 Kings 18:38.39).

The opportunity to choose “whose opinion you are going to believe” had been given prior to this moment:

“So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. ²¹ And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:20-22).

But when the SIGN came, the proof was in.  And ALL the people were in awe: 

“Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God” (1 Kings 18:39)!

After seizing all the prophets of Baal and executing them, you would think that Elijah would be kicking back and celebrating the victory.  NO!  Elijah understood this defeat was for something far greater.  It was to be a SIGN for the NATIONS (both evil and good) that the God of Israel was indeed the true and powerful God.

Elijah believed in God, stood in His truth, and watched God bring the power and fire.  His next action was KEY.  He went to the top of the mountain, bowed down and humbled Himself before the Lord, waiting for His direction and lead.

God shared with Elijah that He was about to pour out His goodness and provision.  So by FAITH, Elijah HEARD what God said, and began declaring it so:

“Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” ⁴² So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, ⁴³ and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.”

So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.”

⁴⁴ Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ^[j]‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ”

⁴⁵ Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. ⁴⁶ Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel” ( 1 Kings 18:41-46).

This story of Elijah is to encourage us all today that there is a SOUND of the abundance of provision that follows the fire of God.

Today, the HOLY SPIRIT, is a SIGN to the world that He is the one true God.  There has been a TIME (the Church Age) that has transpired for ALL to choose “whose opinion are you going to believe?”

There has also been a demonstration of God’s SIGNS and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit through believers who have gone out into the world and stood on His word as Elijah did (Mark 16:14-18).

Many believers have gone through God’s sanctification process, the “fiery trials,” that God authorized to test them as to “whose opinion are you going to believe?”

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6).

And NOW, God is asking us all to come up to the top of the mountain, humble our hearts once again on His divine appointed time of the Feast of Pentecost, and to keep our EARS open to the sound of the RAIN that is coming.

“Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone” (Zechariah 10:1).

It is coming!  The outpouring of provision is coming!

“Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth” (Hosea 6:3).

You may have to go and look a few times by faith, as Elijah’s servant was told to do, but after seven times, even the servant finally saw the cloud.

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain” (James 5:7).

The LATTER RAIN is coming!  And God is about to pour out His provision for you as well so you can be HIS SIGN!

“Then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil (Deut. 11:14).

I pray you enter into the Feast of Pentecost with a heart of humility as well as expectancy that God’s provision will be released over you, and as we all seek God’s face in this nation, God’s mercy will cover us and bring us the provision to see even America fulfill her destiny as well.

“He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” (Rev. 13:13).

This Monday, June 3rd, will begin the third month of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar, known as the month of Sivan.  Sivan means “glorious!”

It was during the month of Sivan in the Old Testament that God revealed His glory (fire) at Mt. Sinai, giving us the Tablets of Covenant (Ex19).  It is during this same month in the New Testament that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room as they spoke with “tongues of fire” as God wrote the Tablets of Covenant on their hearts and minds (Acts 2).

I asked Reese Mueller, who drew this picture representing this month in our Hebrew Covenant Calendar 2019, to share his inspiration.  This is what he said:

“I had just started doing art at the time of drawing this, so I didn’t really know what to draw.  But I got inspired thinking about Moses going up Mt. Sinai and remembering the fire.  Then I remembered the pillar of fire that protected the children of Israel from the Egyptians.  So I wanted to draw the “fire of God” as looking powerful and as our protector.”

I like how Reese captured the fire in the form of a “person,” known as the Holy Spirit of God, who dwells within each believer to comfort them and fill them with His glory.

Sivan is the month associated with the tribe of Zebulun, known for their wisdom in business.  Zebulun quite often was able to supply provision for all the tribes, and because of their location in Promised land, became a gateway for God’s people to prosper in trading.

This month is a time to reflect and be thankful for God’s provision of His Word written on our hearts, as well as the Holy Spirit of fire that empowers us to prosper and overcome as “sons and daughters” of God.

God promises us provision in many ways, and shows us in His Word how He always comes through.  Let’s take a look at a few examples.

God’s provision came supernaturally for the children of Israel in the desert, through manna and quail, and water springing out of a rock (Ex. 14-17) to help them journey through the wilderness.

“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” (Ex. 17:6). 

Provision came supernaturally through Jesus as He laid hands of the sick, caused nets to be filled with fish, tax money to be found in the mouth of a fish, and fed the 5,000 with fish and loaves.

“Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first.  And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you” (Matt. 17:27).

In Acts 2, we read how the disciples and met in the upper room in one accord, and suddenly God filled them with His provision of power and truth that caused 5,000 witnesses to give their life to Jesus.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them” (Acts 2:3).

We then go on to read how all these followers of Christ came together again in one accord, surrendering all of their belongings for the greater goodness of the needs of the people. In return, God overwhelmed them with His supply to go and become His witnesses to His truth and glory.

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and good, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47).

Today, we have access to not only that great supply of provision, but even greater!  As more Christians have multiplied in the earth, we have more believers to come in one accord to influence the nations!  We are also living in the times that are forming a corporate (national) movement of God’s provision of glory filling the earth.

We are also awaiting the FULLNESS of God’s provision when we receive glorified bodies and can then go from heaven to earth as Jesus did after His resurrection.

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

It will be a glorious day, and one in which we can take time this month to thank God for that provision to come.

“For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious” (2 For. 3:11).

There is a time when provision meets us at the turning point in our destiny to move us forward.  Let’s set our hearts to enter into the gateway of His provision to do the work He has called each of us to do.  Whether it is in business or ministry, or even personal, let’s stir our faith up this month that God has and will supply ALL of our needs, according to His riches and glory.

As you sow into the needs of others, expect the gateways of God’s goodness to pour back to you in fullness of measure.  This month, we are reminded that this is HIS promise.  I believe this year specifically, business opportunities that will influence the community they are in will enter into great provision.  There is also an anointing to step into seats of government so that His provision is used for good and not evil, to govern with righteousness and truth and not against God’s ways.

Dwell in His presence and receive His provision!

Franklin Graham has reached out to the Christian community to pray for President Trump on JUNE 2nd.  The following is from his facebook page:

FROM FRANKLIN GRAHAM:

“Along with 250+ Christian leaders, I am asking followers of Christ across our nation to set aside next Sunday, June 2, as a special day of prayer for the President, Donald J. Trump.

President Trump’s enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency. In the history of our country, no president has been attacked as he has. I believe the only hope for him, and this nation, is God.

This is a critical time for America. We’re on the edge of a precipice. Time is short. We need to pray for God to intervene. We need to ask God to protect, strengthen, encourage, and guide the President.

We know that God hears and answers prayer. He can soften hearts and change minds. He is all-powerful, and He rules over the affairs of nations. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:2–3).

On June 2, we ask that pastors would lead their congregations in praying for the President, that Sunday schools and other groups would join together and pray, and that individuals and families across the country would have a special focus on praying for the President that day.

Would you let me know in the comments below if you commit to pray with us? And will you share this on your social media platforms so that we can have as many people as possible praying?

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Let’s all join in and unite in prayer this June 2nd!

The National Day of Prayer has been around since 1952, setting aside the first Thursday of May to call out to God on behalf of our nation.  Today many have gathered at the flagpoles in our towns and bring God our concerns and to hear our pleas. But what is God saying?

For many years, I have set aside this day to go to city hall or another governmental landmark and prayed for our nation.  This year my heart was led to join a friend of mine over the phone to pray so that we had the freedom to pray as the Lord leads.  So what did God lead us to pray?

For us, the burden to pray for all the babies who were never given the chance to have a voice to choose life was at the center of God’s heart.  We wept for these babies whom God formed in the womb, but never experienced life outside of the womb.  We cried for the unarmed, unnamed, and unnoticed babies who aren’t with us today.

Someone sent me this article from life news today:

“A shocking 19 states do not require any protection for babies born alive after botched abortions, a new report by Americans United for Life revealed this week.”

I am sure you are as surprised as I to see this list bigger than just New York, which is the only state that is in the news right now.  Below is the link to this article:

19 States Allow Infanticide, Let Abortionists Leave Babies to Die Who Survive an Abortion

After the tears, repentance, and intercession for God to reveal truth to those who are blinded, we got an amazing vision from God that gave me chills: 

I saw Jesus, our Commander in Chief, returning with His army to reign in the Millennium.  As I looked behind Him to see who was with Him, I saw every baby who never had a voice, and who didn’t get the chance to live, coming with Him by His side. They were all singing and chosen by God to speak His truth to the nations.  Ahh, it was so powerful.

The authority they had to speak was like thunder and lightning.  These babies will be seen and heard someday.  Rest assured, all who have joined in the abortion slaughter will be caught up in God’s mercy and love He had for these little ones, and they too will mourn.  It was truly a vision of the scripture of how God turns all things around for His good.  Amazing!

I find it interesting that on this same day is National Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Nothing new under the sun:  the same spirit back then was killing the innocent as the Jews had no voice either of their rights to live.  We are being awakened to the murderous spirit that is staining our nation’s land.

If you haven’t had a chance to see the movie “Unplanned,” in the theaters, please go.  Supporting this documentary that exposes what has been happening at Planned Parenthood will help truth multiply in the land.

Of course we also prayed for Trump, his protection, and submitted each governor to the Lord as well. But after feeling the burden of our nation’s choices over the years, my heart went out for God’s remnant to arise and shine so they can step into positions of authority.

The Lord is saying it’s TIME to awaken to His truth, and act on its behalf.

The next Firstfruits in the Hebrew Covenant Calendar begins this Saturday evening, May 4th, 2019.

For those of you who have a Firstfruits Covenant Calendar, the picture drawn for this month was by a young girl named Isabella DiToro.  I asked her to share her inspiration::

Passover and Good Friday are both on the same day this year.  This is the second year in a row that has happened, and it is no coincidence.  This Passover is significant, and I believe that the time period between Passover and Tabernacles will one we will look back on and all see how significant it was.

I have written about Passover last year.  So if you are interested in refreshing yourself on the significance of Passover and the rest of the Spring Feasts, go to the blog post “Passover 2018.”

Tonight, April 5th, we enter into the Hebrew Covenant Calendar with PRAISE!  For those of you who have a Firstfruits/Calendar Journal, I asked Ammee Huzil to paint the heart of the meaning of the month of Nisan, which is associated with the tribe of Judah.  Then I asked her to share her process with us.  Enjoy the following:

JUDAH

The Jewish Civil year that is represented by the number 5779, commenced back in September of 2018.  This seems to be so confusing to many as we get ready to celebrate the beginning of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar this Friday, April 5th.  What is up with the two calendars?  It has taken me awhile to sort it out over the years, but I think I can explain it simply now.

The Hebrew Covenant Calendar that begins on April 5th this year was birthed back in the days when God spoke to Moses:

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

It was then that God declared that Nisan (commencing in Spring) would be the first month of this Hebrew Covenant Calendar.  This went contrary to what had been recognized as the first Hebrew month dating back to Genesis, which was believed to be the month of Tishrei (commencing in Fall).  Why did God add this calendar?

God created this calendar to establish a prophetic pattern of how He would fulfill His redemption plan through the nation He made a Covenant with.   This calendar would be used to establish the set Feasts days that told the prophetic story of how Christ would come as priest and king to redeem the world.   This calendar was only revealed to those “IN COVENANT” with God, who were asked to follow set “holy days” (holidays) and understand their significance.  It wasn’t given to everyone; only “God’s special treasure.”

The relevance of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar should be as important to New Testament believers who are IN COVENANT with the Lord as it was in the Old Testament. With the Holy Spirit leading us to the heart of why these Feasts are so important to the Lord, we can then enter into them with greater revelation than our predecessors.

The original calendar ceased for the Hebrews when God established the Hebrew Covenant Calendar.  But after the destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem, many Jewish sages resurrected the original calendar, known today as the Jewish “Civil calendar.”

If we want to follow the Hebrew Covenant calendar to understand and acknowledge what Christ did at His first coming, and what He is going to do when He returns, then honoring this calendar becomes an essential training tool for His remnant to be ready when He returns.

Having said all that, I now want to share what I think this Hebrew Covenant Calendar will reveal this year.  

There are too many 9’s in this year to not take the number seriously.  This year is 2019.  Passover begins on 4/19/19.  Feast of Pentecost is on 6/9/19.  Feast of Trumpets is on 9/28-29/19.    So let’s take a look at the number 9 and it’s biblical meaning, as well as the 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

The biblical number 9 means, “Visitation:” 

“This is a Hebraism that pictures God as an Investigator “visiting” a person, city, or nation to expose the hearts, gather evidence, and “see” firsthand, as it were, the truth of a matter. It is much like a divine court case where the evidence is uncovered and presented to the judge for judgment.”  Dr. Stephen Jones (The Biblical Meaning of Numbers).

There are 9 FRUITS of the Spirit, 9 Beatitudes, and 9 gifts of the Spirit.  All three express a “visitation” from God through our obedience to follow them.  In addition, God’s “visitation” will be inspecting to see if we are a reflection of ALL.

This year, we who are abiding in the 9 fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22,23), will truly stand out and be set apart.  This will be a safeguard against the hidden schemes of the enemy.

In addition, the 9 Beatitudes written on our hearts will solidify our steps.  We will need this to be our “constitution.”  This will help keep our eyes focused on what truly is blessed by God and what isn’t.

And finally, we need to embrace the 9 gifts of the Spirit that are available for us to be fruitful for the Lord:

“For to one is given the word of wisdom (1) through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge (2) according to the same Spirit; ⁹ to another faith (3) by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing (4) by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ and to another the effecting of miracles (5), and to another prophecy (6), and to another the distinguishing of spirits (7),to another various kinds of tongues (8), and to another the interpretation of tongues (9).”

All three of these aspects will produce much evidence that we are surrendered to the Lord’s headship, which will lead to Him surrounding us with His presence.

So now let’s look at the 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is TET.

The Hebrew letter “TET” means “serpent,” “to surround,”  or “to twist.”   Even the shape of the Hebrew letter TET has a twisting in it.

The Hebrew letter “TET” can basically symbolize two things:  a snake coiled and ready to strike, or a man crowned, bowing because he is humbled while surrounded in God’s provision.

TET has a dual nature in that it represents good as well as hidden evil.  The first time the letter TET is used in the Bible is in Genesis 1 when God said that the first day was “good.”

“And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness” (Gen. 1:4). 

When we are yoked to Jesus, the Holy Spirit reveals the difference between truth and falsehood; good and evil. 

TET can often be associated with sin or Satan. Satan’s method of deception is to seduce or strike by twisting perceptions or getting people to believe or act upon false ideas.  In this season, media has and will be Satan’s biggest battleground of capturing people’s minds and twisting truth and making falsehoods appear real.

TET is also linked with the ninth Commandment  which says, “Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.” If we follow this command, we fall into the category of “good” that comes out of our lips about someone.

However, the dual nature of this commandment is that when we don’t follow its command and falsely accuse someone, we take on the role of the adversary, mimicking Satan.  Becoming the accuser of the brethren puts us to work on Satan’s strategy to kill, steal, and destroy God’s people instead of mimicking the Father’s nature that is good and redemptive.

We must guard our heart and lips so that we represent our Father’s nature and not the “father of lies”:

“And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:20-23).

Because we are in the time of a ‘new birth’ of God’s Covenant promises, the enemy is energized to kill the “Seed.” Watch how this year the “serpent” will twist truth, deceive God’s people, and try to kill those who are standing in or for righteousness. We must know that Satan is nervous his time is short and will attempt to destroy the nations Jesus is coming back for.  We must stick in our concealed resting place in the Lord and not mimic our adversary.

Concealing God’s people in order for TIME AND OPPORTUNITY to join prophetic covenant promises will be one of God’s strategies. In the Old Testament, when Moses was an infant, he was put in a basket:

“So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months.  But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank” (Ex. 2:2,3).

Another example is in 1 Kings, when Baby Joash was hidden 6 years by the priest to spare him from being murdered by Queen Athaliah, who had all of the royal lineage of Judah killed:  

“When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lordfor six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land” (1 Kings 11:1-3).

In the New Testament, we read how God used this same strategy with Baby Jesus.  Joseph was instructed by an Angel to take Jesus to Egypt to protect Him from Herod who had been seeking to destroy Him:

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him” (Matt. 2:13).

All three examples reveal a pattern when the “Seed” was in its infancy and unable to take on by itself the opposing forces.  This maturity and strength will come as the remnant connects and bonds with one another.  But until then, God will keep them “hidden,” using those in one accord to help equip in time of need.

So what is the summary of this all?  

This Hebrew Year is about God’s eye of grace and blessing focused on surrounding/hiding/concealing those crowned and pregnant with His truth to  walk in the fruit of the Spirit, armed in His authority of the gifts of the Spirit because they choose to humble themselves under His leadership.  They will have a divine visitation.

But in the midst of this, the enemy is launching a great war, roaring like a lion. We must resist the enemy, and not get caught in his web of deceptions and destruction. We must go up higher, dependent on heaven’s help, abiding in His truth, so that the circumstances, falsehoods, and fears are not able to drown our faith.  Visitation will come by fire from the Lord as well, so don’t fret when the enemy strikes.

FIRSTFRUITS will be a key that unlocks the doors.  Don’t pass up the opportunity to give God your FIRST of you time, talent, and treasure.  And seek connecting with others who have a heart to honor the Lord’s timing.

THIS CAN BE A FRUITFUL YEAR!

Beginning at sundown tonight, January 20th, Purim begins.  Most of you reading this blog know what Purim is, but for those who don’t, it is a time in the Hebrew calendar when God intervened, through the fasting, prayers, and obedience of Queen Esther, and stopped the annihilation of God’s people.

Celebrating Purim is celebrating the “God of the breakthrough’s” who comes to deliver His people from the schemes of the enemy.

Christians are God’s “Seed” producers, and Satan wants nothing more than to annihilate God’s “Seed” from multiplying the Kingdom of God here on the earth.   This will never cease until Christ returns. Therefore, many of us need God to break through in some way in our lives.

If you are wondering what Satan’s target is against believers, it is to come against the anointing (gifting, natural talent) that has been conceived from the womb in each of us.  At the core, Satan’s first goal is to produce doubt, disbelief, or even launch an identity crisis of who or what believers are individually and corporately called to do so we will stop bearing “fruit.”

Faith moves the hand of God, so when these attacks come, we find ourselves caught in a vortex of tormenting thoughts that can bring fear and confusion.  This can cause paralysis that makes it difficult to even hear God when He speaks.

If that doesn’t work, Satan will send the counterfeit so we go down a wrong path that “appears” right for us.  This usually happens through “the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.”  Many of us have fallen into this trap, and thankfully, God’s grace is with us through the journey as well, pulling us out when we humble ourselves and cry out for His help.

Are you wrestling with something that you can’t seem to get breakthrough?   Has the enemy got you in a place you feel there is no way out?  …No solution in sight?  No more energy to fight?

Each one of us wrestles with something IF we are co-laboring with Christ.  So the question today is:  What do you need God’s breakthrough?

When God’s breaking power is called upon, it is always because the problem is bigger than our best effort.  It probably has to do with that “thing” you go around and around the mountain that hinders you from soaring in freedom and liberty to BE God’s expression of love here on the earth.  Believe me, I am preaching to the choir here.

God’s breaker- anointing and His Angel Michael have shown us throughout the bible to come to the aid of His people in HIS SET TIME; usually when His people cannot break free from their circumstances alone.

I believe the remnant today have been on a long wilderness journey to refine their faith in God alone.  Each one of us has something God is refining in us.

PURIM can be God’s SET TIME to help with this process of breakthrough.

Coincidentally (NOT), there is another “blood moon” on the 20th-21st, the day of PURIM.  

This full moon is called a Super Blood Worm Moon eclipse.  

“As one of 12 full moons to admire every year, March’s moon was nicknamed the Worm Moon by early Native Americans because earthworms typically reappear during this month while temperatures begin to rise again.” Telegraph Reporters

Tonight’s Super Blood Moon is the third in a row: one each month of this year.  The first was January 20th, called the Super Wolf Blood Moon.  The second was February 19th, and the third is tonight, March 20th.  We won’t even have another eclipse until 2021.

All three of these lunar eclipses can be viewed in their entirety in the United States, which is significant as well.  America was founded by Christians who were led to come to an appointed land in which the people could freely serve the King of Kings. This nation is called to be a beacon of light unto the world.  Of course God would allow this “Seed-bearing” nation, to see His SIGN.

The moon is used by God as a SIGN for His believers (Gen. 1:14).  These SIGNS are of the “coming ONE.”  The “seasons” are for the “appointed times.” Before we even had the written word on the Tablets of Covenant, God communicated with His people through the SIGNS in the sky.  And God has been speaking to believers through the moon these past 3 months; specifically through these Blood Moons.

With great expectancy, we who believe are awaiting for Christ to return.  He is giving us SIGNS that He is about to do something in the earth to perfect that promise.  He is getting us to look UP and TRUST in Him alone.  He is getting us READY for His arrival.  We must trust the Word that these SIGNS are for those who have an ear to hear what the Lord is saying.

The Book of Joel 2:31 reads:

“The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.”

The Book of Acts 2:20 reads:

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.”

The Book of Revelation 6:12-14 reads:

“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.

And the Gospel of Luke 21:25 reads:

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” 

God has shown us all throughout the bible that He works through His creation to perfect His plan and process.

He worked through Adam….He failed.

He worked through the nation of Israel…. They failed.  

He sent Jesus….. He succeeded.

He sent the disciples to go to the nations and preach….They succeeded as well.  

We now have nations who know our Savior and redeemer.  

Now God will use His remnant when He returns to reign over the nations.  

HE AND WE WILL SUCCEED AGAIN!