At sundown on February 9th, we enter into the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar known as ADAR.

In Hebrew, the word Adar means “strength,” which captures the heart of God desiring His people to finish the year strong. Are you ready with a new or renewed mandate to carry forth into the new year? This may require wrestling with God for the increase, especially now given we are at the end of an age when pioneers are preparing to launch with His instruction and provision.

This month is linked with the tribe of Naphtali, whose name means, “to struggle and wrestle forward.” Naphtali’s name even reminds us all of the necessity of wrestling seasons that come through fiery trials that shift us forward in God’s purpose for us for good, and not evil.

“… 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 conceive:

“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 because his circumstances far outweighed his skill set and resources to breakthrough.

God sent an Angel that he wrestled with all night. The fiery trial set up Jacob to shift into a heavenly mindset that ultimately paved the path for Jacob to fulfill his destiny. 

Quite often, we can be blinded to the very thing that can hinder our destiny. In Jacob’s case, he had adopted and justified deception to achieve his goals. This part of Jacob’s character was so familiar to him that he couldn’t see it wasn’t pleasing to God. Through his wrestle with God, this heart issue came to the surface and was dealt with.

Once the veil came off of Jacob’s eyes through this wrestle, he grabbed hold of the torch of the Abrahamic covenant, and allowed God to take the reins of his heart and pursuits. This is why God renamed him ISRAEL, which means “God rules”….not men….yet this truth can take a lifetime for some to figure out, especially when stubborn. Expect God to reveal His understanding of the God of ISRAEL (the One in whom has supreme and sovereign rulership over all, and in covenant with those who call on His name) to you. Some of you may be surprised by what He shows you. You can start here in your discovery: https://youtu.be/rYS-L30o3wg

Before Jacob/Israel 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” which means, “to send away, to cast out, let depart, or push away.” God wants us to “loose” or “push away” idolatry to make way for greater intimacy with Him. This comes through a heart of humility.

Indeed, it appears Naphtali had a revelation of speaking words of life and love. This quality comes fluidly when our heart is free from bitterness and resentment.

Coincidently, the banner that identified the tribe of Naphtali was primarily 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” 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 had the characteristic of one who had NO BITTERNESS! And because of that, “beautiful words come out of Naphtali’s mouth. “ God’s word says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt.12:34).

This month is an appointed time to examine the kind of communication coming out of our mouth, especially since God wants to increase the anointing our tongues with His fire. We are commanded to “cast off” any bitterness, even bitterness toward ourselves, so we can enter into the joy of the Lord and His strength.

“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).

In Judges 4:6, we read about one hero of Naphtali named Barak, who joined Deborah, the judge God appointed over Israel, to overcome the enemy.

At first, Barak chose not to listen to the Lord’s instruction to deploy troops, most likely because leading troops wasn’t his strong suit. Naphtali’s tribe was known to cover the rear guard, and not the front lines. But Deborah was used by God to confront Barak on why he wasn’t listening to the Lord. Deborah’s strength was what Barak needed to get the job done. He requested that Deborah assist him with this task which she agreed to, and they became a strong team and victorious.

Barak uniting with Deborah is great example of collaboration needed today to be the LORD’s victorious overcoming remnant. Who do you need to team up with to do what God has commanded? There is a Firstfruits company that is incomplete without your gifting.

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.”

“Possessing the west” spoke 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 today of “entering into the New Year through the gateway God opens, full of adventure and authority through Him.”

“Possessing the south” spoke of the pleasant things, which was at the foot of Naphtali. It was in the southern coast of Naphtali that Jesus preached most of His life, near 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… the famous Beatitudes” (Matt.5).

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

Twelve is God’s foundational measurements of the New Jerusalem, which is described as having 12 walls and gates in Rev.21:12-14. Christ’s bride in Revelation 12 wears a crown of 12 stars. The Lord measures His overcoming remnant as 144,000 which is 12×12. (This is a symbolic number and not literal).

The remnant today are being matured to handle the covenantal responsibility of God’s authority as Jacob was to establish His kingdom on the earth. Embrace this month’s wrestle and the LORD’s leadership and strength. Jesus is coming back with “government on His shoulders” to rule and reign (Is. 9:7). But we are also being prepared to understand how we abide and assist Him in His purpose with a greater measure of influence and authority.

ADAR is a key preparation month for the body of Christ. And this year, we have 2 Adar’s in order to align the calendar with the harvest seasons. My experience in following this Hebrew Covenant calendar is that when a second Adar is added, it is because something significant is up ahead that we need the extra time to align and be ready for.

2024 will go down in the history books as the year of a monumental shift that changed the nations. In the Hebrew Covenant Calendar, it will start with a Northern American Eclipse, completing of a 7-year sign in the sky over America that I will share in a video coming up. The LORD instructs us to”look up, for your redemption draws near.” What is the sign of the “promise to come” saying to those who are seeking Him? The greatest rescue mission will come forth as the LORD releases His angel armies to deliver His people. Are you ready to step into your assignment and become a participant in this historical shift?

In the Bible, Esther was one who God used for a historical shift to rescue His people as God used her and her uncle’s obedience to overturn the edict to kill all the Jews. This story hinged in the month of Adar. Join me next month as I highlight God’s strategy through Mordecai and Esther when circumstances seemed impossible.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him” (Psalm 28:7).

After the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews scattered and the Ashkenazi Jews were born in Eastern Russia. But who adopted this religious cloak and used it to hide their occult practices? We will dive into history and unravel the masquerade.

It is easy to see the enemies of God outside of His covenant family, but hard to detect when he becomes like a chameleon and weaves into the family to usurp the inheritance. Join us as we continue unraveling the “Mystery of Babylon,” and discover how the “mixture” opens up the door for the Edomites to absorb into Jewry.

The message of the Judges found in their names gives us prophetic vision and hope for God’s plan for His remnant through the storms of 2024.

At sundown on January 11th, we begin the celebration of the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar called “Shevat.” This month is associated with the tribe of Asher, the eighth son of Jacob. Asher’s name means “happy and blessed” and comes from the root word “ashar” which is translated: to be straight, right, forward, honest, and prosperous. Asher was known as a blessed tribe with land that produced many natural resources providing food and delicacies fit for a king.

Asher was known amongst the tribes to share their rich resources. In the Promised Land, Asher was located between Tyre and Carmel, which was some of the most fertile land in Canaan because it had low temperatures and much rainfall. Resources were a blessing, but Asher’s true happiness came from giving to others. With such an abundance of goods, Asher exported goods to supply to the other tribes and became known for its olive oil.

Jacob prophesied over Asher these words, “Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties.” (Gen. 49:20) 

The Hebrew word for bread in this scripture is “lechem” and means “food you eat to obtain nourishment.”  In the natural, Asher was blessed with rich food fit for kings, but in the spirit, God is saying prophetically that the gift of Asher brings rich, strong meat (revelation) of God’s word.  Asher has a gift to pull out the treasures hidden in God’s Word.

 “Rich” can also be translated as “fat.”  The Hebrew word for fat is “shamen” and means “greasy, plenteous, oily and rich.”  Oil is typically symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The bread or “word” of Asher will not only be meaty, but richly anointed by the Holy Spirit! (The fruitful olive tree is actually the symbol for this tribe).

Moses further prophesies over Asher in Deut. 33:24 “Asher is most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.  Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.”

Asher “dips” or “plunges” his foot in oil is not a small prophetic word.  In order for Asher to fulfill his call, his foundation needs to be the “Word” and to spend time in the presence of “The Word” to share God’s revelation rich with His anointing to strengthen His people. 

Psalm 1:1-3 describes Asher: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he mediates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Asher’s sandals being of iron and bronze describes the nature of his gifting.  Shoes of iron are God’s judgments, and the word God gives them to share can shake the world. Signs and wonders will follow!

The first miracle recorded in the gospels takes place in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus turned the water into wine. This land was the inheritance of Asher and the beginning of miraculous signs of provision. (John 2:1-11)  This land is also where Jesus revealed himself as the “bread of Life” which is symbolic of the gift Asher would share.

Matt 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Bread is symbolic of the word of God.“

 Anna, the prophetess from the New Testament, came from the tribe of Asher and was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Savior when He was born.  Her faithfulness and dedication to serve the Lord for 84 years made her “fat” with God’s revelation about the Savior.

“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and this woman was a widow of about 84 years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting’s and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to ALL those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38).

In the Bible, Asher is spoken of by Moses as the most blessed of the sons and favored by his brothers.  This tribe was blessed with numerous children and lived in peace with all the other tribes.

Asher is set around the tabernacle on the north side between Dan and Naphtali.  These three tribes had the assignment of being the  “rear” guard and were generally not ones to be warriors in battle.  Avoiding battle when needed can be Asher’s weakness and downfall. Asher chose not to help during Israel’s national crisis when called to battle by Barak and Deborah. However, they did come when Gideon called as well as King Hezekiah.

God wants to reveal His Covenant in a “meaty” way so we can move in His heart ahead as the bride of Christ. Seek God’s presence and expect to receive His revelation. He wants to bless you in this season of “rest” in knowing Him and why He created you. God wants to revive and awaken your “roots” to be vibrant and alive in Him. Rivers of living water shall flow through your roots system and spring forth life in areas that have appeared dead. Expect His water and oil!

In 2024, the remnant is poised to receive the increase of His anointing to break forth light in a dark season. Trust that heaven has prepared the solution and increase. We all must REST in that knowledge. This is the hour and set time God will use His remnant for His service and to connect them in unity in their community…. A CONVERGENCE of many streams of living water joined together under the headship of Christ. The rich resources will be needed to navigate and walk in His miracle provision. So while the world is taken away by the fear and drama of the anti-christ agenda, the remnant is thriving and alive with God’s providential help.

God is also preparing us to sow the seeds of revelation He gives us this month when His spring season begins with Nisan.  Whatever the circumstances bring up ahead, His revelation will carry us through, so it is vital this year to take time to get His Word.

So the key this month is to REST and receive His anointed Word! And if you have the gift of Asher, God’s people need that “meaty” word bathed in His oil!

“It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts. 20:35)

Join us as we follow Nimrod and Esau in their hunting encounter and how it affected the covenant birthright that began the war between Esau and Jacob’s lineage.

Jump into a deep dive of following the trail of our covenant history to reconcile and identify who God says is Israel, which is often misunderstood given the country of Israel that exists today.

Join us as we go “full circle” and walk through the footprints of America’s forefathers, the “SONS OF LIGHT,” while connecting our heritage to the ninth month of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar known as Kislev.

“Over three centuries ago,” declared John F. Kennedy, “our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together, and for the faith which united them with their God.”

Thanksgiving has been a family favorite time to celebrate with friends and family in our nation. Many use this holiday to take time to be thankful for all the blessings God has given us.

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thes. 5:18).

But where did this holiday originate from? Some would say the concept originated in England:

“A celebratory harvest festival had been part of the fabric of British society since pre-Christian times. Saxons would come together every autumn to eat supper, fashion straw dolls, and harvest corn and other products.

The Pilgrims — regardless of which “truth” you choose to believe — were simply following their own traditions and cultural norms they had grown up with, just as we do today. Festivals of communal thanksgiving became popular in the aftermath of the English Reformation. The actions of Henry VIII gave rise to the Days of Thanksgiving to celebrate perceived acts of providence. In other words, acts of God.” (Christianity.com: “What is the History of Thanksgiving”)

Most American’s believe that the Thanksgiving concept started here in America, beginning with the history of the Pilgrim’s first harvest celebration with the Wampanoag Native Americans. Although our history in celebrating Thanksgiving in America is unique to our beginnings, the concept most likely came from the Hebraic Covenant Calendar’s Feasts of the LORD. Thanksgiving mimics much of the heart of the Feast of Tabernacles. How is there a concept correlation?

Before arriving in America, the Christian pilgrims fled religious persecution in England and settled briefly in Holland in 1607. There, they found themselves living among another persecuted group, the Sephardic Jews who had exiled from Spain. It was in Holland that these Pilgrims learned the significance of the Feasts of the LORD and these “set apart” times to honor and thank God.

After the Pilgrims survived multiple challenges coming to America, they arrived after a plague had wiped out many of the Indians who had resided in the Plymouth area. Faced with the harsh realities of how to survive the elements, the Pilgrims and the Native American’s living near Plymouth helped one another through their trials.

The Native American’s in particular helped the Pilgrims learn how to plant corn, fish and gather berries and nuts. The Thanksgiving tradition began after their first harvest, giving thanks for the bounty of the year. A three-day celebration in 1621, with 90 Wampanoag Native Americans joining the 53 Pilgrims, was the first “American Thanksgiving.”

Over a century later, George Washington issued the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789, inviting Americans to thank God for their safety and happiness. Almost another century year later, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln formally made Thanksgiving an annual national holiday on the final Thursday of November. In 1941, FDR clarified it as the fourth Thursday in November.

The “thanksgiving” Feast of the LORD is known as the Feast of Tabernacles (Also known as The Feast of Ingathering or “SUKKOT”). It is the seventh and final feast that culminated in a joyful celebration of thanking God for the final harvest season.

There are many similarities to the Feast of Tabernacles and Thanksgiving. Both involve the harvest and joyful in-gathering. Both are celebrated in the Fall and purposed to give thanks with “family.” Both involve a lot of food and feasting. And an interesting fact is that traditional Feast of Tabernacles and Thanksgiving both involve “hodu.” Hodu is the Hebrew word for turkey, which means “to give thanks.”

Thanksgiving in America is not a “Holy Day,” but it is a day to remember how God brought the increase to those who came inspired by divine providence to birth this nation that has been blessed by God. The Mayflower Compact reads:

“...Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.” 

Our “nation under God” is one that was conceived to extend the freedom to honor the King as king. We have been a beacon of hope to the world in sharing the good news about the Lord. Truly, we have been blessed with abundance here to be fruitful for the building the kingdom of God here in the earth.