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THE 39TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (SEPTEMBER 23 – 29)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

Welcome to the last week of the 9th month! How important or strategic is the 39th season as a time gate? Broadly speaking, the Second World War broke out in 1939. Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States and hosted the Camp David Accord. Margaret Thatcher became first female PM of the United Kingdom within the 39th seven years of the United Kingdom (from 1707).

Let us consider the Biblical patterns for the week before going into the prayer points for the week

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

There are five Biblical patterns for understanding the 39th week:

1. The fourth day of creation. This is because the 39th week is the fourth week in the 7-week season that began September 3. This is a fourth-day-of-creation week.

2. The Book of Malachi – the 39th book of the Bible. This is a Book-of-Malachi week.

3. The 39th chapters of the Bible (Genesis 39, Exodus 39, Job 39, Psalm 39, Isaiah 39, Jeremiah 39 and Ezekiel 38).

4. The third four chapters (9-12) of the sixth book of the Bible (Joshua). This is a Joshua 9-12 week – time to be up in the spirit.

5. The third 10 books of the Bible (Ecclesiastes – Amos)

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 39th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 39th book of the Bible (Malachi). It is also like walking through the 39th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Malachi and the 39th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and has four chapters.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but also be free to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

September 23: Genesis 39; Malachi 1

September 24: Exodus 39; Malachi 2

September 25: Job 39; Malachi 3

September 26: Psalm 39; Malachi 4

September 27: Isaiah 39;

September 28: Jeremiah 39;

September 29: Ezekiel 39;

VERSE FOR THE WEEK

Malachi 4:2-3: “But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the LORD of hosts”

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

Here are five things about the 39th season – from the 39th book and chapters of the Bible.

1. The 39th is the end of a phase, and the beginning of a new story. Malachi, the 39th book of the Bible, is the end of the Old Testament. It is the book before the New Testament. In Genesis 39, Joseph’s time in Portiphar’s house began and ended. He parted with his garment of slavery in this chapter. He never returned to that house. Genesis 39 is the bridge chapter in the life of Joseph. From being Portiphar’s slave, he went to prison where He met his change. It was in the 39th year of Azariah king of Judah that the Northern Kingdom experienced a power-shift from Zechariah to Shallum to Menahem (2 Kings 15:8-17). After the 39th chapter of Isaiah, the Lord moved from confrontation to comfort. The 39th season is transition season.

The work on the tabernacle, under Bezalel, ended in Exodus 39 with the preparation of the garment of the priests. The tabernacle was dedicated in the 40th chapter. Job 39 marked the end of God’s first round of questions to Job. Isaiah’s four-chapter story about Hezekiah that began in the 36th chapter, ended in Isaiah 39. In this chapter, Isaiah spoke of the captivity of Judah. Isaiah 39:5-7 says, “Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: [6] ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the LORD. [7] ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” In Jeremiah 39, Jerusalem finally fell to the Babylonians according to God’s word; and Jeremiah was freed and favored by the Babylonians.

How has this played out in modern history?

The stories of men and nations confirm there is a shift that occurs in the 39th season.

The War of 1812-1814 between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ended with a Peace treaty in the 39th year of the United States. That war was the second and last war of America’s independence. The United States became completely free from British domination in the 39th year of the nation – following that war of 1812-1814. The Camp David Accord between Israel and Egypt happened in the season of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. It was the beginning of a new day for the two countries. Margaret Thatcher became UK Prime Minister in the 39th seven years of the United Kingdom; and she was the first woman to hold that office. Nigeria moved from military rule to democracy in 1999, the 39th year of her nationhood. That was when she began to move into the New Testament side of her political destiny. Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960; the day following the end of the 39th week of the year. Nigeria ceased to be a British colony after the 39th week of 1960.

PRAYER: Prophesy, decree and declare that the ‘old testament’ side of year is ending with this 39th week – as the Old Testament side of the Bible ends with the 39th book. Decree and declare that this week is a bridge to a new day. Pray that the pains of this year may end with this 39th week and that the good news of God’s love and mercy will greet the nations after this week.

2. This is a time to reflect on the frailty of human life and call upon God for deliverance from death. In Psalm 39:4-6, the psalmist says, “LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. [5] Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah [6] Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them. In Jeremiah 39, Jerusalem fell as Jeremiah prophesied. In Ezekiel 39, Gog is deceived to march against Israel. The forces of Gog were defeated and destroyed; and their carcasses given to the birds of the air. 1939 was a year of great loss of lives. January 13 was Black Friday in Victoria where 71 people died in one of Australia’s bushfires. On January 24, earthquake killed 30, 000 people in Chile. On December 27, earthquake shook eastern Turkey and left over 32, 700 people dead. This is besides the lives consumed by the Second World War that began September 1. The war was an invite from the spirit of death. This week in 1992 (26 September) a Nigerian Air Force plane NAF911 crashed three minutes after take-off from Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 159 military officers including 8 foreign nationals (151 from Nigeria, 5 from Ghana, 1 from Tanzania, 1 from Zimbabwe, 1 from Uganda) died from the mishap.

PRAYER: Pray, decree against, and resist the rising of the spirit of death in the nations this week. Pray that this spirit be exposed before it gets a chance to work. Pray against unnecessary provocations and unjust wars that seek to rise in the 39th season.

3. It is a season to watch your life against indiscretion. It is not a time to do your own thing but a time to weigh actions and be sure to do the will of God. In Genesis 39, Joseph was tempted to commit immorality. He refused, and was victimized. His mind was on truth instead of fantasy. He passed the test of the season. In Exodus 39, God gave commandments to Moses about the priestly garment and the Ephod. The ephod was used to determine the will of God. The 39th season is a time to discern the will of God before taking action. If only Adolf Hitler knew that, he would not have commanded the invasion of Poland in 1939. At least, he would have saved his own life. He was deceived and deceived others to go with him on a journey that did not favor him and his large company. In the 39th chapter of Psalms, the psalmist speaks of using his mouth carefully. In Psalm 39:1-2, the psalmist says, I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me.” [2] I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was stirred up”. Words matter in the 39th season. The season is also when the worth of men are weighed in a balance. In Malachi, the 39th and last book of the Old Testament, the Lord entered into controversy with Israel but they were full of defenses. She contested every point God made n the book. If God said the nation robbed Him, Israel would say, “How did we rob you?” How can men argue, or contend, with God?

The 39th season is a time to tune up your sensitivity. It is examination season. Hezekiah faced a temptation in Isaiah 39 – whether or not to receive the royal guests from Babylon. Hezekiah did not know he was being examined. He unadvisedly received Babylonian guests and showed them everything in his palace. Isaiah rebuked Him for that; but the king did not understand the weight of what he did. In the 14th book of the Bible where the incident is also reported, 2 Chronicles 32:31 says, “However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart”.Judah and Jerusalem faced that temptation in Jeremiah 39 – whether to surrender to Babylon or not. That was the temptation Poland faced in 1939 concerning Germany’s interest in the city of Danzig. This week in 2022, parts of Ukraine faced this temptation. Russia masterminded a “Lie with me” referendum in parts of Ukraine she occupied. Wisdom and divine guidance are grossly needed in this season.

PRAYER: Pray for wisdom in the decisions you need to take this week. Pray that the Lord will deliver us from blindly questioning Him in this 39th week as Israel questioned Him and argued with Him in the 39th book of the Bible. Pray against wrong decisions or choices in the nations this week. Pray that the Lord will help you, and all God’s people in the nations, as He helped Joseph in Genesis 39, to stand for what is right this week.

4. The 39th season is for humbling the proud. The proud and arrogant get stuck in the 39th season. Asa the reformer-king of Judah became proud and incorrigible. He imprisoned a messenger of God that brought correction to him. He became sick in the 39th year. 2 Chronicles 16:12 says, “And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians”. The destruction of Jerusalem is recorded in Jeremiah 39. Those who did not believe the words of the prophet were humiliated.

PRAYER: Pray that the spirit of repentance – from conviction – will come on those who walk in pride this week. Pray and decree those who continue in the way of ungodly pride will get stuck and be humiliated this week. Pray that the Lord will vindicate the faithful in the nations in this 39th week of the year as He vindicated Jeremiah in the 39th chapter of the book of Jeremiah.

5. The 39th season is a time to trust God for restoration because the old is coming to an end. In Ezekiel 39, the Prophet saw Israel restored to her land. The 39th book of the Bible ended with a promise of restoration. Malachi 4:5-6 says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. [6] And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” God restored democratic rule in Nigeria in the 39th year of the year – following 20 years of military rule.

PRAYER: Pray that the this 39th week of the year will be marked by restoration in the lives of individuals, families and nations.

Have a happy 39th week of the year!

THE 38TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (SEPTEMBER 16 – 22)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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In the 38th week of 1975 (September 22), Sarah Jane Moore attempted to assassinate the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, with her .38 Special revolver. She missed. In the 38th chapter of Isaiah, the prophet told king Hezekiah he was going to die. The king cried out to God and the sentence of death was withrawn. Death missed. He had 15 years added to his life.

The 38th week is a prophetic turning-point in the year. It is a time gate in the year like the book of Zechariah (the 38th book) in the Bible. It is a season we must be encouraged to pray (Zechariah 10:1-2).

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

There are five Biblical patterns for understanding the 38th week:

  1. The third day of creation. This is because the 38th week is the third week in the 7-week season that began September 3.

2. The Book of Zechariah – this is the 38th book of the Bible.

3. The seven 38th chapters of the Bible (Genesis 38, Exodus 38, Job 38, Psalm 38, Isaiah 38, Jeremiah 38 and Ezekiel 38).

4. The third four chapters (9-12) of the sixth book of the Bible (Joshua).

5. The third 10 books of the Bible (Ecclesiastes – Amos)

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 38th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 38th book of the Bible (Zechariah). It is also like walking through the 38th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Zechariah and the 38th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Zechariah is the 14-chapter book before Malachi – the last book of the Old Testament.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but also be free to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

September 17: Genesis 38; Zechariah 1-2.

September 18: Exodus 38; Zechariah 3-4.

September 19: Job 38; Zechariah 5-6.

September 20: Psalm 38; Zechariah 7-8.

September 21: Isaiah 38; Zechariah 9-10.

September 22: Jeremiah 38; Zechariah 11-12.

September 23: Ezekiel 38; Zechariah 13-14.

VERSE FOR THE WEEK

Ezekiel 38:22-23: “And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.”‘

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

How should we live and pray in this 38th week? What’s in the heart of God for the 38th week?

Here are 9 things the Bible indicates concerning the 38th season:

1. It is a season of gracious intervention against death. God intervened to reverse the pronouncement of death against Hezekiah in Isaiah 38. He also intervened in the family of Judah (Genesis 38); He intervened through Ebed-melech to save Jeremiah’s life (Jeremiah 38); and intervened for His people against Gog (Ezekiel 38). God saved the 38th President of the United States from two assassination attempts within 3 weeks in 1975 (September 5 and 22).

2. It is a season of desperate cry for mercy from God. Psalm 38: 1-22 is a cry for mercy. It will be good to read the entire chapter. Mercy bypassed death and helped Judah and his family in Genesis 38. Mercy delivered Hezekiah from death in Isaiah 38. Mercy saved Joshua the High Priest in the third chapter of the 38th book of the Bible. Mercy saved the 38th President of the United States (Gerald Ford) from two assassination attempts in September 1975. Mercy saved Nigerians from the Abacha regime in the 38th year of the nation (1998) when the killer-Head of State died suddenly.

3. It is a season when men and powers who are like towering Cedars and Oaks may fall (Zechariah 11: 1-2). Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Nigeria, a vibrant minister of the gospel died suddenly in the 38th year of Nigeria. The Head of State, General Sami Abacha died suddenly the same year.

4. It is a season of revelation. It is a time learn and receive knowledge from Heaven. It is a season to uncover things covered up. God teaches in the 38th season. He took over to question His servant in Job 38. He taught Zechariah the prophet in the 38th book of the Bible.

5. It is a season of recovery and vengeance when God rises against those who rise up against His people (Ezekiel 38; Zechariah 1:21).

6. It is a season of construction and reconstruction in the House of God. The Tabernacle was in the making in Exodus 38.

7. It is a season of divine visitation. God began the restoration of His servant, Job, in the 38th chapter of the Book of Job. The servant of God did not hear the Voice of God until the 38th chapter. In John 5, Jesus healed the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda who had suffered 38 years.

8. It is a season of change. The Bible mentions two people who emerged kings in Israel in 38th seasons. The first was Ahab – who became king in the 38th year of Asa (1 Kings 16:29). The second was Zechariah the son of Jeroboam – who became king in the 38th year of Azariah (2 Kings 15:8).

9. It is a season to battle selfishness. There are 60 first-person pronouns (me, my and I) in the 22-verse Psalm 38. Judah and his sons exhibited selfishness in Genesis 38. Exodus 38 opens with the making of the altar of burnt offering where lives are laid down by sacrifice; and the making of the Bronze Laver for washing. In the 41-verse 38th chapter of Job, God asked His servant 38 questions to pul him out of his self-centered thoughts. Isaiah 38:10-17 has 33 first-person pronouns (me, my and I). The Book of Zechariah (the 38th book of the Bible) is about God’s determination “to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it” (Zechariah 1:21). The British -America War of 1812 ended in 1814 (the 38th year of the United States). It was a victory against the selfishness of the Colonial Master.

DON’T GIVE UP!

This week, fight until you win. The 38th week is not for quitters. Tamar did not give up in Genesis 38. She knew she belonged to the House of Judah by marriage. Circumstances worked against her but she hung to what she believed until she won. Twins came! Hezekiah did not give up in Isaiah 38. He was very sick and received a word from the Lord that he would die and not live. He went the Lord in prayer and cried until change came. God added 15 years to his life. Ebed-melech did not give up in Jeremiah 38. Wicked people in authority threw Jeremiah into a waterless dungeon and left him to die there. He believed Jeremiah should not die in that pit. He took the matter to the king and obtained favour. The king released 30 men to help him rescue Jeremiah. That was a mighty deliverance. God rescued Obasanjo from Abacha’s prison in the 38th year of Nigeria (1998). It began with a death sentence, then life imprisonment, then 15-year jail term and then freedom. Believe God and press for a turnaround this week – for yourself or for someone else.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Pray that God will be merciful and turn things around in the nations as the psalmist prayed in Psalm 38; as God had mercy on Hezekiah in Isaiah 38, and the man who had suffered 38 years in John 5.

2. Pray that God will raise an intervention-force for His persecuted and oppressed people as He used Ebed-melech to help Jeremiah in Jeremiah 38.

3. Pray that the Lord will bring down hindering oaks and cedars in the nations as He did to Gog In Ezekiel 38; and as He did with the Abacha regime in Nigeria’s 38th year.

4. Pray that we would see, hear, and understand what the Lord will be showing us this season as it was with Zechariah in the 38th book of the Bible. He learnt by asking and answering questions.

5. Pray that the Lord will raise His craftsmen to terrify the horns scattering the nations as He did for Judah in the 38th book of the Bible.

6. Pray that this will be a week of reconstruction and restoration in the House of God in the nations as in the 38th book of the Bible. Pray that Heaven will break the silence concerning certain situations in the nations this 38th week as in Job 38.

7. Pray that the Lord will purge your heart of selfishness in this week and season. Pray that He would dethrone selfishness and also take down the selfish in the nations this week.

Happy 38th week of the year!

THE 37TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (SEPTEMBER 10-16)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

One major negative event of the 21st century for which the 37th week of the year is remembered globally is the ‘9/11’ terrorist attack in which terrorist plane-hijackers and suicide- bombers destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and sought to strike other strategic places in the United States. Many lives were lost and many nations were affected. It was an attack on the world. It was an attack on the toward that says, “Where are your Watchmen?”

How did the wicked seize this gate of time and how can it be secured? There is a clue in the word of God. We’ll first look at the Biblical patterns for the week.

A. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

There are five Biblical patterns for understanding the 37th week:

  1. The second day of creation. This is because the 37th week is the second week in the 7-week season that began September 3.
  2. The Book of Haggai – this is the 37th book of the Bible.
  3. The seven 37th chapters of the Bible (Genesis 37, Exodus 37, Job 37, Psalm 37, Isaiah 37, Jeremiah 37 and Ezekiel 37).
  4. The second four chapters (5-8) of the sixth book of the Bible (Joshua).
  5. The second 10 books of the Bible (First Kings – Proverbs)

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 37th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 37th book of the Bible (Haggai). It is also like walking through the 37th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Haggai and the 37th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Haggai is the 2-chapter book between Zephaniah and Zechariah.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but also be free to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

September 10: Genesis 37;

September 11: Haggai 1; Exodus 37.

September 12: Job 37

September 13: Psalm 37

September 14: Haggai 2; Isaiah 37.

September 15: Jeremiah 37

September 16: Ezekiel 37

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

  1. What is God’s intention concerning the 37th season?

The Lord gave the gate of the 37th season to the House of God. The 37th book of the Bible is about rebuilding the House of God (House of Prayer). God treasures His House in this season and fights for it. In Exodus 37, Bezalel and his company were busy with the construction of parts of the Tabernacle and fabrication of things to be used in it (Ark of Testimony, Table of Showbread, Gold Lampstand, Altar of Incense, Anointing Oil, Incense). In Isaiah 37, Hezekiah went to the House of the Lord to pray against Sennacherib. He also consulted Isaiah, the living House of God in his days. It was from the House of God that Hezekiah and Isaiah defeated Sennacherib. These show the strategic place the House of the Lord occupies in a 37th season. It is the Power House of the season. We are the House of God and the House of Prayer. While the kingdom of darkness is busy planning to kill, God is busy fixing His House. The House of God is greater and stronger than the wicked and their plans and efforts.

THE 37TH SEASON AND THE SPIRIT OF WICKEDNESS

Patterns in the Word of God indicate that the kingdom of darkness pushes the wicked to take the center stage in the 37th season (especially through the spirit of murder) but God does not leave His people to plots of wickedness. The word ‘wicked’ is used 104 times in the book of Psalms. It is used 14 times in Psalm 37 alone. No other chapter of Psalms has a much mention of ‘the wicked’. This reveals how prominent and active the wicked can be in the 37th season. The word ‘slay’ is used seven times in the book of Psalms but twice in Psalm 37. In Genesis 37, Joseph’s brothers planned to slay him but God distracted them. In Jeremiah 37, the prophet was arrested and imprisoned and left to die until he pleaded with King Zedekiah to get him out the dungeon in the House of Jonathan the Scribe. In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel prophesied, in a vision, over dry bones of slain men. In Psalm 37, the wicked plotted to slay the righteous but the Lord would not let it happen. Psalm 37:12-15 says, “The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. [13] The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. [14] The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. [15] Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken”. Psalm 37:32-33 says, “The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. [33] The LORD will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. There was an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the 37th President of the United States, Richard Nixon, in 1974. The man who wanted to kill the President had killed one of the pilots of the plane he planned to hijack and crash on the White House. Being frustrated, he killed himself before he could be arrested. The 9/11 suicide-bombing of the World Trade Center happened in the 37th week of 2001. On September 10, 2018, there was explosion in a gas/petrol station at Mafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. At least 15 people were roasted by fire, 17 vehicles (including two petrol tankers) were burnt, and over 40 people injured. There were several bomb explosions in different parts of Nigeria in 1997 – her 37TH year. The operations of wickedness in the 37th season is contrary to God’s plan for the season.

  1. What is the role of the House of God in the 37th season?

(a) It is to capture the season for God’s purpose. It is to enforce the purpose of God for the season. If the House of God does not occupy and dominate this gate of time, the evil one will gain access and seek to hijack it and make it a gate of destruction.

(b) It is to cause the voice of God to be heard wherever it is needed. This a week of the Voice of God. Job 37:2-6 says, “Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth. [3] He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. [4] After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. [5] God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. [6] For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength”. The means by which the House of God will work in this season is to prophesy, issue decrees, and speak the word of the Lord. Joseph spoke (prophesied) his dreams in Genesis 37. In Isaiah 37 the servant of God prophesied against Sennacherib. In Jeremiah 37, the king invited the servant of God to give him the word of the Lord and he did. In Ezekiel 37, the servant God prophesied to turn dry bones into a mighty army. This is a week to prophesy.

(c) It is to frustrate the agenda of wickedness by the voice of God. When Hezekiah reported the evil plans of Sennacherib to Isaiah, the prophet sent him a reply from God:

Isaiah 37:33-37 says, “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, Nor shoot an arrow there, Nor come before it with shield, Nor build a siege mound against it. [34] By the way that he came, By the same shall he return; And he shall not come into this city,’ Says the LORD. [35] ‘For I will defend this city, to save it For My own sake and for My servant David’s sake. Then the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses-all dead. [37] So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh”.

This week is given to the House of God. A functioning House of God is the only force that can stop or frustrate the evil agenda of the wicked in the 37th season.

Let us occupy this gate and make no room for the evil one. Since Hezekiah and Isaiah defeated Sennacherib from the House of God. The living House of God should, today, decree that the plans of the wicked will not prosper in this week.

(d) It is to bring down the wicked. Psalm 37:9-11 says, “For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. [10] For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. [11] But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace”. Psalm 37: 20 says, “But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the LORD, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away”. Psalm 37: 35-36 says, “I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. [36] Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found”. Isaiah 37:38 says, “Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place”.

THE 37TH SEASON IS A NEW BEGINNING

The will of God is to make the 37th season a new beginning. The story of Joseph began Genesis 37 and continued till Genesis 50 – the end of the book. A new king of Assyria emerged in Isaiah 37. Zedekiah became king of Judah in Jeremiah 37. Second Kings 13:10 says that “In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria….” Jeremiah 52:31 reveals that it was “…In the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah…that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison”. That 37th year was a new beginning for both Evil-Merodach and Jehoiachin. Ezekiel 37 is about a new beginning for dry bones of slain men. Queen Elizabeth II died on the sixth day of the 36th week of 2022. Her son and successor, Charles III, was sworn in as king on the first day of the 37th week. This makes this 37th week a new beginning for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the world. It is interesting that 1937 was the first year of his grandfather, George VI, on the throne. He became king December 11, 1936 but was coronated May 1937. Nigeria added six new states at the beginning of her 37th year – bring the total number of states to the current 36. This 37th week of the year is a new beginning for you.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Give thanks to God for the 37th week and declare, in the name of the Lord, that it is a new beginning and for a new direction. Pray for open hearts and minds concerning the new direction. Pray for grace and wisdom in the new direction.

2. Pray that the House of God in the nations shall be strong and on alert this week. Pray for the awakening of the House of God in your nation. Pray that God’s people do no abandon the prayer altar because of discouragement from pressures.

3. Pray, this 37th week, that the Lord will frustrate the destructive plans of the wicked. Pray that the wicked will plot and gnash their teeth in vain this 37th week. Decree that no plot of wickedness against your family, city or nation will prosper this week.

4. Raise your voice, as and from the House of God, against manslayers and murderers. Prophesy their sudden downfall. Prophesy safety, deliverance and preservation over God’s people. The righteous in your nation will not be put to shame.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Ezekiel 37:26: “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore”.

Happy 37th Week!

THE 36TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (SEPTEMBER 2-8)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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Every week has its purpose in the plan of God but the kingdom of darkness also seeks to hijack seasons for her own evil purposes. That is why we must align with God and His purposes and stand to see that His will is done on earth, in each season, as it is in Heaven and as it is revealed in the Bible. We have a mandate to redeem the days from the dominion of evil. We shall win because we won in Him.

The 36th week is the beginning of a new seven-week season – the sixth 7 weeks of the year (September 3 – October 21). It is the beginning of a book of Joshua season in the year.

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

There are five Biblical patterns for understanding the 36th week. They are

  1. The first day of creation. This is because the 36th week is the first week in a 7-week season – just as the 7th day of creation is key to understanding 7th seasons.
  2. The Book of Zephaniah – this is the 36th book of the Bible.
  3. The nine 36th chapters of the Bible (Genesis 36, Exodus 36, Numbers 36, Second Chronicles 36, Job 36, Psalm 36, Isaiah 36, Jeremiah 36 and Ezekiel 36).
  4. The first four chapters of the sixth book of the Bible (Joshua). The 36th ofweek is the beginning of the 6th seven weeks of the year and the sixth 7 weeks has some guiding light in the sixth book of the Bible. Share the 24-chapter Book of Joshua to seven weeks and you get 4-4-4-3-3-3-3.
  5. The first 10 books of the Bible (Genesis – Second Samuel)

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 36th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 36th book of the Bible (Zephaniah). It is also like walking through the 36th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Zephaniah and the 36th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Zephaniah is the 3-chapter book following the book of Habakkuk.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but also be free to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

September 2: Zephaniah 1; Genesis 36;

September 3: Zephaniah 2; Exodus 36.

September 4: Zephaniah 3; Numbers 36

September 5: 2 Chronicles 36; Job 36

September 6: Psalm 36. Isaiah 36.

September 7: Jeremiah 36

September 8: Ezekiel 36

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Ezekiel 36:24-30: “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. [25] Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. [28] Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. [29] I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. [30] And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations”.

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

  1. The 36th week is a season of special honor to our Heavenly Father. God is First and the first belongs to Him. This is a season to give room and space to God as Bezalel and his company began the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 36. This is a week to celebrate and magnify God as the Psalmist did in Psalm 36: 5-10; and as Elihu did in Job 36: 5-12, 22-33. This is a season to seek God as Zephaniah 2:1-3 says: “Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, [2] Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you! [3] Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger”.

If the Lord is not honored, the 36th season becomes a time to experience the 36th book of the Bible (Zephaniah).

Zephaniah 1:2-6 says, “I will utterly consume everything From the face of the land,” Says the LORD; [3] “I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land,” Says the LORD. [4] “I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests- [5] Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, But who also swear by Milcom; [6] Those who have turned back from following the LORD, And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him.”

Zephaniah 1:14-18 says, “The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. [15] That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, [16] A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. [17] “I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh like refuse.” [18] Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land”.

PRAYER: Worship the Lord and praise Him with Psalm 36: 5-10. Speak of His mercy, loving-kindness, righteousness, justice, generosity and faithfulness. Praise the Lord with the words of Elihu in Job 36. Let the Lord be magnified in our lives too.

Pray that repentance and humility and mercy will run ahead to avert a book of Zephaniah experience in the nations this week.

  1. The 36th season is a time to speak blessings and comfort to God’s heritage as Ezekiel spoke blessings to Israel in Ezekiel 36; as Moses did to the daughters of Zelophehad who had no male sibling and were at risk of losing their father’s inheritance in Numbers 36.

PRAYER: Prophesy Ezekiel 36 over the nations and God’s people in them. Speak Ezekiel 36: 7-12, 15, 23-38 over plundered and hurting nations and territories. Speak Zephaniah 3: 12-20 to God’s people in the nations.

  1. The 36th season is a season of major victories. It is a time to dare impossible challenges by faith and with the power and presence of God. It is a time to overcome tough barriers. It is a time to cross overflowing Jordan. God’s people in the United States had a major victory at the beginning of her 36th seven years with the overthrow of Roe Vs Wade.

PRAYER: Pray that this will be a week of significant victories for God’s people in the nations.

4.. The 36th week is a season to pray against the wicked and wickedness (Psalm 36: 1-4, 11-12). The wicked seek to hijack the 36th season to dishonor God and ridicule His people and their faith in God. Darkness seeks to overtake people in this season:

a). All of Genesis 36 is about Esau and his descendants – right in the middle of Jacob’s story. It is like an unholy interruption of Jacob’s story that began Genesis 28.

b). The stubbornness of Judah reached a peak in Second Chronicles 36 and Babylon overran God’s people and burnt Jerusalem and the temple.

c). Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, threatened to invade Judah in Isaiah 36 and sent his servants to make mockery of Hezekiah’s faith in God.

d). In Jeremiah 36, Jehoiakim king of Judah destroyed Jeremiah’s scroll and burnt it when the word of the Lord was read to him from the scroll. He came under curse.

THE TESTIMONY OF HISTORY
Modern history confirms that the wicked are very active in the 36th season. The 36th year of the 20th century (1936) was a dark year for nations around the world with deaths, leadership abdication/resignations, natural disasters and persecutions. The British-America War of 1812 started in the 36th year of the United States. The season of the 36th president of United States (Lyndon B. Johnson) was full of pressures – around gun control, immigration, space program, poverty, civil rights, war against communism in Vietnam, and urban protests. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in this season (April 4, 1968). Robert F. Kennedy was shot on June 5; and pronounced dead the following day, June 6, 1968. The Joe Biden administration opened the 36th seven years of the United States on July 4, 2021. The battle between light and darkness has raged at home and abroad with allies.

PRAYER: Pray against invasions of peaceful territories this week. Pray against the disruptive spirit of Esau, the destructive spirit of Babylon, and the intimidating spirit of Assyiria’s Sennacherib, the blasphemous spirit of Jehoiakim in the matters of God’s people this week. Raise a cry against the wicked and wickedness in the nations this week. Pray that the wicked in the nations will not be able to hijack this week for evil purposes. Pray against the interruptions and disruptions from the kingdom of darkness this week. Report the wicked to the Lord as in Psalm 36: 1-4 and pray against them as in Psalm 36: 11-12.

Happy 36th week!

THE 35TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (August 26 – September 1).

By
Nkem Okemiri
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God made time for man and designed it for the execution of His purposes on earth (Mark 2:27-28). His plan was for time to serve man in the will God rather than control him. He intended that man would use time to do His will. Jesus is the Lord of time and He wants us to be the same. Perhaps, Joshua understood this when he called the sun and the moon to stand still until he had done the will of God. From our exalted place in Christ, we are to call time to submit to Gods will. So, we shall be praying and speaking into this 35th week of the year to cooperate and align with God’s purposes in the nations. By prayer, prophetic decrees and right action, let us redeeGod’sm the week from the clutches of evil.

Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth – this week – as it is in Heaven!

A. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

  1. The seventh day of creation narrative (Genesis 2: 1-3). This is a seventh day of creation week. It is the week ending the fifth 7 weeks of the year (July 16 – September 2)
  2. Deuteronomy 31-34 (the seventh and last prophetic division of the fifth book of the Bible is applicable to the last week in the fifth 7 weeks).
  3. The 35th book of the Bible (Habakkuk). This is a book of Habakkuk week.
  4. The 35th chapters of the Bible. The 35th week is a 35th chapters of the Bible week.
  5. The last 9 books of the New Testament (Hebrews – Revelation). The 7th and last prophetic division of the Bible is applicable to the seventh and last week in the fifth seven weeks of the year.

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 35th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 35th book of the Bible (Habakkuk). It is also like walking through the 35th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Habakkuk and the 35th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Habakkuk is the 3-chapter book following the book of Nahum.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but be at liberty to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

August 26: Habakkuk 1; Genesis 35;

August 27: Habakkuk 2; Exodus 35.

August 28: Habakkuk 3; Numbers 35

August 29: 2 Chronicles 35; Job 35

August 30: Psalm 35. Isaiah 35.

August 31: Jeremiah 35;

September 1: Ezekiel 35

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

Here are five things about the 35th season that can guide us as we pray into this week:

  1. This is a week of rest. The 35th week is the seventh and last week in the fifth 7 weeks of the year. It is a Sabbath week. A seventh week should be a season of rest from toil, labor, trouble, and struggles. The Lord Jesus used the Sabbath to call the distressed into rest from their struggles and pains. When God speaks rest, the evil one speaks distress.

PRAYER: Pray that this week would be a time of ending yokes and burdens rather a week of unrest and troubles. Let us lean on the finished work and command rest for God’s people in this week

  1. This is a week of everlasting joy but the evil one hijacks this season to make it a season of sorrow. Isaiah 35:10 says,
    “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away”.

The evil one makes the 35th season a time of abrupt endings. He cuts short lives and purposes in this season. Genesis 35 bears witness to this. Isaac died there. Deborah (Rebekah’s nurse) died there. Rachel died there after giving birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35: 8, 19, 29). Jacob’s active life ended in this chapter also. Genesis 36 is about Esau. The rest of the book is about the sons of Jacob especially Joseph and Judah. The death of King Josiah is recorded in Second Chronicles 35. He died at the age of 39. His life ended abruptly in a battle field.

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated within the 35th seven years of America from 1620. King George VI died at the close of the 35th seven years of the United Kingdom. The 35th President of the United States, John F, Kennedy, was assassinated. In the 35th seven years of America (from 1776), Donald Trump escaped two impeachment attempts. Within the same 35th seven years, the spirit of death working through COVID-19, swept through the land and ended many lives.

This is a significant week of endings and new beginnings in Nigeria’s history. This week in 1985 (August 27), the regime of Muhammad Buhari ended abruptly in Nigeria following Ibrahim Babangida’s coup. This week in 1991 (August 27), Ibrahim Babangida created 9 new states in Nigeria increasing the number of states from 21 to 30. This week in 1993 (August 27) Ibrahim Babangida yielded to pressure, stepped down as Head of State, and handed over to an Interim National Government.

PRAYER: Pray against abrupt endings for God’s people this 35th week of the year. Pray against operations of the spirit of death in this week. Decree abrupt ends for things that should not be – in families, in the church and in the nations.

  1. This is a week of judgment against wickedness. Psalm 35:1-3 says, “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. [2] Take hold of shield and buckler, And stand up for my help. [3] Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” The 35th season is a season when the wicked do wickedly. It is a book of Habakkuk week. In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet complained to the Lord about His seeming indifference to his cry against violence and breakdown of justice in the land. God promised He would tame the land with a wicked nation. The prophet protested; wondering how God would use a wicked and ungodly nation to punish His people. In a 35th week, God may seem silent or absent but He is in His temple and will act in due time. Reuben defiled his father’s bed in Genesis 35. The Abacha government accused, arrested, and jailed Obasanjo in 1995 (Nigeria’s 35th year). The Ogoni 8 (including Ken Saro-Wiwa were executed the same year. It was a year of impunity and great human rights abuse in Nigeria – leading to tough UN sanctions.

PRAYER: Pray that God will rise against wickedness, violence, and injustice in the nations this week. Pray in line with Psalm 35 that God will deliver His people from wicked hands and hearts in this week.

  1. This is a week of revival. This is a time to return to Bethel. The 35th season is a time to go back to Bethel – the place of encounter with God. In Genesis 35, God told Jacob to return to Bethel. He got his family and household to do away with all idols in their possession. In Second Chronicles 35, Josiah led Israel to keep a landmark Passover as part of his reforms. Josiah and all Judah returned to the Lord and observed a ground-shaking Passover; such as had never happened since the days of Samuel. That was the last revival before Babylonian captivity. The 35th season is a time for revival of faith. Josiah’s celebration of the Passover was like a return to the beginning. The Passover was the beginning of Israel’s independence and separation from Egypt. In Jeremiah 35, God commended the sons of Rechab for refusing to depart from their roots and from the instructions of their father.

Though God wants a return to Bethel in the 35th season, the devil wants to lead people farther away from God in this season. State sponsored prayer and Bible reading was banned in US public schools in the season of America’s 35th President. The SCOTUS ruled in favour of same-sex marriage within the 35th seven years of the United States (July 4, 2015 – July 3, 2021).

PRAYER: Pray for revival in the nations. The Spirit of God is calling us this week to go back to Bethel. Pray that the God’s people will hear this call. Pray against the spirit of rebellion and against temptations to shun the path to Bethel in this week.

  1. The 35th season is a season of blessings for the godly. In Genesis 35, God spoke comfort and blessing to Jacob. He announced his change of name for the last time in this chapter. In Jeremiah 35, God blessed the sons of Rechab. Jeremiah 35:19 says, “…Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.”

PRAYER: Pray that this is a week of divine encounters for God’s people in the nations. Let it be a week of removing the garment of old identity and a week of walking in the blessings our new identity in Christ. Speak blessings over people and families. Speak blessings over ministries. Speak blessings over God’s people in the nations.

BIBLE VERSES FOR THE WEEK:

Isaiah 35:5-6, 10: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. [10] And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Amen!!!

Happy 35th week of the year.

THE 34TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (AUGUST 20-26)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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0

God made time for His purpose and controls time. He created all things by imposing His will on time. Each day of creation produced what He wanted. He wants His will done in all seasons as it is in Heaven and as demonstrated in the creation narrative. So, He made man in His image and after His likeness so that man can seize time and fill it with God’s purpose through prayers, prophetic decrees and actions.

What does God want to see in the 34th week or season? Let us learn, first, from the patterns in the word of God.

A. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

  1. The sixth day of creation narrative (Genesis 1: 24-31)
  2. Deuteronomy 26-30 (the sixth prophetic division of the fifth book of the Bible).
  3. The 34th book of the Bible (Nahum).
  4. The 34th chapters of the Bible.
  5. The second 9 books of the New Testament (Ephesians – Philemon).

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 34th week of the year is like taking a journey through the 34th book of the Bible (Nahum). It is also like walking through the 34th chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Nahum and the 34th chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Nahum is the 3-chapter book following the book of Micah.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but be at liberty to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

August 20: Genesis 34; Exodus 34.

August 21: Numbers 34; Deuteronomy 34.

August 22: 2 Chronicles 34; Job 34

August 23: Psalm 34.

August 24: Nahum 1; Isaiah 34.

August 25: Nahum 2; Jeremiah 34;

August 26: Nahum 3; Ezekiel 34.

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS

Here are five things the Bible indicates concerning the 34th season that can guide us to pray this week.

  1. It is a Season of Vengeance. God judges the wicked in this season to give them the harvest of their labors. Psalm 34:16,21 says, “The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth”. [21] “Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned”. Nahum 1:2-3 says, “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies; [3] The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet”.God introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7: ‘And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, [7] keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” The 34th chapter of Exodus and the 34th book of the Bible indicate that God’s attribute of jealousy manifests greatly (even through men) in the 34th season. He sets up the wicked for destruction in this season.

In 1934, John Dillinger, who was tagged Public Enemy #1 was shot and killed by security agents on July 22. He was charged with robbing 24 banks and four police stations. He escaped from jail two times. He notoriety led to an offer of $25000 reward (bounty) for him. Another notorious bank robber, Pretty Boy Floyd, was shot and killed by security agents three months later on October 22.

Within the 34th seven years of the United States, the Barak Obama administration took vengeance for the United States against Osama Bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda network. The strong man of Al-Qaeda was killed on May 2, 2011.  In the same year, on October 20, Muammar Ghadaffi, the strong man of Libya was killed in the ninth month of an armed revolution against his government. Both men could not escape America’s season of vengeance.

In the 34th week of 2019, a man hijacked a bus and the 37 people on board on a bridge in Rio de Janeiro. He became the strong man of the day for about four hours. That was all. He was shot dead by police sniper. The hostages came out unhurt. The hijacker misread the time and it cost him his life. In the 34th week of 2023, the leader of the Wagner Force and nine others perished in a plane crash on Wednesday, August 23. The 34th season is a season of vengeance. In Genesis 34, the sons of took vengeance on the people of Shechem because the prince of the land abused their sister sexually.

PRAYER: This week release judgment on the wicked in the nations. Psalm 34: 21 says, “Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned”

  1. It is a season of deliverance for the righteous. One reason for judging the wicked is to deliver the righteous.Psalm 34:15, 17-20, 22 says, [15] The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. [17] The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. [20] He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. [22] The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

PRAYER: Pray for God’s people going through afflictions in the nations. Pray protection over God’s people in the nations – missionaries, military personnel and Aid workers.

  1. It is a Season of Celebration and Testimonies. That is how the week should end. This is a season when those who trust in God prove His faithfulness. In Psalm 34:1-10, the psalmist said, [1] I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. [2] My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. [3] Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. [4] I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. [5] They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. [6] This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. [8] Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! [9] Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. [10] The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

PRAYER: Worship the Lord and prophesy (decree) that the righteous will have testimonies and joy this week. Turn Psalm 34:1-10 into prophecy.

  1. It is a Season of Boundaries and Containment. This is a season to set boundaries that must not be crossed. In Exodus 34, God called Moses up to the mountain to receive the Law. The Law sets boundaries that must not be crossed. He told Moses that no man or animal should come with him or near the mountain. In Exodus 34:3, God said to Moses, “And no man shall come up with you, and let no man be seen throughout all the mountain; let neither flocks nor herds feed before that mountain.”The death of Moses is recorded in Deuteronomy 34. The Lord had set a boundary he could not cross because he disobeyed God at Meribah. Moses represented the Law and boundary. He couldn’t cross Deuteronomy 34.’ Deuteronomy’ is the ‘Second Law’. This week, unlawful boundaries in some quarters are going to end. This is a season of freedom for God’s people.

The 34th President-of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, fought segregation in public schools and even used military force to contain segregationists. Segregation was an unlawful boundary in his season. The Eisenhower administration also labored vigorously to contain the Soviet Union and protect the world from the colonization of communist forces and ideology. The communist strong man, Josef Stalin, died in the second month of Ike’s presidency; on March 5, 1953. His successor, Georgy Malenkov, was ousted after six months in office; on September 8, 1953.In 1994, the 34th year of Nigeria, the Abacha-led military regime arrested and imprisoned Moshood Abiola for treason because he set up a parallel government (as deprived winner of the 1993 presidential election) and declared himself head of the government of national unity. That was the beginning of the end of M.K.O Abiola’s earth-journey. He died in the prison four years later in 1998. He misread the times.

PRAYER: This week, make a proclamation of containment against forces and agents of darkness. Decree that they shall not prosper, progress or advance. Release judgment against those who dare to cross divine boundaries.

  1. It is a Season to ascend and dwell in the mountain of God’s presence. In Exodus 34, God invited Moses to the top of the Mount Sinai to spend time with Him and return with the Word to the people. Moses was with Him 40 days and 40 nights in fasting and returned with a face that others could not look on. He received instructions and commandments from God. His face shone with irresistible brightness. If anyone wanted to fight him, he would not be able. This week, there is a call to leave the cares at the foot of the mountain and climb up to the mountain of His presence. This is a week of transformation in His presence. Be ware of distractions. Do not get too busy for Him.

PRAYER: This week, pray that nothing will keep you from spending time in His presence to receive instructions and directions from His mouth.

D. SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK:

Exodus 34:10: “…Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the LORD. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you”.

Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them“.

Have a happy 34th week

THE 33RD WEEK OF THE YEAR (AUGUST 12 – 18)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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Times and seasons came from God. He made time for the execution of purposes and gives all purposes their seasons. The Bible is the key to understanding the timing of purposes and the purpose of each time. The Lord calls us, as watchmen, gate-keepers and intercessors, to understand the times and decree the manifestation of His purposes for each time. That is what we want to do as we pray into the week ahead.

The 33rd week of the year is the fifth week in the fifth seven weeks of the year. This is a core fifth season week. This week is the beginning of ‘the New Testament side’ of the fifth 7 weeks of the year (July 16 – September 2). This is a week of breaking new grounds. The fifth day of creation was the beginning of progressive movement, voice sound, sensory perception and blessings on earth.

A. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

The fifth day of creation (Genesis 1: 20-23). This is a week of new things in the fifth seven weeks of the year. All the fifths of the Bible are applicable to this week.

The 33rd book of the Bible (Micah). Week 33 is a Book of Micah week in the year.

The 33rd chapters of the Bible.

Deuteronomy 21-25. The fifth section of the fifth book of the Bible is applicable to this week.

First 9 Books of the New Testament (Matthew – Galatians). Week 33 is the beginning of the New Testament side of the fifth seven weeks of the year. It’s is a new beginning.

B. BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 33rd week of the year is like taking a journey through the 33rd book of the Bible. It is also like walking through the 33rd chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Micah and the 33rd chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Micah is a 7-chapter book.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows but be at liberty to follow the leading of the Spirit of God:

August 13: Micah 1; Gen. 33; Exodus 33.

August 14: Micah 2; Numbers 33; Deuteronomy 33.

August 15: Micah 3; 2 Chronicke 33; Job 33

August 16: Micah 4; Psalm 33.

August 17: Micah 5; Ezekiel 33.

August 18: Micah 6; Jeremiah 33;

August 19: Micah 7; Isaiah 33

VERSE FOR THE WEEK

Psalm 33:18-19:
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

C. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WERK

What is the divine agenda for the 33rd week and how can we pray? The Bible reveals six things about the 33rd season:

1. The 33rd season is a time when people meet face to face with the reality they have been hiding from or running from. Micah 1:3-4 says, “For behold, the LORD is coming out of His place; He will come down And tread on the high places of the earth. [4] The mountains will melt under Him, And the valleys will split Like wax before the fire, Like waters poured down a steep place”. In Genesis 33, Jacob came face to face with his brother, Esau, but there was no trouble because God was with him. Manasseh became King in Second Chronicles 33. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. The first time the Atomic Bomb was used was the season of the 33rd President of the United States. Terrorists bombed the twin towers of the World Trade Center at the beginning of the 33rd seven years of the United States. The year 1933 was a season of deadly fiery visitations. In the 33rd year of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida was compelled to step down as Head of State. He handed over to an Interim National Government that lasted only 84 days. Dreaded Sani Abacha overthrew the Interim National Government and became Head of State. Babangida had hoped to transition from military Head of State to a Civilian President. He met fire on the way and bowed.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the righteous will be delivered from their fears. Pray also that the wicked who are unrepentant will run into their fears. This week, let fire-power be released from heaven against the wicked and wickedness.

2. The 33rd season is a time to break up camp and move on to the next level and place. Exodus 33:1-3 says, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ In Numbers 33, Israel’s journey from Egypt to Jordan is summarized – according to starting and stopping points. Three words implying motion (move, departed, went) is used 42 times in this chapter. The word ‘camped’ is also used 42 times in Numbers 33 (NKJV). The death of Aaron at 123 years, on Mount Hur, is recorded in this chapter. His son Eleazar took over from him. This week, the Lord is prompting you to move from camping. This is a no-stopping week. The Lord wants you to move and move and move.

PRAYER: Pray this week that there be a progressive shift for God’s people in the nations. Pray for a positive shift from camping in your life, family, ministry, etc.

3. The 33rd is a season of blessing, redemption, and restoration. In Deuteronomy 33, Moses blessed the children of Israel before his death. In Job 33, Elihu spoke of ransom, redemption, and of a mediator. You do not need any of those three unless there is trouble. They are needed in the 33rd season. In Jeremiah 33, God promised to cause the captivity of Judah to return and to restore Jerusalem.

PRAYER: Pray and prophesy blessings over the nations and over your people this week. Bless the local government areas, counties, cities, and regions. Decree recovery and restoration in the nations.

4. The 33rd is a season of judgment. Second Chronicles 33 is about the evil reign of Manasseh. Although he repented, God decreed captivity against Judah because of the sins of Manasseh. He ruled the longest in Judah but his death is recorded in this chapter. His son and successor, Amon, also ruled and died in this chapter. This chapter ends with the emergence of Josiah – the reformer-grandson of Manasseh. Isaiah 33 is about the judgment coming to Zion and to the Plunderer that had not been plundered. This is a season of plundering the plunderer. The book of Micah is the 33rd book of the Bible and it contains woes and judgments.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the Lord will bring down the wicked in the nations. Pray that He will raise replacements who will reverse the works of the wicked in the land. Pray against fire disasters and destructions from explosions in the cities of nations.

5. The 33rd season is a time to rejoice in the Lord and praise His name. Psalm 33 is a call to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him (1-3) for His powerful word (4-12) and for His sovereign and saving power (13-22). This a week of joy. As we rejoice before the Lord, He will keep pain and sorrow far from us. The presence of the Lord matters greatly in the 33rd season. Moses could not move without God’s presence in Exodus 33.

PRAYER: Pray that this 33rd week will be a week of rejoicing (and not sorrowing) in the land. We have wept enough. This week, let joy overtake mourning in the nations.

6. The 33rd is a watchman season. In Ezekiel 33, the prophet is a appointed a watchman to warn the people of impending disaster. News of the fall of Jerusalem came to Ezekiel in this chapter. Ezekiel 33 is about the certainty of the judgment. The 33rd season is a time when watchmen and gatekeepers must be alert and active.

This is a week to activate Matthew 24: 42-43 where Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour f your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into”.

Knowing “the hour the thief would come” is critical to watching. Every purpose under heaven has its time; and every time has its purpose. Understanding the time gives us advantage over situations and frees us from becoming victims of the enemy’s surprise. We also watch because we do not always know ‘when’.

PRAYER: This week, pray for grace to stand on the watch with your spiritual senses on alert. Pray also that watchmen in the nations will be alert and not slumber. Pray also that the watchmen declare, promptly, what they see.

God is a Watchman over His people – especially this week.

Happy 33rd week of the year!

The 248th Year of the United States (July 2023 – July 2024)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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On July 4, 2021, the United States began the journey into her sixth 49 years – from independence in 1776. The nation is in a book-of-Joshua season. Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible and holds the prophetic pattern for America’s sixth 49 years.

This is a season to wake up from slumber or be conquered. This is a season to battle for the promised land. If nothing changes in this season, America will lose the land she inherited to invading forces. An invasion and attack is purposed against the Land. The invaders are stuck at ‘Jordan’ and trying to figure out how to cross over. The invaders have been at ‘Jordan’ since the middle of 2021. The invading forces have a Jordan to cross before hitting America. The first 7 years of America’s sixth 49 years (the 36th seven years – July 2021 – July 2028) is for crossing ‘the Jordan’.

Overtaking America is not an easy task. Only Heaven can make it possible. Islamic terrorists cannot destroy America without the Hand of God. BRICS, by herself, cannot have ascendancy over the US unless the Strength of Israel makes it possible; but her emergence is a clear sign of bad days ahead. Hatred for America is increasing everyday. It is like what is written in Revelation 17: “And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. [17] For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled” (Revelation 17:16-17).

That is the reason alignment with God is imperative for the United States at this time. This 36th seven years from independence (2021-2028) is a Book of Zephaniah season in America. Zephaniah is the 36th book of the Bible and corresponds to America’s current season. This 36th book of the Bible, with the 36th chapters of the Bible, hold the guiding light for America’s present season.

The agenda of Darkness is to overtake America in her 36th seven years – as Esau’s story blocked Jacob’s in Genesis 36, as disaster overtook Judah in Second Chronicles 36, as the tribe of Manasseh faced the risk of losing part of their possession in Numbers 36 – if the daughters of Zelophehad married outside their tribe, as Sennacherib threatened Judah in Isaiah 36, as the king of Judah destroyed Jeremiah’s scroll in Jeremiah 36 and as the Darkness of the Day of the Lord loomed in the 36th book of the Bible (Zephaniah).

THE 248TH YEAR

On July 4, 2023, America celebrated the 247th anniversary of her independence and began the journey into the 248th year. The 248th year of the United States (July 4, 2023 – July 3, 2024) is the third year in America’s 36th seven years. This is also the third year in her sixth 49 years. The basic Bible patterns for understanding the 248th year are

1. The narrative of the third day of creation. 

2. The third section of the 36th book of the Bible.

3. The third 10 books of the Bible.

The 248th year of the United States is a third day of creation year. On the third day of creation, God manifested the earth as a dominant productive platform. He first gave command to the previously dominating waters under heaven to be gathered together in one place. God overthrew the waters and established the dry ground (earth). This is a year of overthrows and establishment. It is a year of removing dysfunctional forces to unveil people and things hidden by the waters of evil systems. This is a year of revelations within the 36th seven years.

The 248th year of the United States is a book of Leviticus year. The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is about connecting heaven and earth through sacrifices and offering and a holy and consecrated priestly ministry. It is about offering acceptable worship to God. The third book of the Bible agrees with what God did on the third day of creation. He dismantled the barrier to fellowship between heaven (firmament) and earth (dry ground). The 248th year is a season of priestly intercession. It is a year of lifting and moving the barrier to fellowship between Heaven and America. This is a year of connecting heaven and earth in America by removing or relocating the waters separating them. This is a year to connect to connect to the Spirit of life against the the sprit of death and dryness working in present – as God created vegetation on the third day of creation.

The 248th year of the United States is a third chapters of the Bible season. It is a year of ‘reset’. The third chapters of the Bible are the game-changing chapters. They reset the course or direction in any book of the Bible. Genesis 3 reset the course in the book. God called Moses to go and deliver Israel from bondage in Exodus 3. Israel crossed Jordan in Joshua 3. Samuel began his prophetic-priestly ministry in First Samuel 3. Solomon received wisdom from God in First Kings 3. Jesus received the voice from heaven in the third chapters of Matthew and Luke. John 3 is a game-chapter. Acts 3 exposed the early church and reset the course of the book.

The 248th year of the United States is a Zephaniah 1: 14-18 year. The 36th book of the Bible (Zephaniah) is a 3-chapter book that can be divided into seven sections. The third section of the book is applicable to the third year in the 36th seven years of the United States. In this section, the prophet introduced the day of the Lord and says it is near. Zephaniah 1:14-18 says, “The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. “I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh like refuse.” Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land”. This year is for opening the eyes of people in America to what is on the horizon. The goal is to awaken people to repentance and prayer.

The 248th year of the United States is Ecclesiastes – Amos year in her 36th 7 Years. Going through any seven year season is like taking a journey through the Bible. Every seven-year season has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four years of the season belong to the Old Testament side and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three years of the season constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The third year of the seven-year season is the third year in the Old Testament side of the season; and expresses the third 10 books of the Old Testament and the Bible. In the third 10 books of the Bible, God sent His prophets to speak to the people. They confronted the people, warned them against judgment, comforted the faithful, and brought judgment on the arrogant. The third year is for the overthrow of the rebellious and establishment of the humble and just. How America fares in this season depends on her attitude and response to the word of God. The 248th year of the United States is a year of prophetic confrontation and judgment Pray that America will listen to prophets sent to her.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE UNITED STATES

  1. 1. Pray that the majority of United States will be healed of spiritual blindness and awakened from slumber.

2. Pray that prophets sent to the United States at this time will be loud and clear in declaring the Word of the Lord for the season.

THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR (JULY 30 – AUGUST 5)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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Seasons do not always bring what they should. People can have drought in a time of rain; or war in a time of peace. That is the reason Zechariah 10:1 says we should ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain. God’s watchmen should align with the Lord in the matter of seasons to also get each time to align with divine purpose.

The 31st season is Heaven’s season of change. It is a time for watchmen, gatekeepers, and intercessors to draw the line, shut the door to the old narrative and open the gates to the new. This is a gate of time for progressive change. Amen! Let it be so this week in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 31ST WEEK

  1. Week 31 is a third-day-of-creation week (Genesis 1: 9-13). The 31st week has its pattern in the third day of creation when God ended the reign of the waters and manifested the earth to bring forth vegetation.

This is a week of triumph over death.

  1. Week 31 is a book of Obadiah week. The 31st book of the Bible (Obadiah) is a one-chapter and 21-verse book. Obadiah prophesied the overthrow and destruction of Edom; and the deliverance and restoration of God’s people to possess their possession. In five verses (17-21), the words ‘possess’ and ‘possession’ are used eight times. This 31st week is a week of deliverance and possessing possessions.
  2. Week 31 is a 31st-chapters-of-the-Bible week. The 31st chapters of the Bible indicate the 31st is the end of old things and the beginning of new things. In Genesis 31, Jacob fled the house of Laban by the word of the Lord. The sons of Laban became envious of his wealth and prosperity and began to complain about him. Jacob was no longer comfortable. That was the end of his twenty-year sojourn with his uncle. In Exodus 31, God called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and other assisting artisans, to undertake the work of constructing the tabernacle – so that God would have a dwelling place among His people. God did not put it in the hands of Moses and Aaron to do the work; although Moses received the pattern. Power changes hands in the 31st season. In Numbers 31, God commanded Moses to fight against the Midianites and overthrow them. They also killed Balaam there. The 31st week is a week of divine vengeance. Numbers 31:7-8  says, “And they warred against the Midianites, just as the LORD commanded Moses, and they killed all the males. They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed-Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword”. In Deuteronomy 31, Joshua became the new leader of Israel. Moses gave his farewell speech to Israel in that chapter. In First Samuel 31, Saul and his three sons died in the battle field. That made way for David to become the new king of Israel. In Second Chronicles 31, Hezekiah carried out sweeping religious reforms and overthrew idol worship in Judah. In Job 31, the servant of God gave his last long speech before Elihu took over from chapters 32-37.  He swore and invoked curses to come upon him if he had done wrong. Job 31 ends with “The words of Job are ended”. In the 31st season, the old gives way to the new. In Psalms 31, the psalmist prays for deliverance and against coming to an end. He also prays for the end of the wicked. Psalm 31:15-18 says, “My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. [16] Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake. [17] Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave. [18] Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous”. Proverbs, the book of divine wisdom, ends in Chapter 31; and the last chapter ends at verse 31. Whereas Proverbs 1-30 are the words of a father to his son, the 31st chapter consists of the words of a mother to  her son. In Proverbs 31, the male teacher stopped and female teacher took over. Isaiah 31 is a pronouncement of judgment against those who rebel against God. The 31st season is for war; the wicked against the righteous; and righteousness against wickedness. Jeremiah 31 is the promise of return, comfort, and the end of sorrow and weeping in Judah. It is in this chapter also (Jeremiah 31:31-34) that God spoke of ending the Old Covenant and introducing the New Covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-34  “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” In Ezekiel 31, the prophet spoke of the overthrow and humiliation of Egypt
  3. Week 31 is a Deuteronomy 11-15 week. Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible; and is applicable to the fifth 7 weeks of the year. The third five chapters of the fifth book of the Bible is applicable to the third week in the 5th seven weeks of the year. In the third 5 chapters of Deuteronomy, God commanded Israel to love the Lord and separate themselves from the ways of the other nations. He gave them commandments about how they must live as a distinguished people; to ensure the continuous flow of His favor and blessings. The old ways of doing things come to an end in the 31st season. 

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Going through the 31st week of the year (July 30 – August 5 in a clear year) is like taking a prophetic journey through the 31st book of the Bible (Obadiah) and 31st chapters of the Bible. So, the Book of Obadiah and the 31st chapters of the Bible are great guiding lights for the week. Obadiah is a one-chapter, 21-verse book.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

July 30: Obadiah 1:1-21
July 31: Gen. 31; Exod. 31
August 1: Num. 31; Deut. 31
August 2: 1 Sam. 31; 2 Chron. 31
August 3: Job 31; Psa. 31
August 4: Prov. 31; Isa. 31
August 5: Jer. 31; Ezek. 31

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 31ST WEEK

The 31st season is change-over and hand-over season. The longest months in the Hebrew Calendar have 30 days. What should have been the 31st day of the month is the beginning of a new month. The longest months in the Gregorian calender has 31 days. No month has 32 days! After the 31st day, a new month begins.

Ancient and modern history also bear witness that ‘the 31st’ is an endpoint and a new beginning.

In Africa, three countries gained independence in the 31st week of 1960: Benin (August 1), Niger (August 3), Burkina Faso (August 5). In Nigeria, the military administration of Yakubu Gowon began in the 31st week of 1966 following the murder of Aguiyi-Ironsi. Nine years later, in the 31st week of 1975, Murtala Mohammed overthrew Yakubu Gowon in a bloodless coup and started a new regime. Twelve of Nigeria’s 36 states began in her 31st year (1991) either by creation or change of name. The same year (1991), Nigeria’s Capital moved effectively from Lagos to Abuja.

In the United States, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ written in 1814 was adopted as the National Anthem in 1931 (March 3). After the 31st president of the United States, Herbert Hoover, the Republicans did not return to power till after 20 years (1933-1953). His successor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was elected for a fourth consecutive term. That was the first and last time a President was elected for a fourth term in the history of the United States. A new beginning followed the 31st President. In the season of the 31st president, the Great Depression wiped out a lot of investors. Things come to an end in the 31st season. After the 31st seven years of the US (the Reagan/Bush season – 1986 – 1993), a era of unique leadership ended. Ronald Reagan is a reference point in US politics. In that season, the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union collapsed, and Kuwait was saved from annexation by Iraq. Bush was the first sitting Vice President to be elected President. After the 31st seven years, Madeleine Albright became the first female Secretary of State (1997-2001) in the 32nd seven years. Margaret Thatcher, the first female UK Prime minister, was in service in the 31st seven years of the United States, and she came to power after the 31st Prime Minister from Benjamin Disraeli, the first to use the title of Prime Minister. In the 31st seven years of the United Kingdom, a number of significant things happened: enfranchisement of women both in the UK and the United States and the beginning of women being elected to the legislature both in Britain and America; the Balfour Declaration supporting a Jewish National Home in Palestine; the defeat of the central powers in World War One. The year 1931 was a year of new beginnings. The crushing Russia – Ukraine War that started in 2022 began in the 31st year of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

  1. Pray that this 31st week of the year is a time of deliverance and possessing possessions in the nations. Pray that this a week of moving into freedom and peace for many people.
  2. Pray that saviors will arise from every quarter and judge ‘the house of Esau’ in the nations and that the Lord may possess His possession on earth. This week, declare Obadiah 1:21 – “. . Saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s”.
  3. Pray that this 31st week of the year will be the end of the old narrative of wickedness, oppression and exploitation in nations. Pray it is the beginning of a positive new story in the nations. Pray that ‘Omri’ will not rise in the nations this 31st week as it did in the 31st year of Asa king of Judah (1 Kings 16: 23).
  4. Pray against destructions and the wasting of lives in the nations this week.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Isaiah 31:4-5:
“For thus the LORD has spoken to me: “As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the LORD of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. [5] Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it.”

Happy 31st week of the year.

THE 30TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JULY 23 – 29)

By
Nkem Okemiri
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Every week of the year is a gate of time for some heavenly purposes. The kingdom of darkness also seeks access to each gate of time with her evil agenda. Spiritual atchmen should watch over gates of time diligently. This is a day of engaging heaven to make a way where there seems to be no way.

The 30th week of the year is the second week in the 5th seven weeks of the year. It falls in the season of ‘Bein ha-Metzarim’ (‘The Three Weeks’ of the ‘Straits of Tammuz’ – ” a period of mourning commemorating the destruction of first and second Jewish temples”.

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE WEEK

  1. The second day of creation (Genesis 1: 6-8).
  2. The 30th book of the Bible (Amos)
  3. The 30th chapters of the Bible
  4. The second five chapters of the 5th book of the Bible.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Amos 1 – 9: Going through the 30th week of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the Amos.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

What does the Bible reveal concerning the 30th?

  1. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through wisdom. Proverbs 30:18-19, 24-28 shows that wisdom will find a way where there is no way. It says, “There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: [19] The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. [24] There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: [25] The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; [26] The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; [27] The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; [28] The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces”.

1b. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through desperate search for answers. It is a time to contend for desires. In Genesis 30, there was crisis in Jacob’s family. Rachael wanted a child desperately. She gave her maid, Bilhah, to her husband and she gave birth to Dan and Naphtali. Leah also gave her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob; and she gave birth to Gad and Asher. Leah eventually gave birth to her last two sons – Issachar and Zebulun. She also gave birth to her only daughter, Dinah. At last, Rachael gave birth to Joseph. Jacob had seven sons and one daughter in this chapter. Jacob also made a deal with Laban that made him wealthy; after he had thought of leaving his father in-law with his family. In Genesis 30, Jacob’s family went from desperation to celebration.

The 30th week is a season of battling barriers with God’s power; not a season of striving with men in fleshly pride. The 30th season is a time of struggles and battles to find a way where there is no way. It is a time of finding answers by engaging the wisdom and power of God. The enemy wants the 30th week to be a week of dysfunctional contentions and disasters. God wants it to be a week of overcoming barriers. 

In Genesis 30, God opened the womb of Rachel and she gave birth to Joseph. The contentions did not open her womb but seeking God did. Jacob also found a way to prosper under Laban without contention. Thanks to dialogue. In First Samuel 30, David’s men contended with him over the raid of their Ziklagl camp and the abduction of their families. David sought God and found a way to recover all the enemy took from them. India sought independence from Britain in 1930 through non-violent civil disobedience. They averted disasters. Negotiations began. It is not a season to seek independence from God. It is a time to agree with God. The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge signed, into law, the Native American Citizenship Act – thus granting citizenship rights to native Americans born within the United States territory. In the opening months of the 30th seven years of United States, under President Jimmy Carter administration, Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accord in 1978. The 1983 Beirut bombing that cost America the lives of 241 officers was reaction to America’s role in Lebanese Civil War. The 1983 invasion of Grenada cost America so much too. The misguided Gideon Orka coup to overthrow Ibrahim Babangida government on April 22 was a disaster. It happened in the 30th year of Nigeria. The coup plotters were executed July 27, 1990; the 30th week of the year that was also Nigeria’s 30th year.

The 30th season does not support contentions and revolutions. It is a season of accords and treaties. It is a season to make peace with God. In the fifth chapter of the 30th book of the Bible, Prophet Amos said, “Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel” (Amos 5:6)The 30th season is a season of recovery from losses. Second Chronicles 30 is about Hezekiah’s landmark celebration of the Passover. There had been nothing like that since the days of Solomon. The 30th season is a season of recovery and restoration. Jeremiah 30 is the promise of the restoration of Judah. Jeremiah 30:18-22 says, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’” Jeremiah 30 shows that the 30th season is a season of restoration.

The 30th week is a season of shift from pain to joy. Psalms 30 reveals that the 30th season is a turnaround season when morning takes the place of night, when joy takes the place of weeping, when dancing takes the place of mourning, and gladness takes the place of sackcloth. In First Samuel 30, Amalekites raided David’s camp at Ziklag and abducted the families of David and his men. They wept until they had no more strength to weep. David sought God and received grace to recover all. He went from pain to joy.

The 30th season is a time of judgment. The book of Amos is the 30th book of the Bible; and in that book, the prophet declares the judgment of God against nations for their transgressions. Deuteronomy 30 is about curses following rebellion against God and blessings following repentance and obedience. It about choosing between death and life or blessing and cursing. The 30th week is for making decision to stay up or down; to go up or come down. Isaiah 30 is the hopelessness of rebellion against God; as in Israel trusting in Egypt against the counsel of God. It is also about the graciousness of God promising restoration to Zion, and about the judgment of Assyria. In the 30th season, the pain of those who trust in God is turned to joy. Ezekiel 30 is the word of the Lord against Egypt and Ethiopia in the days of the captivity.

This week may begin with frustration and discomfort, but the Lord will make, and show, a way where there is no way; and the week will end with joy. This week, stay glued to God. Turn away from things that are offensive to Him. Cry out to Him for a way where there is no way. Then, follow His leading. Follow peace with all men.

PRAYER POINTS

Give thanks to God for taking us through the 29th week of the year.

Pray against envy and strife in nations, organizations, the churches, and families – as was seen in Jacob’s family in Genesis 30 or with David and his men in First Samuel 30.

Pray that this week is marked by holy desperation that will yield positive results in the church and in the nations. Let this be a week of breakthroughs; a week of finding a way where there is no way – as it happened for Rachel in the birth of Joseph; and as Jacob found the way and deal to wealth in Genesis 30.

Pray that our world will experience mercy rather judgments in this week; and that we shall not be visited with the woes of the book of Amos (the 30th book of the Bible). Pray for an outpour of the spirit of repentance in nations.

Pray that our families, homes, businesses and churches are shielded from abductions and fire disasters in this 30th week. Pray against the kind of mishap that came against David and his men in First Samuel 30. Pray that this is not a week of tears of sorrow in families, churches, businesses and nations.

Pray that this is a week of recovery from losses as David and His men recovered all in First Samuel 30. Let this week be that morning when weeping ceases and joy begins as in Psalm 30.

Pray that this will be a week of revival in the lives of individuals, families, churches, businesses and nations as Hezekiah led Judah to a revival of the Passover in Second Chronicles 30.

This 30th week, pray for the release of the wisdom and force that will make a way where there is none (as in Proverbs 30) and move us from desperation to celebration. Let this be a week when joy overtakes weeping; and mourning turns into dancing.

FURTHER PRAYERS

“”O Lord, keep us, this week, from blaming the wrong people for our problems as Rachel blamed Leah and Jacob. Deliver us from looking for help and answers in the wrong places as Rachel sought the answer to her barrenness in her maid. Keep us from celebrating half-measures as full answers; and from seeing fruits of compromise as fulfillment of the promise. May we never see Dan and Naphthali that came from Bilhah as the ALL, or as the Joseph, that should come from Rachel. Deliver us, this week, from the kind of strife and unnecessary contention that existed between Rachel and Leah in Genesis 30. Guide us to pursue cooperation instead of competition. Give us wisdom and patience for growth and triumph as you gave to Jacob to multiply his livestock..

SCRIPTURES FOR THE WEEK

Jeremiah 30:18-22: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’”

Happy 30th week of the year!

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ABOUT ME

Nkem Okemiri is a herald of patterns, principles, and seasons, for the restoration of eternal purposes on earth. He has a mandate to bring understanding of times and seasons to the nations using a biblical model. He proclaims that NOW is the time to actualize dreams and expectations leading to the manifestation of The kingdom on earth

Contact Me: gotawakening@gmail.com
Phone: 08027444825, 08057900364

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