PRAYING INTO THE 15TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (APRIL 8-14)

By

-

April 8, 2023

The 15th week is the beginning of a game-changing season in the year – the third seven weeks of the year (April 9 – May 27). The third’ is a turning point in the Bible – whether it is third day, third year, third chapter, third book, third seven chapters, third seven books, or third king. The things that pertain to ‘the third’ also apply to the third 7 weeks, third 7 years, third 49 years or third century. The third seven weeks of the year is critical in any year – whether you are dealing with the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, the death of Mussolini and Hitler in 1945, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the rebirth of Germany in 1949, or the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Going through the third 7 weeks of the year is like taking a swift prophetic journey through the third seven books of the Bible (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes). Going through the third seven weeks of the year (weeks 15-21) is like going through Genesis 15-21, Revelation 15-21 and other third 7 chapters of the Bible. Going through the third seven weeks of the year is like going through 1515 – 1521 in the 16th century, 1615 – 1621 in the 17th century, 1715 – 1721 in the 18th century, 1815-1821 in the 19th century, like 1915-1921 in the 20th century and 2015 – 2021 in the 21st century. Going through the third seven weeks of the year is like going through the third seven centuries of the church (15th – 21st century) in a year. The third seven weeks of the year is for resetting platforms and changing the course of things in the year. It is a season of spiritual emphasis. It is a season of prayer, fasting, meditation, worship, kingdom service and spiritual warfare. So, the 15th week is a strategic gate of time.

How should we pray into this week? Here are seven basic things that can guide us to pray into the 15th week:

1. The 15th week is a Book of Ezra week. Ezra is the 15th book of the Bible. The 15th season is a time to restore, return and rebuild. In the 15th book of the Bible, Cyrus, king of Persia, in response to the Word of God, issued a written proclamation releasing the Jews to go and rebuild the temple of God at Jerusalem that the Babylonians had destroyed. He restored the articles the Babylonians took from the temple of God and put in the temples of their gods. This is a week to heed the Cyrus-call – to return and rebuild. It is a week to remember Jerusalem. This week, the Lord is calling us to rebuild the house of prayer – the temple of the Holy Spirit – in our lives and in the nations. In the 15th book of the Bible, Ezra went to Jerusalem, as a scribe, to teach the people the law. As preparation for the rest of the third 7 weeks, the 15th week is for giving attention to reading, doing and teaching the Word of God.

PRAYER: Pray for grace to give due attention to fixing the House of God in your life. Pray to fix your life for Him. Pray that God’s people will give proper attention to reading, hearing, doing and teaching God’s word. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Israel).

2. The 15th week is for the release and fulfillment of the Word of God. It is a season when God stirs the heart of His people to do what He said He would do. In First Samuel 15, God sent Saul to go and perform the word He spoke concerning Amalek in Exodus 17. In the 15th book of the Bible, the proclamation of Cyrus was made to fulfill Gods word through Jeremiah. The emergence of Cyrus was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 44 and 45. In Acts 15, the apostles made reference to the prophecy of Amos about rebuilding the Tabernacle of David that had fallen. Revelation 15 speaks of God’s judgment that had been manifested. This week, the Lord will draw our hearts to aspects of His word that are calling for fulfillment. The word of the Lord is precious in the 15th season. The Word of the Lord came to Abraham in Genesis 15, to Asa in Second Chronicles 15, to Cyrus in the 15th book of the Bible and to John the Baptist in the 15th year of Caesar Tiberius. The Word that came to John the Baptist was a fulfillment of Isaiah 40. The 15th season is a season of the Word. It is not a surprise that the Word of God was first printed in the 15th century (the Gutenberg Bible).

PRAYER: Pray for sensitivity and grace to receive and run with the word of God this 15th week. Pray that prophecies will be fulfilled in nations around the world as we move with the word. Pray against temptations to disregard the word of God or to give partial obedience to the Word this week.

3. The 15th week is for the restoration and recovery of what was lost. In Luke 15, Jesus spoke 3 parables of restoration and recovery – the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. The enemy pushes for losses in this season. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated this week in 1865 (April 15). On that day, the plan of the wicked was to kill the President, Vice President and Secretary of State n their different locations. The Vice President and Secretary of State escaped the enemy’s plan. This week in 2014 (April 14), 276 Chidok high school girls were abducted by Boko Haram in North-east Nigeria. The 15th season is also a season of rebuilding and restoring ruined places. The 15th book of the Bible (Ezra) is about recovery and restoration. The 15th chapter of First Corinthians is about the resurrection of the dead. This is a week of action against death or the loss of lives. The spirit of death is very active in this season but the spirit of life is much more active. So, we must align with the spirit of life, revival and recovery.

PRAYER: Pray against losses (of people, possessions and position) this week. Pray against abduction of innocent people. Pray for revival in nations around the world. Proclaim revival and resurrection over the week. Pray, especially, against the loss of lives in the nations this week.

4. The 15th week is for singing to God. In Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam sang to the Lord after Israel crossed the Red Sea. There was singing and dancing in First Chronicles 15 when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem. The 15th book of the Bible gives attention singers. There was singing in Revelation 15. They sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb. In Luke 15, the outcome of finding what was lost was celebration. The 15th seven psalms (99-105) are psalms of prayers, testimonies, thanksgiving, songs and praises to God.

PRAYER: Declare Psalm 101 and sing a new song to the Lord. Pray the 15th week will be a week of singing, dancing, jubilation and celebration.

5. The 15th week is for contending against opposition and resistance to God’s move in the season. The enemy will do everything possible to stop or frustrate the work of God in your hands. Sanballat and Tobiah rose against the Jews rebuilding the temple in the 15th book of the Bible. The work stopped, was restarted and then completed. Don’t let the devil stop you this week! In Acts 15, the council at Jerusalem dealt with the opposition against admission of gentile believers into the church. Jesus was crucified in Mark 15. It was this spirit of opposition and resistance working in the 15th season that reacted against the existence of Abraham Lincoln and had him killed on April 15, 1865. The 15th seven years of the United States (from 1776) ended with the assassination of the 20th President, James A. Garfield on July 2, 1881 two days to Independence Day.

PRAYER: Pray against resistance and opposition to the fulfillment of God’s word in your life, family and nation. Take a stand in the spirit against Sanballat and Tobiah and their allies.

6. The 15th week marks a new beginning we must enter by faith. This week is a terminus for the status quo. Babylonian captivity of the Jews ended in the 15th book of the Bible; and the Return began. The Promise of the child born in Genesis 21 began in Genesis 15. In Exodus 15, Israel was on the other side of the Red Sea where Egyptians were no longer a threat. In First Samuel 15, God finally rejected Saul and the search for a new king began. King Asa carried out sweeping reforms in Judah in Second Chronicles 15. That was a new beginning for God’s people in Judah. In Acts 15, Gentiles were formally admitted into the church. It was a new beginning for Gentile believers. Paul and Barnabas parted ways in this chapter too (Acts 15: 36-41).

PRAYER: Pray and decree a positive new beginning in the year. Proclaim by faith that this week marks a new beginning in the year for God’s people in the nations.

7. The 15th week of the year is a Psalm 99-105 week: The 15th week of the year consists of Days 99-105 and going through it is like taking a prophetic journey through Psalms 99-105 (the 15th seven psalms). (The psalms call us to magnify God and call us to exalt God, thank Him, bless Him, praise Him and sing to Him. The 15th week is a time to reflect on the person of God and His work among His people and in the nations.

PRAYER: Bless the Lord, worship Him and speak of His marvelous works on the earth. Pray that praise will rise to God in the nations.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 15TH WEEK:

Psalms 99-105 and Ezra 1-10 are great guiding lights for the week. You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

April 8: Psalm 99 & Ezra 1-2
April 9: Psalm 100 & Ezra 3-4
April 10: Psalm 101 & Ezra 5-6
April 11: Psalm 102 & Ezra 7
April 12: Psalm 103 & Ezra 8
April 13: Psalm 104 & Ezra 9
April 14: Psalm 105 & Ezra 10

SUMMARY: This is a week of heart-felt worship, singing, celebration, turnarounds, triumphs, fulfillment of prophecies and recovery of what was lost.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

Exodus 15:26: “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Happy 15th week of the year!

Praying Into March 30: The Mystery of Day 89

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 30, 2023

0

Welcome to Day 89! The 89th day is the fifth day of the thirteenth week. It is a fifth-season day. It is Day 40 of the second 49 days. Day 89 is March 30 in a clear year and March 29 in a leap year. This is the beginning of the ‘new testament’ of the second 49 days of the year. The story of the fifth day of creation, the 89th psalm, and the fifth four chapters of First Chronicles, are the key Bible patterns for understanding Day 89.

Day 89 is a fifth day of creation day in the 13th week.God made sea creatures and birds of the air on the fifth day. The fifth day of creation was a day of generosity to the waters. God gave fish to the waters. He did not tell the waters to bring forth the water creatures; as He did to the earth concerning vegetation on the third day of creation. The fifth season is a time of favor and liberty. When the birds spread their wings to fly, and the fish spread their fins to swim, they remind us of the righteousness and justice of God. In the fifth season, the obedient enjoy blessings while the disobedient experience curses. God’s word is Preeminent in the fifth season. How you end up depends on your attitude to the word of God. Day 89 is a God day and a Word of God day. All eyes and attention are to be on Him and His Word in a fifth season.

Day 89 is a First Chronicles 18-21 day in the 13th week. The fifth section of the 13th book of the Bible is applicable to fifth day of the 13th week. The eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth chapters are a record of David’s military exploits – against the nations (Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Ammonites). In the 21st chapter, Satan moved David to number Israel and brought a plague of death on the land. By the word of the Lord, he bought over the threshing floor of Ornan, built an altar there, sacrificed to the Lord, and the plague ended. Day 89 is a day of triumph through dependence on the faithfulness of God. This is a day of battles and triumph. It is a day to recover lost ground.

LESSONS FROM 1 CHRONICLES 18-21

1. The altar on the threshing floor of Ornan represents the ascendancy of the spiritual over the fleshly. A threshing floor is for the service of the flesh. An altar is for the ministry and service of spirit to Spirit. This is a day to exalt the spirit above the flesh.

2. The altar on the threshing floor represents the redemption and recovery of a holy ground. That was Moriah – where Isaac was to be slain for God. This is a day to recover lost spiritual grounds.

3. The altar on the threshing floor represents foundation for the future. The temple was built on Moriah. Christ was crucified at Calvary on Mount Moriah. This is a day to lay spiritual foundation for the far and near future

4. The best happens when God turns your weakness into strength. In First Chronicles 18-20, David and his men fought and won battles. In First Chronicles 21, David was in defeat and weakness; but that was how God secured the ground (Calvary) where the Son of David fought and won the greatest of battles. The Lord will overtake the enemy today.

Day 89 is the beginning of the New Testament side of the 13th week. Going through any seven-day week is like journeying through the Bible. Every week has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days is the Old Testament side; while the remaining three days is the New Testament side. The fifth day of the week is the beginning of e New Testament side of the week; and has its guiding light in the first 9 books of the New Testament (Matthew – Galatians). Day 89 is for battling and defeating the enemy. It is a day of salvation, freedom, and fulfillment of prophecies.

Day 89 is a Book of Matthew day in the second 49 days of the year. Day 89 is the 40th day in the second 49 days of the year; and corresponds to Matthew, the 40th book of the Bible. The Bible reveals that the fortieth is a turning-point. The New Testament opens with the 40th book of the Bible. It marks the end of a phase. The 40th chapters of the Bible are also applicable to this 40th day in the second 49 days. Joseph became a problem-solver in the prison in Genesis 40. In Exodus 40, the tabernacle was dedicated and the glory of God filled it. Job began to repent in Job 40. Psalm 40 is a testimony of answers to prayer. Isaiah 40 is a message of comfort. Jeremiah 40 follows the fall of Jerusalem in the 39th chapter. Jeremiah is vindicated and rewarded here. Ezekiel 40 is the beginning of the prophet’s vision of the new city and temple. In the 40th book of the Bible, the Bible records the fulfillment of prophesies of the OT concerning the Messiah.

Day 89 is a Psalm 89 day. The 52-verse Psalm 89 is a psalm of the grace, mercy, and faithfulness, of God. It’s all about God.

Psalm 89:1-4 says, “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. [2] For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.” [3] “I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: [4] ‘Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.’” Selah”

The psalmist speaks of the greatness and excellency of God. Grace magnifies God.

Psalm 89:5-18 says, “And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. [6] For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? [7] God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. [8] O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. [9] You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. [10] You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. [11] The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them. [12] The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name. [13] You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand. [14] Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. [15] Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. [16] In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. [17] For You are the glory of their strength, And in Your favor our horn is exalted. [18] For our shield belongs to the LORD, And our king to the Holy One of Israel”.

The psalmist speaks of the election of David and of God’s extravagant grace to him.

Psalm 89:19-37 says, “Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, And said: “I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. [20] I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him, [21] With whom My hand shall be established; Also My arm shall strengthen him. [22] The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. [23] I will beat down his foes before his face, And plague those who hate him. [24] “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted. [25] Also I will set his hand over the sea, And his right hand over the rivers. [26] He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.’ [27] Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth. [28] My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him. [29] His seed also I will make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven. [30] “If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, [31] If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments, [32] Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. [33] Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail. [34] My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. [35] Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: [36] His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me; [37] It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah”

The psalmist complains to God about deserting His heritage. He actually seems to put the responsibility for their condition on God. He has a thirteen-point charge against God. He could not synchronize God’s promises to David and what His people were experiencing.

Psalm 89:38-45 says, “But You have cast off and abhorred, You have been furious with Your anointed. [39] You have renounced the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground. [40] You have broken down all his hedges; You have brought his strongholds to ruin. [41] All who pass by the way plunder him; He is a reproach to his neighbors. [42] You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice. [43] You have also turned back the edge of his sword, And have not sustained him in the battle. [44] You have made his glory cease, And cast his throne down to the ground. [45] The days of his youth You have shortened; You have covered him with shame. Selah”.

Psalm 89:46-52 further says, “How long, LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire? [47] Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men? [48] What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah [49] Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses, Which You swore to David in Your truth? [50] Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants- How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, [51] With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.”

He ends with an acknowledgement of the worthiness of God.“Blessed be the LORD forevermore! Amen and Amen”. There is no blame in God. Even God’s chastisement of His children is an expression of grace.

Day 89 is a Matthew – Galatians day in the 13th week. It is a day of the compassionate intervention of God. Every week is like a journey through the Bible having an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days of the week belong to the Old Testament side and expresses the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three days of the week constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The fifth day of the week is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week; and expresses the first nine books of the New Testament. The first 9 books of the NT are about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. The books are about the love and grace of God granting salvation and justification to humanity by faith. This is a day to enter experientially into the New Testament side of the week. It is a day of answers to prayers, fulfillment of prophecies, and delivery of promises. The New Testament side is the spiritual and deeper side. The New Testament side is the side of manifestation. The old has passed away; and the new has begun. Dreams for the week are expected to come to pass and promises should be fulfilled. Expect deliverance and divine intervention

.DECREE AND DECLARE: At creation, God spoke His will into each day. He made us in His image and likeness; and expects us to release His will into each day. Decree this day that the flesh will not overtake the spirit in your life, family, organisation and nation. Decree a change in the week and declare that today is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week. As a Book-of-Matthew day, decree that Emmanuel (God is with us) takes over. As a New Testament type day, decree that the love of God will overtake human error and failure. Today, submit to the spirit against the flesh. Walk in the spirit and make no room for the flesh. The fifth season is a season of giving spiritual interpretations to earthly manifestations. Today, make it your watchword to walk in the spirit and obey God’s Word. Walking in the spirit is the key to gaining all. Birds (representing the spirit) fly above and eat from the land, the sea, and the air. Today, cry out to God against oppression and for the pains in your life. Speak out also. Trust Him to intervene in your affairs and in the affairs of people around you. Determine to make a next-level move. It’s time to shift base in the spirit! Today, put yourself on the side of blessing by choosing obedience instead of curses by choosing disobedience.

Today, hold on to God’s word and bring God’s word before Him. Day 89 is a day to draw God’s attention to His Word and the situation in your life. It is a day to see the fulfillment of God’s word. Happy 89th day.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

http://timeline.ws/days/03_30.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_30

PRAYING INTO THE 13TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (March 25 – 31)

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 25, 2023

0

The 13th book and chapters of the Bible reveal six broad things concerning the 13th season that can guide us to pray into the 13th week of the year.

1. The 13th season is the beginning of a new phase. The 13th book of the Bible (First Chronicles) is a new beginning. The 12th book of the Bible ends with the captivity of Judah but the 13th book opens with the genealogy found in Genesis 5 and 11. Paul’s missionary journeys began in Acts 13. Saul of Tarsus became Paul in Acts 13. Believers were first called Christians in Acts 13. From Acts 13, Paul takes over and his epistles are a product of what happened in Acts 13 – 28. This is a prophetic indicator of the significance of the 13th season. Slavery was abolished in the United States within the 13th seven years of the nation and by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. The season of the 13th monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III, is the beginning of a new phase in UK monarchy. The 13th week is a dividing line in the year.

PRAYER: Proclaim a new beginning in the year and pray for a positive change of story and direction in the nations.

2. The 13th season is a season of separation. In this season, God separates people, places and things to Himself. Deuteronomy 13 is about how Israelites should deal with those who will tempt them to step out of their consecration to serve other gods. In Judges 13, Samson’s mother was to consecrate herself to conceive and give birth to a Nazirite. In First Samuel 13, King Saul offered a sacrifice he was not consecrated for and was rejected from being king. In First Kings 13, the man of God from Judah was commanded to separate himself from people because of the the task God gave him. He violated his consecration and paid dearly for it. The 13th book of the Bible (First Chronicles) is about people chosen for a special work – from Adam down to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David and Solomon the temple-builder. Those men were chosen to prepare a habitation (a chosen place) for God on earth. In First Chronicles 13, the Ark of God was conveyed on a cart instead of being carried by consecrated men. Uzzah died from the error. In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were separated for a task God had given them.

The evil one also seeks to separate people to himself in the 13th season. Satan entered Judas Iscariot in John 13. Revelation 13 is about the Mark of the Beast. Satan seeks those who will submit to him in this season. Since the 13th season is a season of consecration to God, the god of this world wants it to be a season of committing sacrilege and forming unholy mixtures on earth. We must be sensitive to avoid being used by Satan in this season.

The 13th season is a time to separate people from people. It is a season of divisions when people and things move to, or are put, where they belong. Lot separated from Abraham in Genesis 13. Abraham returned from Egypt in Genesis 13 but also returned with Hagar – the Egyptian slave girl. He left Egypt but Egypt went with him. Israel moved from Egypt in Exodus 13 and God commanded all firstborn be consecrated to Him. Leviticus 13 is about the separation of the (unclean) leper. The priests (consecrated men) examine the lepers. In Numbers 13, Joshua and Caleb stood out from the rest of the 12 spies. In the early 13th century, Archbishop Stephen Langton assigned chapter numbers to Bible narratives and put the narratives into families. That wasn’t something that just happened. It was a response to season and followed a Biblical pattern. There is a season- factor underlying the separation issues in the British Royal Family. This is the season of the 13th Monarch of the UK. In the 13th seven years of the United States 1860-1867), the nation battled secession. In this season, slaves were separated from their masters by the Emancipation Proclamation. of 1863 and the 13th Amendment to US Constitution (1864/65). This 13th week, Heaven will separate men from men and places for special tasks.

The 13th season abhors ‘unholy’ mixtures’. The adversary pushes for unholy mixtures and alliances in this season. In Nehemiah 13, the mixed multitude was separated from Israel and the Jews were called to separate from mixed marriages and unholy alliances. In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke of the separation of wheat and tares.

PRAYER: Pray that those whom the Lord calls in this season to separate themselves to Him, in the nations, will be sensitive to respond to that call with courage and discipline. Pray this week that the Lord will separate men from men, places and things that should not be part of their lives or preoccupations this season. Pray that the Lord will scatter evil or ‘unholy’ alliances and take people where they belong.

3. The 13th season is a season of love in which the adversary seeks to promote pseudo (counterfeit) love, spread hate, and perpetrate wickedness. The love-chapters of the Bible are the 13th chapters. The enemy works wickedness in the 13th season because it is a season of love. In Second Samuel 13, one of David’s sons abused David’s daughter, Tamar (Absalom’s sister) in the name of ‘love’. Absalom killed him for it. That was hate in a chapter of love! Psalm 13 is a prayer of deliverance from enemies and troubles. The humble need God’s mercy in the 13th season because of the wickedness of the wicked. As God wants to possess people in this season, the devil also wants to fill the hearts of people in this season. Satan entered Judas Iscariot in John 13 and he decided to betray his Master and Lord. It wasn’t just coincidence that, in 2013, many countries legalized the gay lifestyle. The year 2013 has been named ‘the gayest year’ in history.

PRAYER: Pray against manifestations of wickedness in the nations this week. Pray that the Lord will deliver families and nations from wicked and hateful men in this week of love and unity. Pray against pseudo-love practitioners and wicked pretenders who cause harm in the name of love.

4. The 13th season is a season to fight for unity. In Genesis 13, Abraham eschewed quarreling with Lot because “we are brethren”. In John 13, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. He said loving one another would distinguish His disciples from all other people. Romans 13 says Love is the fulfilling of the law. First Corinthians 13 (the great love-chapter) says Love is greater than faith and hope. Hebrews 13 says, “let brotherly love continue”. In the 13th seven years of the United States, the Lincoln administration fought against secession to keep the United States together. This week in 2023, protests broke out in Israel over the PM Netanyahu’s controversial judicial reform leading to the firing of the Defense Minister. Netanyahu had to halt the judicial overhaul in the interest of peace.

PRAYER: Pray for the unity of God’s people, in the nations, who should be together. Pray against unnecessary wars in the nations. Pray for wisdom against fighting to unite what God had divided; or fighting to divide what God had united. Pray for King Charles III and the United Kingdom.

5. The thirteenth season is when Heaven focuses on taking and giving lands. The strife between the Herdsmen of Abraham and and the Herdsmen of Lot was over insufficient land. In Genesis 13, “…The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are-northward, southward, eastward, and westward; [15] for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. [16] And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. [17] Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” [18] Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD”. In Numbers 13, Moses sent 12 spies to view the land of Canaan and bring back report. In Joshua 13, God told Joshua to survey land for allocation to the tribes. In this chapter, Israelites began to receive and possess their possessions. Isaiah 13 is about the desolation of Babylon. Their land was given to the Medes. Matthew 13 is about parables concerning land and things done in it. Luke 13 also has parables about land. In Acts 13, God released Paul and Barnabas for their missionary work in foreign lands. The 13th season is a season of taking lands for God. The 13th President of the United States was a champion of commercial expansion of the US. He laboured to open doors of business with Japan. Since, God made the 13th season to be a season of receiving inheritance, the enemy wants it to be a season of strong resistance to entering, possessing, or enjoying, your inheritance. He fights with terrorism and persecutions to scare people from lands.

PRAYER: Pray, in this week of giving lands and inheritance, that the Lord will save His people from enemies scaring them from their lands. Lead your people to break and possess new grounds for your name and kingdom. Pray for enlargement of coasts for God’s people this season. Frustrate evil men who set their eyes on the inheritance and possessions of God’s people.

6. The 13th season is a time of judgment against rebellion, evil and wickedness. In Second Chronicles 13, Judah defeated Israel in battle because Israel, under Jeroboam, had lost consecration before God. The 13th chapters of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah are about judgments. The 13th chapters of Matthew, Mark and Luke are also about judgment. Matthew 13:39-43 says, “The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. [40] Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. [41] The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, [42] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [43] Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Paul judged Bar-Jesus (Elymas) in Acts 13:9-12: “Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10] and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? [11] And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. [12] Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord”.

PRAYER: Pray to dismantle obstacles and hindrances to God’s purposes in the nations this week. Pray against sorcery and witchcraft blocking or distracting people from the truth and the light.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 13TH WEEK:

Going through the 13th week (Days 85-91) of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the 13th seven Psalms (85-91) and the 13th book of the Bible (First Chronicles). So, Psalms 85-91 and First Chronicles 1-29 are great guiding lights for the week. In the second 7 weeks of the year, it is like going through Zephaniah – Luke for days 36 – 42. You may read books 36-42 of the Bible and also the 13th chapters of the Bible . This is a season of separation from the crowd; a season to express God and manifest His nature. This is a week for people and things and places separated and dedicated to God. This is the week of the Ekklesia in the nations. It is the week of the temple and tabernacle of God. It is the week of those dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

March 26: Psalm 85 & 1 Chronicle’s 1-5 – Adam, Israel, David, Judah, Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

March 27: Psalm 86 & 1 Chronicles 6-9 – 8 and Half Tribes, Saul and dwellers at Jerusalem

March 28: Psalm 87 & 1 Chronicles 10-13 – End of Saul and beginning of David’s reign.

March 29: Psalm 88 & 1 Chronicles 14-17 – David in Jerusalem

March 30: Psalm 89 & 1
Chronicles 18-21 – David’s conquest and the terrible census

March 31: Psalm 90 & 1 Chronicles 22-25 – The temple and ministers

April 1: Psalm 91 & 1 Chronicles 26-29 – Gatekeepers, Warriors and the Builder of the temple.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK
Acts 13:2 – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Happy 13th week of the year!

Nisan (Abib): The Mystery of the Biblical First Month

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 23, 2023

3

Happy New Year and welcome to the first month of the year.. The first month of Hebrews (Israelites) began with the Passover and their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The Hebrew first month (the 30-day month of Nisan) was not the Egyptian first month. Exodus 12: 2, God said to Israel, “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.

The Biblical patterns for understanding the first month are the first day of creation, the first book and first chapters of the Bible, and the first-month mentions in the Bible.

A. The first month is a first day of creation season. God manifested Himself as light (singular) on the first day of creation to overthrow the prevailing darkness. This means that the first month is a time to usher in the Light of the year. God is Light and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5-6). Light illuminates, reveals, and directs. God is first and the first belongs to Him. The first month belongs to the Giver of months. It is the first-fruit of the months of the year. It should be given to God as an offering of time. It is a time to honor God with time in His presence. It is a season to seek and pursue alignment with God through obedience or repentance. It is a time to acknowledge God as the Giver of the new year and as the Guide through the new year. It is a time to pour out gratitude to the Creator and give special attention to the written Word of God, the Voice of the Holy Spirit, and the spoken word from oracles of God.

B. The first month is a first book and first chapters of the Bible season. The first month is a book of Genesis season. The book of Genesis is a book of beginnings and began with God. The first month is a month of beginnings and should begin with God. It is a time to focus on His word, His work, and His will. The disasters that happened in the book of Genesis were the result of disregarding the word of God and the ways of God. Do not give God second place in the first month. As the first book of the Bible is key to understanding the Bible, the first month of the year sets the course of the year. As with the first book of the Bible and death, the first month of the year is a season to keep death and destruction away through alignment with God. Without God, the first month of the year is a deadly season.

C. The first month of the year is a Genesis 1 – Deuteronomy 15 season. The first month of the year consists of four full weeks and a remainder of two days into the fifth week. The first five weeks of the year have their patterns in the first five books of the Bible. The first week is a book of Genesis week. The second week is a book of Exodus week. The third week is a book of Leviticus week. The fourth week is a book Numbers week. The fifth week is a book of Deuteronomy week. So, going through the first month of the year is like taking a journey from the first chapter of Genesis to the 10th chapter of Deuteronomy.

This indicates three things about the first month:

(1) the first month is a season of revelations of God, His plans and purposes; as God revealed His person, plans and purposes in the first five books of the Bible.

(2) the first month is a season of alignment with God and recruitment for His purpose in the year. God picked His men in the book of Genesis. He found Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and the patriarchs of Israel. God recruits men for the year in the first month.

(3) The first month is also a season of preparation for the year. From the book of Exodus to the book of Deuteronomy, God prepared Israel for His purpose and promises. God has a purpose and a promise for each year. It is in the first month that He recruits and prepares a people for His purposes and promises in the year. Do not be left out.

D. Passages mentioning ‘the first month’ in the Bible. ‘The first month’ is mentioned about 29 times in the Bible. The passages where ‘the first month’ is mentioned reveal five things concerning the first month: 1. It is a time to make a fresh start in the new year 2. It is time to repair the house of God. You are the house of God! 3. It is time to receive the word of God. 4. It is time to make decisions. 5. It is time to expect divine visitation.

1. Time to make a fresh start. This is the beginning of the months of the year; and it is for a new beginning.

a). The Waters of the Flood Dried from the Earth

Genesis 8:13: And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry.

b). Egyptian Bondage Ended In the First Month

Exodus 12:2, 51: “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. [51] And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the LORD brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies.

Numbers 33:3-4: They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians. [4] For the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had killed among them. Also on their gods the LORD had executed judgments.

(c). The first month is departure season. Ezra Departed Babylon in the First Month.

Ezra 7:9: On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Ezra 8:31: Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road.

(d). Israel Came Up From Jordan in the First Month as Jordan Dried Up for Them

Joshua 4:19, 23-24: Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. [23] for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, [24] that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

1 Chronicles 12:15: These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

The first is when obstacles are removed. There is no obstacle in the first. Whatever barriers you see in the first month are not real. As darkness cannot stand in the way of light, no barrier should stop you in the first month.

2. Time to Repair and Prepare the Tabernacle of God

(a). The Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was Set Up in the First Month

Exodus 40:2, 17: “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. [17] And it came to pass in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised up.

(b). Hezekiah Repaired the Temple of the Lord in the First Month. The first month is for repairs.

2 Chronicles 29:3, 17: In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. [17] Now they began to sanctify on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the LORD. So they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.

(c). Cleaning Up the Sanctuary

Ezekiel 45:18: Thus says the Lord GOD: “In the first month, on the first day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish and cleanse the sanctuary.

You are the temple and sanctuary of God under the New Covenant. The first month is for preparing yourself to be a fitting habitation for God in the year.

(d). THE FIRST MONTH IS A NEW-ACTION SEASON

Ezra 10:17: By the first day of the first month they finished questioning all the men who had taken pagan wives.

3. Time to Receive the Word from The LORD.

(a). God Spoke to Moses at Sinai in the First Month of their Second Year. The first month is the time to receive divine instruction and follow it. Get ready for divine direction.

Numbers 9:1-5: Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: [2] “Let the children of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. [3] On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time. According to all its rites and ceremonies you shall keep it.” [4] So Moses told the children of Israel that they should keep the Passover. [5] And they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, in the Wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did.

(b) Moses Did Not Follow the Voice of GOD in the First Month When they Arrived Kadesh.

Numbers 20:1, 7-8, 12: Then the children of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there and was buried there. [7] Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [8] “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” [12] Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

(c) The Word of the Lord came to Ezekiel in the first month.

Ezekiel 29:17-20: And it came to pass in the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [18] “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre; every head was made bald, and every shoulder rubbed raw; yet neither he nor his army received wages from Tyre, for the labor which they expended on it. [19] Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Surely I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; he shall take away her wealth, carry off her spoil, and remove her pillage; and that will be the wages for his army. [20] I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor, because they worked for Me,’ says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 30:20-21: And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [21] “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and see, it has not been bandaged for healing, nor a splint put on to bind it, to make it strong enough to hold a sword.

4. Time to make decisions and plans

Esther 3:7, 12: In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. [12] Then the king’s scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded-to the king’s satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king’s signet ring.

The first month is the time to determine when to do what in the year.

5. Time of Divine Visitation

(a). The First Month is a Time of Visions and Revelations

Daniel 10:4-9: Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, [5] I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! [6] His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. [7] And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. [8] Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. [9] Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

(b). The First Month is a Time of Abundant Rain from GOD

Joel 2:22-23: Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength. [23] Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you- The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month.

Rain signifies divine blessings. So, the first month of the year is a time of the rain of blessings from God. Don’t miss it. If God rains His blessings on you in the first month, the year will give you a bountiful harvest from seeds planted.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Give thanks to the Giver of time. Worship and praise Him. He is first and the first belongs to Him. Pray that He will take over His tabernacle in you.

2. Pray that the ears of your inner man will be attentive to His Voice of instructions and commands in this first month. Pray to be connected to the divine agenda for the year beginning this first month.

3. Ask the Lord to bless you with His presence in this month. Pray for grace to stay in alignment with His plans and purposes. Pray to be delivered from distractions and temptation to give Him second place in this first month.

4. Pray to be delivered from the assault of darkness this first month. Pray that death and destruction will be far from God’s people this first month. Pray for the overthrow of agents and operations darkness.

5. Pray that this month will mark a new beginning in your life and story. Let it be a month of departure from old ways and experiences. Let this be a month of freedom.

6. Ask the Lord for wisdom to take steps that will create what you desire. Present your needs and desires to God and ask Him to guide you.

7. Ask the Lord to equip you and give you grace to represent Him well this opening month of the year.

8. Pray for Israel – that God will protect His people from their enemies. Pray that God will open their eyes and hearts to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah.

9. Thank Him for hearing your prayers.

Praying Into March 20 – the 79th Day of the Year

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 20, 2023

0

The 79th day is the second day of the 12 week. It is also the 30th day in the second 49 days. It is March 20 in a clear year and March 19 in a leap year.

BIBLE READING: Genesis 1: 6-8; 2 Kings 5-8; Psalm 79; Amos1-10.

Day 79 is a second day of creation day.

Genesis 1:6-8 says, “Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day”. God created the firmament (space) on the second day by releasing the firmament to divide the waters that seized space. Day 79 is a season to thwart the monopoly of evil controlling powers. It is a day of war against evil monopolies to deliver those who are choking in life. It is a season to make way where there is none. The evil monopoly is destroyed, essentially, through prayers and divine wisdom and prophetic decrees.

PRAYER: Pray today that a way be made where there is no way – for you, your family, friends, missionaries and for God’s will to be done in your nation as it is in heaven.

Day 79 is a Second Kings 5-8 day. The second four chapters of the twelfth book of the Bible is applicable to the second day of the twelfth week. In the fifth chapter, Elisha cured Naaman, the Syrian captain, of leprosy; but transferred it to his servant, Gehazi, for dishonesty and greed. In the sixth chapter, Elisha made a borrowed iron axe-head that fell into deep water to float on water. In the same chapter, he blinded and led Syrian troops that went to arrest him to the king of Israel. He also escaped death from the king of Israel by prophetic knowledge. In the seventh chapter, Elisha delivered Samaria from famine by the word of the Lord. Four lepers found food for everyone. In the eighth chapter, Elisha told the woman whose child he had raised from the dead to relocate to a city of her choice to escape a seven year famine. She complied. On returning, the king commanded that she be given back her land and seven-fold proceeds for the period she was away. In this chapter, Benhadad, king of Syria dies at the hands of Hazael his servant and successor. Although God told Elijah to anoint Hazael to be king of Syria, and Elisha confirmed it, Hazael killed his master to become king. Benhadad ended to die so that the word of the Lord concerning Hazael may be fulfilled. In the same chapter, Jehoram succeeds Jehoshaphat and is succeeded by Ahaziah his son. Joram, king of Israel, was sick from an injury he sustained in battle against Hazael king of Syria. The second four chapters of Second Kings reveal that Day 79 is a day of making way where there is none. It is a day of pressures that makes prayer a lifeline. It is a day of intervention to open closed doors and dismantle space blockers. May the Lord bring you needed help today and also use you to help others.

PRAYER: Pray that God will give help to people with diverse needs – healing to the sick, food to the hungry, protection against attack, promotion to the downtrodden. Pray that God will deliver the helpless, in the nations, from their pressures.

Day 79 is a book of Amos day in the second 49 days of the year. Amos is the 30th book of the Bible and is applicable to the 30th day in the second 49 days of the year. The 30th book of the Bible is about the proclamationl of judgments. Day 79 is a day of judgmental visitations. God may uses judgment to make way where there is no way.

PRAYER: Pray that the mercy of God will stay the Hand of judgment in your land. Pray against a book of Amos experiences in your land today. Pray that the hearts of people will go the direction of righteousness and justice.

Day 79 is a Psalm 79 day. Psalm 79 is a key scripture for the 79th season. It opens with petition to God against the oppressors; and continues with plea for vengeance.

Psalm 79:1-7 says, “O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. [2] The dead bodies of Your servants They have given as food for the birds of the heavens, The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. [3] Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, And there was no one to bury them. [4] We have become a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and derision to those who are around us. [5] How long, LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? [6] Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, And on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name. [7] For they have devoured Jacob, And laid waste his dwelling place.”

The psalmist acknowledges the sin of God’s people and cries out for mercy and intervention. Psalm 79:8-12 says, “Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, For we have been brought very low. [9] Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name’s sake! [10] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let there be known among the nations in our sight The avenging of the blood of Your servants which has been shed. [11] Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power Preserve those who are appointed to die; [12] And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord”. [13] So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations.

DAY 79 AND ESCAPE FROM DEATH

In 2019, Day 79 was Purim (the annual Jewish feast, that holds in the 12th month – Adar – to commemorate their deliverance from Haman’s plot of genocide in the book of Esther; See Esther 9). This is a twelfth-month-of-the-year event for Jews; but interestingly, it would be happening in the 12 week of the year.

In the third chapter of Esther, Haman wanted the Jews destroyed but he did not know the best time to do it. So, “they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar”. The choice of the 12th month for the execution of the Jews in Persia was made spiritually. The time was determined by casting lot. Why was the 12th month chosen for this cruel task? It seems there is a spiritual connection between the twelfth and death (or deliverance from death). For the enemy, it’s “a time to kill”; but for God’s people, it’s a time to be delivered from plots of death. Chapter-number patterns in the Bible suggest, or reveal, this connection. The 12th book and 12th chapters also point to this.

The Passover is recorded in Exodus 12. On that day, while the firstborn of Egyptians were slain, death passed over the houses of the Israelites that had blood smeared on the lintel and doorposts. In Second Samuel 12, Nathan said to David, “…You shall not die; However…the child…shall surely die”. The child died. The 12th book of the Bible has four accounts of escape from death: Elijah departed the earth via a chariot of fire; the only son of the Shunemite woman whom Elisha raised from the dead; and the dead man who came back to life after his body touched the bones of Elisha, king Hezekiah who had 15 years added to his life. In the 12th chapter of Second Kings, Joash (Jehoash) was murdered by his servants. In John 12, the Jews sought to kill Lazarus and Jesus but could not. In Acts 12, Herod killed James. He sought to kill Peter but God delivered him. Herod himself was slain by God at the end of that chapter. The killer was killed. In Revelation 12, the Man-Child was saved from the dragon that wanted to devour Him.

Non-Biblical history bears testimony too: The 12 President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, died after 16 months in office; and after 5 days of illness. Within the 12th seven years of the United States (1853-1860), Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States lost his only surviving child to a train accident that crushed the 11-year old. Jews were massacred in the late twelfth century (1190) at Clifford’s Tower. What about 2012 and deaths – from the New Zealand hot air balloon crash at the beginning of the year to the Typhoon Bapho (Pablo in the Philippines); and Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in the 12th month of the year?

The 2019 week of Purim was a good time to pray for those who, like the Jews in the book of Esther, are persecuted or (even) appointed to die. Whether it is Purim or not, this is a god day to pray Psalm 79:11.

PRAYER: Pray specifically for deliverance from ‘appointed death’ today. Pray that there will be deliverances from death today. Pray against a Psalm 79 experience in your country and in the nations today.

Day 79 is First Kings to Proverbs day in the 12th week.Going through any week is like taking a journey through the Bible. Every week has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days of the week belong to the Old Testament side and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three days of the week constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. The second day of the week is the second day in the Old Testament side of the week; and expresses the second 10 books of the Old Testament and the Bible. In the second 10 books of the Bible, God wanted the kings of Israel to trust Him and lead the nation in the same direction. Beginning with Solomon, the kings of Israel began to patronize Idols. Idol worship became official in the northern kingdom following the split. Judah followed. Prophets rose in this season to call the nation back to God. Eventually, the two kingdoms went into captivity – the north fell to Assyria; and the south to the Babylonians. The Jews did return from captivity after 70 years. The last two books in this section of the Bible (Psalms and Proverbs) show that loss of faith in God is prelude to the loss of all things in the second season; but faith in God is the secret of power and strength. The faithful will triumph in the second season by the power and wisdom of God no matter what happens.

PRAYER: Pray that this will be a day of returning to God and crying to Him in the nations.

DECREE AND DECLARE: God made us in His image and likeness to rule, have dominion, and impose His will on seasons; as He did with the seven days of creation. He decreed what He wanted for each day. We are to decree what is revealed concerning each day. Today, declare that your faith will not fail; and that the faithful will triumph. Decree the downfall of those who disregard God and trust in themselves or idols, Today, prophesy against evil controlling powers and overthrow them by the word of the Lord. Mercy makes a way where there is no way. Today is a day of divine intervention and mercy. Today, release the word of the Lord against oppressive mountains in your life and in your world. Raise a cry to God against the proud and wicked in the land. Today, trust God to make a way where there is no way. Proclaim His word, Pray to Him. Praise Him.!

Happy 79th day!

MORE ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

http://timeline.ws/days/03_20.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_20

PRAYING INTO THE 12TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 18-24)

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 18, 2023

0

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

What is the season of the 12th week about and how should we pray? Here are 8 things the 12th book and chapters of the Bible indicate concerning the season:

1. A SEASON OF DEPARTURES:

God called Abraham to depart his native land for a new place in Genesis 12. Benjamin was the 12th and last son of Jacob. The Passover took place in Exodus 12. Samuel gave his farewell speech to Israel in First Samuel 12. In First Kings 12, ten tribes of Israel left Rehoboam (the house of David) to form a separate kingdom. In First Chronicles 12, mighty men defected to David. Elijah departed the earth by a Chariot of Fire in the 12th book of the Bible. The 12th book of the Bible was a departure from the preceding 11 books. The 12th chapters of the Bible are departure-chapters. In John 12: 23-24, Jesus confirmed that the 12th season is a departure time when He said “…The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain”. The day shifts after the 12th hour and the year shifts after the 12th month. This 12th week is a season of departing to a higher ground and realm.

Does contemporary history bear witness to this? The US Republican Party was founded in the 12th week of 1854 (March 20) – within the 12th seven years of the United States; leading eventually to Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and the Emancipation Proclamation. Queen Elizabeth II was the 12th Monarch of the United Kingdom. She was in many ways a departure from what used to be.

As in the 12th book of the Bible where God used Elijah, Elisha, Jehu and Jehoiada to call Israel to move on to a higher ground and used Isaiah, Hezekiah, Jeremiah and Josiah to call Judah to a higher ground, the Lord is calling us to move up higher this week. Israel rejected the call and was overrun by Assyria (2 Kings 17). Judah rejected the call and fell to the Babylonians (2 Kings 25). Refusing to go up means going down. May our hearts be stirred to advance to a higher ground this week.

PRAYER: Pray that God’s people in the nations will respond to the prophetic call to advance and move up higher – as the Holy Spirit prompts us.

2. A SEASON OF SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTIONS AND ANSWERS TO PRAYERS

God intervened to rescue Sarah from the hand of the king of Egypt in Genesis 12:17-20. God intervened to save His people in Exodus 12 by the blood of the Passover lamb. God intervened to save the Jews in the book of Esther in the 12th month, Adar. God saved Peter from the hand of Herod in Acts 12 as the Church prayed. God used Elisha to intervene in the lives of many people in 12th book of the Bible.

PRAYER: Pray for God’s intervention in nations against disasters, wars, oppression and hardship. Your intercession is intervention.

3. A SEASON OF ESCAPE FROM DEATH:

The spirit of death and destruction hovers around the 12th season. Egypt experienced mass destruction in Exodus 12. Haman picked the 12th month for killing the Jews by casting lot. Herod beheaded James in Acts 12. The ‘unsinkable’ Titanic sank in 1912 (April 14) and over 1500 lives were lost. The 12th US President died (1850) in the second year of his presidency. ‘Bleeding Kansas’ (1854-1859) happened in the 12th seven years of the United States. Sandy Hook elementary school shooting took place in the 12th month of 2012 (on December 14).

Although the 12th season is associated with all kinds of death, it is also a season of escape from death. Israel escaped death in Exodus 12. Elijah escaped death in the 12th book of the Bible. Elisha raised the son of the Shunemite woman from the dead in the 12th book of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Haman wanted the Jews destroyed in the 12th month but they escaped death. Peter escaped death in Acts 12. The Man-child escaped death in Revelation 12. Proverbs 12:28 says, “In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death”.

PRAYER: Pray against the spirit of death this season but especially that the Lord will grant escapes from death.

4. A SEASON OF JUDGMENTAL DEATHS:

The killing of the first born of Egyptians in Exodus 12 was judgment. The first child David had with Bathsheba died in Second Samuel 12. An angel of God killed Herod in Acts 12. The 12th book of the Bible is full of judgmental deaths (2 Kings 1: 1-17; 2: 23-24; 7: 1-3, 17-20; chapters 9-11).

PRAYER: Pray to release judgment against the wicked who run heedlessly against God’s purposes. Release judgment against ‘Pharaoh’ ‘Herod’ and ‘the house of Ahab’ in the nations. Pray also for God’s mercy in a season of judgment.

5. A SEASON OF PROPHETIC DECREES AND ACTIONS

The miracles Elisha performed in the 12th book of the Bible were done by the Word. He said it and it was done. Whether he cursed or blessed, he did all by the Word of the Lord.

PRAYER: Pray that Elisha-type prophetic mantle will be on the Ekklesia in the nations this week

6. A SEASON OF FATHERS AND SONS

God’s intention is the raising of sons in the 12th season. That is the reason evil arrows target the younger generation in the 12th season (Exodus 12; 2 Kings 2; Revelation 12). The title ‘the sons of the prophets’ is used 10 times in the 12th book of the Bible. No other book of the Bible has as much mention of this title. Elisha called Elijah “my father, my father” in the 12th book of the Bible (2 Kings 2: 12). The Double Portion’ he received from Elijah was the portion of a firstborn son. Kings called Elisha ‘father’ in the 12th book of the Bible (2 Kings 6:21; 8: 7-9; 13:14). The 12th seven Psalms (78 – 84) are full of history passing from father’s to children (Psalm 78: 1ff).

The 12th season is a season of teaching and learning to empower the next generation. It is for passing on the baton. In the 12th book of the Bible, Elijah had a school of prophets (the sons of the prophet). Elisha continued the same after he had been trained and empowered by Elijah. In the 12th book of the Bible, Elijah passed on the baton to Elisha. Abraham took Lot with him when he moved in Genesis 12. The 12th century was notable for progress in learning. England’s two oldest universities, Oxford and Cambridge, were founded in the 12th century. The 42 children that mocked Elisha in the 12th book of the Bible represent an untaught generation.

PRAYER: Pray that Malachi 4:5-6 will find fulfillment this week: “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.”

Pray also for the preservation of fathers (with mothers) and the younger generation this week.

7. A ‘MAN (WOMAN) OF GOD’ SEASON

The title, ‘Man of God’ is used 36 times in the 12th book of the Bible. It is not used that much in any other book of the Bible. The other major ‘Man of God’ passage in the Bible is First Kings 13 – where the title is used about 27 times. First Kings 13 is about a man separated from men for God. In the 12th book of the Bible, Elisha was a man sent from God to bring God to men. God used Elisha to move people into new levels by delivering them from afflictions, distresses, destruction and death. God needs Elisha-type men of God and women of God who have received grace to help and have ears for the cry of the needy this season.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will multiply ‘Elishas’ this week for the individuals, families, communities and nations needing help. Pray that that the Lord will use you to answer prayers this week. Pray that the Lord will connect you to an ‘Elisha’ if you need one.

8. A SEASON OF REVIVALS:

In the 12th book of the Bible, Israel (the Northern Kingdom) experienced a great move of God through the ministry of Elisha. In the days of Elisha, God came close to the people and they experienced His power and glory. In the Southern kingdom, Judah experienced revivals through Jehoiada and Joash, Isaiah and Hezekiah and through Jeremiah and Josiah. The 12th book of the Bible speaks of repairs in the temple. This week, we should give attention to the temple we are. D L Moody was converted within the 12th seven years of the United States (1855). He was then a Tabernacle in the making. Within the same 12th seven years (in 1857), Jeremiah Lamphire took a step of faith to start a one hour noon prayer meeting that eventually led to the Businessman’s Revival or Prayer Meeting Revival. The market crash and panic of 1857 made people seek God through this laymen’s revival that saw over 1 million souls saved. Problems drive people to God in the 12th season!

PRAYER: Pray that God will stir the hearts of revival-agents and that people will be driven to God with their troubles and burdens this week. Pray also that the Lord will revive and strengthen our prayer watches this week.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 12TH WEEK:

Going through the 12th week (Days 78-84) of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the 12th seven Psalms (78-84) and the 12th book of the Bible (Second Kings). So, Psalms 78-84 and Second Kings 1-25 are great guiding lights for the week. This is the season of freedom from oppression and limitations. This week is for the execution of the Word of the Lord concerning ‘the house of Ahab’. This is a week of miraculous Interventions. It is a week of repairing the temple we are so that people can meet God in us.

You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

March 18: Shifting and Positioning for Exploits (Psalm 78 & 2 Kings 1-4).

March 19: Making a way where there is no way (Psalm 79 & 2 Kings 5-8).

March 20: The Judgment of the House of Ahab (Psalm 80 & 2 Kings 9-12).

March 21: Instability in the throne (Psalm 81 & 2 Kings 13-16).

March 22: Judgment and Revival (Psalm 82 & 2 Kings 17-19).

March 23: Recoveries (Psalm 83 & 2 Kings 20-22).

March 24: Revival and Overthrow (Psalm 84 & 2 Kings 23-25).

VERSE OF THE WEEK

Psalm 12: 5
“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

Happy 12th week of the year.

Praying Into March 17: The Mystery of the 76th Day of the Year

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 17, 2023

0

Day 76 is the sixth day of the eleventh week; and the 27th day in the second 49 days of the year. It is March 17 in a clear year; and March 16 in a leap year.

BIBLE READING: Genesis 1: 24-31; First Kings 17-19; Psalm 76; Daniel 1-12.

Day 76 is a sixth-day-of-creation day in the eleventh week. God created land animals and man on the sixth day of creation. He made man in His image and likeness. That means the animals do not bear His image and likeness. God made man to rule over the other creatures of the fifth and sixth days. The sixth season is for the manifestation of those expressing the image of God to subdue and govern the things that do not conform to the thoughts and ways of God. The sixth season, therefore, is a season of conflict between those who express the image of God and those who do not. In the 76th season, as in the sixth season, God chooses a place, vessel, or person, through which to express Himself and bring order in a confused state. Will you be one of God’s ruling vessels today?

Day 76 is First Kings 17-19 day in the eleventh week. The three chapters of in our sixth division of First Kings is applicable to the sixth day of the eleventh week. In this section of First Kings, Elijah the Tishbite emerged and withstood Ahab and his false prophets. In the 17th chapter, He demonstrated that God controls weather, birds, resources and life .Hecalled for drought in the land. He was fed by ravens,he sustained a widow and her son by the word of the Lord and demonstrated power over death. In the 18th chapter, he disgraced the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel where he prayed-down fire from heaven. Elijah expressed God; while Ahab and his company of idol worshippers expressed the animal kingdom that does not bear the image and likeness of the King God. Elijah. In the 19th chapter, Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah and he ran for his life;l in discouragement. God instructed him to anoint Jehu, Hazael, and Elisha. We learn from First Kings 17-19 that Day 76 is a day to dominate circumstances and the ungodly by prayer and the word of the Lord. It is a day to arrest disorder by prophetic decrees and display of divine power.

Day 76 is a Psalm 76 day. The 76th psalm draws attention to the place God had chosen for His expression. Psalm 76:1-3 says, “In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel. [2] In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion. [3] There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah”. The 76th season is for exploits and judgments that magnify God. It is a season to declare the praises of God. Psalm 76:4-10 says, “You are more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey. [5] The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. [6] At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep. [7] You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? [8] You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, [9] When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah [10] Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself”. The 76th season is for devotion and consecration to God. It is a season to think of one’s commitment to God. Psalm 76:11-12 says, “Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay them; Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. [12] He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is awesome to the kings of the earth”. Day 76 is a time for God’s people to reveal the excellence and awesomeness of God on the earth. This is a day to show that God is supreme.

Day 76 is a book of Daniel day in the second 49 days of the year. Daniel is the 27th book of the Bible; and is applicable to the 27th day in the second 49 days. In the 27th book of the Bible, the Hebrew young men in Babylon were expressions of the Living God in ungodly Babylon. Though they were captives, they were loyal to the God of Israel. That meant trouble with the authorities but God always vindicated them; and the king promoted them. Day 76 is a day of conflict between those who serve God and those who do not. On this day, the fear of God should be more important than the fear of man or the fear of death. In this season, God honors those who are faithful to Him. This is a day of faithfulness to God; a day to express or demonstrate loyalty to Him. We learn from the 27th book of the Bible that Day 76 is a time when God shows Himself to be King of kings and nations, Giver of wisdom and knowledge, Revealed of secrets and Preserver of life.

Day 76 is Ephesians – Philemon day in the 11th week. Every week has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four days is the Old Testament side. The remaining three days is the New Testament side. Day 76 is Day 2 in the New Testament side of the 11th week; and has guiding light in the second 9 books of the New Testament. In the epistles to Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, Paul exhorts expressions of Christ in communities. In the pastoral epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, he exhorts his own representatives. Day 76 is Representatives Day! It is Agents Day! If you are God’s agent, this is your day.

DECREE AND DECLARE: God made us in His image and likeness to rule, have dominion, and impose His will on seasons; as He did with the seven days of creation. He decreed what He wanted for each day. We are to decree what is revealed concerning each day. Today, show that your primary allegiance is to the God of Israel. You are made in the image and likeness of God. This is a day to commemorate and relive the creation of man in the image and likeness of God. Today, overthrow and humiliate systems that are dysfunctional and out of alignment with divine purposes. Today, declare by your life and utterances that the Lord is King and reigns on earth. Today, stand out for God as His representative and look into your life, and look around, for things and areas that need to be conformed to God’s standards. Today, pray that the kingdom comes, by the word of God, to establish God’s will in your life, family, church, community, nation; and in the nations of the world. Today, remember that you are God’s devoted person and the ground of His exploits. Remember His great power. Praise Him, and keep your commitments to Him. Today is your day to express Him. Happy 76th day!

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray that the agents of God in the land will be bold and courageous to rise and speak for God today.

2. Prayer for special provisions for God’s people today. Pray that special suppliers and supplies will be dispatched to God’s people in need.

3. Pray for interventions against the spirit of death. Pray that God will preserve His people from wicked and ungodly hands. Pray that God will save His people from harm and destruction.

4. Pray that God will show His power today – in answer to the prayers of His saints. Pray that God will vindicate His own today.

5. Pray that God’s people that are looking to Him for direction will receive the ‘still small voice’ that brings direction amid confusion.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

2021: John Magufuli, former President of Tanzania, died following a 10-year battle against a heart condition.

2023: The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for war crimes against Ukraine.

http://timeline.ws/days/03_17.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_17

PRAY INTO THE 11TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 12 – 18)

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 11, 2023

0

The 11th book and 11th chapters of the Bible indicate the following concerning the 11th season:

1. The 11th season is a season of foundations. It is building-season. Psalm 11:3 says, “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Things that happen in this season have long-lasting effect. The origin of multiple languages is recorded in Genesis 11. The Passover idea came in Exodus 11. The foundation of Solomon is in David-Bathsheba affair recorded in Second Samuel 11. Solomon built the temple in the 11th book of the Bible. Idol worship infiltrated Israel in the 11th book of Bible. The ministry of Elijah began in the 11th book of the Bible.

PRAYER: Pray that the steps, decisions and actions you take this 11th week of the year will lay a great foundation for the future. Pray that the Lord would keep you from building anything He had not authorized.

2. The 11th season is a season of temptations. In this season, people face two major temptations:

a). Men are tempted to act independently in the 11th season. The construction of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 was a declaration of independence from God. Heaven frustrated the move. In the 11th book of the Bible, Solomon went his own way in his marriage to idolatrous foreign women. He condoned the worship of foreign gods in Israel. Jeroboam made Israel to sin by legalizing idolatry in the Northern Kingdom. The man of God from Judah stepped out of alignment with God. Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho though Joshua placed a curse on the one that would rebuild Jericho.

PRAYER: Pray that plans and purposes that are against the counsel of God, this week, will end in confusion – like the building of the tower of Babel and Adonijah’s political agenda. and Company.

b). Men are tempted to take what does not belong to them. In Judges 11, Ammonites wanted Israel’s land. Jephthah went to war consequently. In First Samuel 11, Nahash, king of the Ammonites, went against the people of Jabesh Gilead. In Second Samuel 11, David took Uriah’s wife while Israel was at war to defend her territory. In the 11th book of the Bible, a harlot took the child of another harlot. In the same book, Ahab and Jezebel killed Naboth and took over his vineyard. Ahab went to war in First Kings 22 to reclaim Ramoth Gilead. This is a time to fight to defend or protect what belongs to you. The Mexican – American War of 1846-1848 was fought in the 11th seven years of the United States and in the season of the 11th President – James K. Polk.

PRAYER: Pray against inheritance -robbers. Pray against those who set their eyes on the things that belong to others in the nations – to take it from them. Make decrees against the wicked spirit of Jezebel in the land. Pray that no one takes what belongs to you by force or trick. Pray that those who trust in God will be kept losses this week.

3. It is a season to watch your alliances. It is a season to watch and pray against unholy mixtures. In the 11th book of the Bible, Solomon polluted his holy calling with his marriage to, and friendship with, ungodly women. Jezebel was a terrible influence in Ahab’s life. Ahab’s case was made worse flattering prophets that surrounded him. The man of God from Judah (1 Kings 13) lost his life for believing a lying old prophet.

PRAYER: Pray for spiritual sensitivity in handling the people that come around you and those you attract. Pray the same for God’s people everywhere.

4. It is a season to seek grace to finish well: For many, including the strong and mighty, the 11th season does not end well. They start with joy and peace but end with confusion and sorrow. In the 11th book of the Bible, Solomon, Rehoboam, and the man of God from Judah, did not end well. David ended a murderer in Second Samuel 11. John the Baptist was in prison in Matthew 11. The strong man of Libya, Muamnar Ghadaffi, and leader of Al-Qaeda network, Osama Bin Laden, were both killed in 2011 (the 11th year of the 21st century).

PRAYER: Pray that this 11th week will have peaceful ending – especially for God’s people. Pray that judgment will come on the wicked this week. Proverbs 11:21 says, “Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished….”

5. The 11th season is a season of triumph over death and the grave: For the first time, in the Bible, Elijah raised the dead in the 11th book of the Bible. Jesus raised Lazarus in John 11. The two witnesses were raised and caught up to heaven in Revelation 11. The association of the 11th season with raising the dead means it is also a season of revival. It is a season when things that are dead or dying can be revived and resurrected.

PRAYER: Pray and raise your voice against the spirit of death this week. Pray for revival among God’s people – revival of faith, health and joy.

6. It is a season of anointing and grace for exploits. Daniel 11:32 says, “…But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits”. It is a season of releasing supernatural power by the Spirit of God. In Numbers 11, God gave the spirit of Moses to 70 elders and they prophesied. Jephthah was empowered by the Spirit to do exploits in Judges 11. The Spirit came upon king Saul in First Samuel 11. Prophets of confrontation, including Ahijah the Shilonite and Elijah the Tishbite, emerged in the 11th book of the Bible. Solomon did exploits in the 11th book of the Bible by the Spirit of Wisdom Agabus prophesied in Acts 11. The exploits of the two witnesses of the Book of Revelation are revealed in the 11th chapter of the book. The 11th week is a window of opportunity for strong prophetic anointing.

PRAYER: Pray to be anointed specially for the tasks and challenges of this week.

7. This is a week of supernatural supplies. God gave Israel Quails in Numbers 11. God sustained Elijah supernaturally (through Ravens) in the 11th book of the Bible. In the same book and chapter, God provided for the poor widow and her son through the ministry of Elijah. In Acts 11, the Church at Antioch sent relief to the brethren at Jerusalem because of a prophetic word concerning an impending famine.

PRAYER: Pray that the door of aid and supplies be opened to people in need – in poor countries, refugee camps and war torn regions. Pray also for supernatural supplies to missionaries in different places.

8. This is a season of prayer that avails much. Elijah prayed fervently in the 11th book of the Bible. James 5:17-18 says, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit”. Jesus taught importunity in prayer in Luke 11. The Spirit calls us to pray fervently this week.

PRAYER: Pray that the spirit of prayer and intercession be released upon God’s people in all lands. Pray for strength to pray as you ought to.

BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE 11TH WEEK:

Going through the 11th week (Days 71-77) of the year is like taking a prophetic journey through the 11th book of the Bible (First Kings) and the 11th seven Psalms (71-77). So, First Kings and Psalms 71-77 will make a good read for the week. This is the season of the King and kings. The Lord is King and the kings must submit to Him. You may want to read the suggested passages as follows:

March 12: The throne and the one sitting on it (Psalm 71 & 1 Kings 1-4). The Lord is King over the outgoing king, the aspiring king and the anointed king.

March 13: The Assignment: to lay foundation for righteousness and justice for the protection of the poor and needy. The temple is a house of prayer where needs are met (Psalm 72 & 1 Kings 5-7).

March 14: The Priority of God’s Presence (Psalm 73 & 1 Kings 8-10). Solomon prospered though he was out of alignment with God.

March 15: Darkness Overtakes the People (Psalm 74 & 1 Kings 11-13).

March 16: Death and Decimation in the Land (Psalm 75 & 1 Kings 14-16).

March 17: The Emergence of the Man of God and the war (of ascendancy) for the restoration of true worship (Psalm 76 & 1 Kings 17-19).

March 18: The Judgment of the Wicked (Psalm 77 & 1 Kings 20-22).

SUMMARY: Evil and wickedness will not have the last word this week! The oppressor is to be broken in pieces. The Lord reigns and His name will be magnified.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Luke 11:21-22: When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. [22] But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

The Stronger One is in you and with you!

Happy 11th week of the year!

Praying Into March 10: The 69th Day of the Year

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 10, 2023

0

Welcome to the 69th day of the year. Day 69 is the sixth day of the tenth week. It is also the twentieth day in the second 49 days of the year. Day 69 is March 10 in a clear year; and March 9 in a leap year. The Bible patterns for understanding the 69th day are in the sixth day of creation narrative, the book of Proverbs, the sixth three chapters of Second Samuel (the tenth book).

1. Day 69 is a sixth day of creation day. On the sixth day of creation God First made land animals; and then man in His image and likeness. Without the image and likeness of God in man, he is just like the animals. The sixth season is the season of the godly man versus the animalistic man. In the sixth season, the wickedness of the wicked reaches a peak that also demands Divine reaction as it happened in Genesis 6 and in the sixth book of the Bible. In the sixth season, God’s plan is to use the godly man to tame the brutal animalistic man. God blesses, empowers, and guides, the godly to rule over the ungodly in the sixth season. On the sixth day, God communicated with man about creation and provisions. Counsel is the key to success in the sixth season. God’s people win in the sixth season through divine wisdom and counsel.

2. Day 69 is a Second Samuel 19-21 day. The three chapters in the sixth section (19-21) of the tenth book of the Bible is applicable to the sixth day of the tenth week. The three chapters are about dominion, sustenance, and warfare. In the 19th chapter, David the ruler returned to Jerusalem. The people rallied to bring back the king. Those who had hurt him also came to receive him. In the 20th chapter, Sheba rebelled against David and started another revolution. He was subdued and killed. In the 21st chapter, David received wisdom to end a three-year famine. Seven sons of Saul were killed to appease the Gibeonites and end the famine. In the 21st chapter also, David’s men subdued the Philistine giants in battle. The sixth season is ‘the end of the journey’ for the wicked. God subdues rebels in the sixth season. Day 69 is for possessing your possessions, subduing the wicked, and enjoying divine provisions.

3. Day 69 is a book of Proverbs day. Proverbs is the 20th book of the Bible and is applicable to this 20th day in the second 49 days of the year. Proverbs is a book of divine wisdom and counsel. There is wisdom in the book of Proverbs for the challenges of life. You must act wisely, not foolishly, on this 69th day. You must exhibit righteousness and not wickedness in the sixth season,

4. Day 69 is a Psalm 69 day. In Psalm 69, the oppressed and afflicted raises his voice in prayer to God. He declares his unjust suffering and pleads to God for deliverance and vengeance. The 69th season is a season of intense pressure and spiritual warfare that necessitates crying out to God for help and salvation. The 69th psalm bears witness to this. This also applies to people, organizations, or nations, going through the 69th year. Psalm 69:1-4 says, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. [2] I sink in deep mire, Where there is no standing; I have come intodeep waters, Where the floods overflow me. [3] I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. [4] Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, Being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it. Psalm 69:7-15 says, “Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Shame has covered my face. [8] I have become a stranger to my brothers, And an alien to my mother’s children; [9] Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. [10] When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, That became my reproach. [11] I also made sackcloth my garment; I became a byword to them. [12] Those who sit in the gate speak against me, And I am the song of the drunkards. [13] But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation. [14] Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters. [15] Let not the floodwater overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth on me”. Psalm 69:16-21 says, “Hear me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. [17] And do not hide Your face from Your servant, For I am in trouble; Hear me speedily. [18] Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; Deliver me because of my enemies. [19] You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; My adversaries are all before You. [20] Reproach has broken my heart, And I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none. [21] They also gave me gall for my food, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.Psalm 69:22-28 is prayer against the wicked. It says, [22] Let their table become a snare before them, And their well-being a trap. [23] Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually. [24] Pour out Your indignation upon them, And let Your wrathful anger take hold of them. [25] Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents. [26] For they persecute the ones You have struck, And talk of the grief of those You have wounded. [27] Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. [28] Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous”.

Day 69 is Ephesians – Philemon day in the 10th week. Every week has a Old Testament side and a New Testament side. Day 69 is the sixth day of the 10th week; and the second day in the New Testament side of the week. The second nine books of the New Testament (the sixth section of the Bible) is applicable to the sixth day of the 10th week. The second 9 books of the New Testament (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon) are books aching and training. They contain diverse instructions for Christian living. The sixth day of the week is the day of man and his God. It is the day of the Creator and His image and likeness. It is a day to prosper by adhering strictly to His commands. Disobedience brings failure in sixth seasons. A sixth season like Day 69 is the season of the Man of God. It is the season of godly standards. It is error to express ungodliness in the 69th season.

DECREE AND DECLARE: God made us in His image and likeness to rule, have dominion, and impose His will on seasons; as He did with the seven days of creation. He decreed what He wanted for each day. We are to decree what is revealed concerning each day. Today, decree the downfall of the wicked and the lifting and establishment of the just. Today, prophesy and declare war against the enemies of God. Today, prophesy restoration and blessing on God’s people because of the finished work; and prophesy against ungodliness. Today, show that your primary allegiance is to the God of Israel. You are made in the image and likeness of God. This is a day to commemorate and relive the creation of man in the image and likeness of God. Today, make your way back to the Lord. Even if you are not a backslider, you can still get closer to the goal of expressing the Lord – as His image and likeness. Today, stand out for God as His representative and look into your life, and look around, for things and areas that need to be conformed to God’s standards. Today, pray that the kingdom comes, by the word of God, to establish God’s will in your life, family, church, community, nation; and in the nations of the world. O Lord, stop the wicked and his plans today!!!

On this day in 2019, Boeing 737 Ethiopian Airline, flying from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, crashed with 157 people (149 passengers and 8 Crew members) on board. There were no survivors. The enemy got away with his plan to kill and destroy. On this day in 2020, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II was deposed and exiled by the Kano State Government. He was driven from his throne when he ought to be returning stronger to the throne. On this 69th day, pray to be delivered from the thoughts, plans, and traps of the wicked. Pray also that the wicked be overthrown; so that the righteous may have peace. Happy 69th day!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

http://timeline.ws/days/03_10.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/march_10

Praying Into March 9: The 68th Day of the Year

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

March 8, 2023

0

The 68th day is the fifth day of the 10th week; and the 19th day in the second 49 days of the year. Day 68 is March 9 in a clear year; it is. March 8 in a leap year.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1: 20-23; 2 Samuel 16-18; Psalms 1-150; Psalm 68…

1. Day 68 is a fifth-day-of-creation day in the tenth week. On the fifth day of creation, God made the sea creatures and the birds of the air. He filled the waters with abundance of life-expressing creatures. The creatures of the fifth day could move (fly or swim), perceive reality by their senses, make sounds, mate and reproduce their kind. God also blessed them with fruitfulness and multiplication to keep the curses of barrenness and decimation away. God made the living creatures in abundance because this season is comes naturally with scarcity God made living and free moving creatures because disease and death visit in this season. God blessed the creatures with ability for sensory perception because of the because if predators and the need for safety in this season. God blessed the creatures with fruitfulness and multiplication to neutralise the typical curses of barrenness and decimation that visit this season. Although God intended the fifth day or season to be a time of expressing life to the full, the evil one wants to limit the expression of life in the season through oppression, destructions, disease, destitution, demonic depression, and death. The fifth day of creation was the beginning of predator-prey issues. The larger fish could swallow smaller ones. Birds could also prey on fish. The fifth season also is a season of either soaring high in the spirit or swimming in the depths of fleshly living. It is a season to take a stand with God for life, freedom, and blessings. Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and strengthen the poor.

2. Day 68 is a Second Samuel 16-18 day in the tenth week. The three chapters in the fifth section of the 10th book of the Bible (Second Samuel 16-18) are applicable to the fifth day of the 10th week. In the 16th Praying Into March 9: The 68th Day of the Year, David’s troubles reached peak-point and began to end. Absalom took over his father’s house and concubines in this chapter. In the 17th chapter, Absalom’s revolution began to lose fire. Hushai, David’s companion infiltrated Absalom’s camp and defeated the wicked counsel of Ahitophel. The wicked counselor committed suicide here and came to an end. David’s friend became Absalom’s chief counselor. In the 18th chapter, Absalom died in battle. May the Lord help you and preserve you from forces and troubles that may rise against you this day. May the Lord help you to work in the spirit and triumph over your enemies. Today, the Lord will overthrow your enemies. Your Ahitophel and your Absalom will go down.

3. Day 68 is a book-of-Psalm day in the second 49 days; because it is the nineteenth day in the second 49 days of the year; and Psalms is the 19th book of the Bible. The book of Psalms is a book of battles, prayers, triumphs, testimonies, and praises. It is full of cries for mercy, intervention, vindication, deliverance, and preservation. It is also full of declarations of faith in God. The psalmist found sufficiency in God; and was fully dependent on Him. Day 68 is a day to trust completely and confidently in God amid pressures and conflicts.

4. Day 68 is a Psalm 68 day. Psalm 68 reveals that the 68th season is a season of war. It is a season to call the Lord to battle against our foes and enemies. Psalm 68 reveals God as the Lord of battles. This fifth season psalm reveals that God does battle by His presence in the 68th season!

In this psalm of 35 verses, reference is made to God about 81 times. ’81’ (3x3x3x3) is the number of divine fullness on earth. This is a psalm of the fullness of the presence of God on earth.

‘God’ is used 32 times in this chapter. It is used in capital letters in verse 20. “…At the presence of God” is used thrice (verses 2 and 8).

The 68th psalm leaves no room to Man except for crying out to God, singing to Him, praising Him, extolling Him, and being glad and rejoicing in His presence. In the 68th season, He is the Sole-Performer. We are only dependents and beneficiaries of His goodness. Without God, the strongest of men is powerless in the 68th season.

21 NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD IN THIS CHAPTER

1. Him who rides on the clouds

2. YAH

3. A father of the fatherless,

4. A defender of widows,

5. God who sets the solitary in families;

6. God who brings out those who are bound into prosperity;

7. God of Israel

8. Sender of rain

9. Confirmer of His people (His inheritance)

10. Provider for the poor

11. Giver of the word

12. The Almighty

13. The Lord

14. King

15. Owner of thousands of thousands of chariots

16. The Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits

17. The God of salvation

18. The Controller of escapes from death

19. Him who rides on the heaven of heavens,

20. God whose strength is in the clouds

21. God who is more awesome than His holy places.

God reveals Himself through His names and attributes. In the 68th season, He manifests the names and attributes listed above in Psalm 68. This is a day of intervention in favor of those who trust in God,

Day 68 is the beginning of the New Testament side of the tenth week. Every week has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The Old Testament side is the first four days of the week. The New Testament side is the last three days of the week. The fifth day of the week is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week; and has its guiding light in the first nine books of the New Testament. Day 68 is the day of the Healer, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Savor! Get ready to experience the New Testament in the 10th week. This 68th day of the year, you will experience EMMANUEL – God with us; the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Hallelujah!

DECREE AND DECLARE: At creation, God spoke His will into each day. He made us in His image and likeness; and expects us to release His will into each day. Decree this day that the flesh will not overtake the spirit in your life, family,, organization, and nation. Decree a change in the week and declare that today is the beginning of the New Testament side of the week. As a Book-of-Matthew day, decree that Emmanuel (God is with us) takes over. As a New Testament type day, decree that the love of God will overtake human error and failure. Today, submit to the spirit against the flesh. Walk in the spirit and make no room for the flesh. The fifth season is a season of giving spiritual interpretations to earthly manifestations. Today, make it your watchword to walk in the spirit and obey God’s Word. Walking in the spirit is the key to gaining all. Birds (representing the spirit) fly above and eat from the land, the sea, and the air. Today, cry out to God against oppression and for the pains in your life. Speak out also. Trust Him to intervene in your affairs and in the affairs of people around you. Determine to make a next-level move. It’s time to shift base in the spirit! Today, put yourself on the side of blessing by choosing obedience instead of curses by choosing disobedience. In the 68th season, the enemy rises against life, freedom, and resources. Only by the strength of the Almighty can he be subdued. He has failed in your life! May the Lord God go to war for you today. Happy 68th day!

PRAYERS FOR THE DAY

1. Pray to be be delivered from wicked hands and minds.

2. Pray that the hand of God will be revealed in your life and circumstances and for your good.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

http://timeline.ws/days/03_09.HTML

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_9

PRAYING INTO THE 15TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (APRIL 8-14)

Praying Into March 30: The Mystery of Day 89

PRAYING INTO THE 13TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (March 25 – 31)

Nisan (Abib): The Mystery of the Biblical First Month

Praying Into March 20 – the 79th Day of the Year

PRAYING INTO THE 12TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 18-24)

Praying Into March 17: The Mystery of the 76th Day of the Year

PRAY INTO THE 11TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 12 – 18)

Praying Into March 10: The 69th Day of the Year

Praying Into March 9: The 68th Day of the Year

EDITOR PICKS

Day 44: The Mystery of February 13

Day 79: The Mystery of March 20

The Mystery of the First Month of the Year

RECENT POSTS

NIGERIA AND THE 2027 DREAM

THE 12TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 19-25)

2025: BRIDGE TO ‘THE OTHER SIDE’

POPULAR CATEGORIES

ABOUT ME

FOLLOW ME