PRAYING INTO THE 10TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 4/5 – 10/11)

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March 4, 2023

The Word of God is light for all seasons. God wants us to see all seasons through His word; and to see the seasons before they come. God wants us to impose His revealed will for each season on the season. What He reveals in His Word, we must press into by prayer and faith. This year, the 10th week (March 5 – 11) corresponds to Adar 12-18; the week of Purim.

Here are three things the 10th book and 10th chapters of the Bible indicate concerning the 10th season that can guide us to pray into this week:

1. IT IS A SEASON OF BATTLES

The tenth season is battle-season! It is a season of intense spiritual warfare. It is a season of war against wickedness. Psalm 10 indicates that the wicked rise in this season and are ruthless. So, the 10th season is a time to crush the wicked. David fought spiritual and physical battles in the tenth book of the Bible. He had problems when he wanted to rest from fighting. The tenth season is not a time to relent from going to war.

In Exodus 10, Moses was at war with Pharaoh. Egypt had darkness but there was light in Goshen. It was the end of dialogue and negotiation between Moses and Pharaoh. The battle line was drawn there.

In Joshua 10, God fought for Israel against the five kings of the Canaanites with the forces of nature. The sun and moon obeyed the voice of Joshua.

In Judges 10, Israel was greatly distressed because of their enemies. Tola and Jair were Judges in this chapter. The trouble in this chapter paved way for the emergence of Jephthah.

In Second Samuel 10, David fought the Ammonites and the Syrians. 2 Samuel 10:18-19 says, “Then the Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand horsemen of the Syrians, and struck Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. [19] And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore”.

Second Kings 10 is about Jehu’s revolution that wiped the house of Ahab.

In First Chronicles 10, Saul and his sons fell in the battle between Israel and the Philistines.

Isaiah 10:33-34 says, “Behold, the Lord, The LORD of hosts, Will lop off the bough with terror; Those of high stature will be hewn down, And the haughty will be humbled. [34] He will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, And Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One”.

In Daniel 10, Michael fought the resisting Prince of Persia so Gabriel can deliver answers to Daniel’s prayers.

In Second Corinthians 10, Paul reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God – to the pulling down of strongholds.

The 10th President of the United States, John Tyler, was President in the 10th seven years of the United States. He was a fighter. He stood for the1845 annexation of Texas and his season was one of war with the Congress.

This week, we remember how the Lord saved His people (Jews) from their enemies in the days of Esther and Mordecai (Esther 9).

This is a week to battle enemies who won’t let you move from where you should, enemies who won’t let you enter where you should and enemies who want to kick you out of your inheritance and take what belongs to you – enemies who won’t let you enjoy what God has given you. This is a week of war and celebration of victory.

2. IT IS A SEASON OF ANSWERS TO PRAYERS AND TOUGH ISSUES

God answers prayers all the time but some seasons are special gates for answers to prayers. The tenth season is for the realization of dreams and expectations. It is a season of delivering answers to prayers.

In Joshua 10, the servant of God, Joshua, commanded the sun and the moon to stand still. God heard his voice and nature obeyed him.

Joshua 10:12-14 says, “Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” [13] So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. [14] And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel”.

In the 10th chapter of First Samuel, Saul was anointed king secretly and prophesied publicly. Samuel also told him his father’s donkeys had been found.

David became king in 10th book of the Bible. God answered the prayers of David in the 10th book of the Bible.

In Esther 10, Mordecai sat beside the King of Persia and ruled with Him.

In Daniel 10, Daniel received delayed answers to his prayers. Michael fought against, and overpowered, the prince of Persia that withstood Gabriel and the revelation (understanding) he was bringing to Daniel.

Zechariah 10 says if we ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain, He would send us lightning, showers of rain, and food in the fields.

In the 10th chapters of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, prayers were answered through the ministries of Jesus and his disciples.

In John 10, Jesus is the Answer to many prayers. He is the Door, the Good Shepherd, and Giver of Eternal Life.

In Acts 10, Cornelius prayed four days to receive angelic visitation and the word that came to his household and friends from Peter. Cornelius’ prayers were answered and he and his family and friends were filled with the Spirit as Peter preached.

This is a week to pray great prayers and receive great answers.

3. IT IS A SEASON OF ANOINTING WITH THE SPIRIT AND POWER

Saul, the first king of Israel was anointed and filled with the Spirit in First Samuel 10. He was turned into another man and prophesied – to the amazement of many.

In Acts 10, Cornelius and members of his family were baptized with the Spirit. Acts 10:38 tells us that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him”.

Isaiah 10:27 says, “It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil”.

The tenth week is a season of sweet-bitter experiences. God made it to be a season of joy but the enemy fights hard to make it a season of pain and grief.

The purpose of the anointing in the 10th season is for destruction of yokes. Jesus anointed and sent out the 12 in Matthew 10 and sent out the 70 in Luke 10 for the destruction of yokes.

PRAYERS FOR THE 10TH WEEK

1. Pray that the Lord will keep our lands from bloodshed and evil news this week. Pray that the Lord will deliver His people from violent blood-thirsty men and women.

2. Pray against forces resisting answers to prayers in the nations. Pray for the release of angelic hosts against opposing spirits of darkness.

3. Pray that we, our leaders and nations be delivered from costly mistakes and decisions that will trouble us. Pray to be delivered from any love of ease and rest from battle that could become a snare this week.

4. Pray to be anointed with the Spirit and power for the tasks and demands of this week. Pray the same for the Ekklesia around the world.

5. Pray that you will not end this week with shame like the messengers of David in 2 Samuel 10 but with testimonies like the messengers of Jesus in Luke 10. Pray that you will be triumphant despite odds.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

2 Corinthians 10:3-6: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled”.

Happy 10th week of the year!

2023 NATIONAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA

By

Nkem Okemiri

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March 3, 2023

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The 2023 election is Nigeria’s 12th national election. The preceding 11 elections took place in 1959, 1964, 1979, 1983, 1993, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019.

The election of 1959 opened the door to the first republic. The 1964 ekection was the second and last in the first republic. The military took over from 1966 to 1979 when the third national election opened the door to the second republic. The election of 1983 was the second and last in the Shagari-led second republic. The military took over again from December 31, 1983 to 1993 when the annulled (June 12) fifth national election took place. That election was to open the door to the third republic. The Babangida-led military regime constituted an Interim Nationale Government (ING) that lasted only 84 days. That was Nigeria’s short-lived third republic. The military overthrew the Shonekan-led Interim National Government on 1993 and continued till 1999 when the sixth national election that ushered in the fourth republic took place. The 2003 election was sehbbbbbbventh national election and the second in the 4th republic. The 2007 election that brought in Yar’Adua as President was the 8th national election and the third in the fourth republic. The President died in office in 2010. Then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan took over as President. The 2011 election was the 9th national election and the fourth in the fourth republic. The 2015 election, that ushered in Buhari as President and 15th National Leader, was the 10th national election and the fifth in the fourth republic. The 2019 election was the 11th national election and the sixth in the fourth republic. The 12th national election will be 7th in the fourth republic.

WHAT IS THE MYSTERY OF THE 12TH NATIONAL ELECTION?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”.

The season of the 12th national election will open its door to things that accompany the 12th. What are the things that accompany the 12th? The Bible has clue. Psalm 119:10″Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path”. The Bible guides us through principles, promises, prophecies, and patterns (narrative and numeric). The way the Holy Spirit inspired the assignment of chapter numbers to Bible narratives reveal a pattern concerning the 12th season: 1

. It is associated with wasting of lives and shedding of blood. The firstborn of Egypt perished in the 12th chapter of Exodus. The 12th book of the Bible opens with the deaths – of 102 soldiers who went to arrest Elijah; of the 42 children who mocked Elisha. The house of Ahab was wiped off in the 12th book of the Bible. There was so much bloodshed in this book. Haman plotted to kill Mordecai and all Jews in Persia in the 12th month. He determined the execution of was chosen by lot. On that day, Jews overpowered and killed their enemies. Herod beheaded James and also wanted to kill Peter in Acts 12. Herod died in that chapter. In Revelation 12, the dragon planned to devour the Man-child and his mother.

There was so much death in Nigeria in the season of the 12th National Leader – from riots, explosions, plane crashes and so on. The wife of the 12th National Leader – the First Lady – died in office. The 12th President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, died in office. A spirit of destruction is going to be released in Nigeria in the season of the 12th national election.

2. It is a season of intervention to rescue lives and save people from the troubles of life. God intervened in the lives of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12 as they went to sojourn in Egypt. The blood of lambs saved Israel from the spirit of death in Exodus 12 on the night of the Passover. Elisha was God’s agent of intervention in the 12th book of the Bible. God delivered Peter from Herod’s prison in Acts 12. The Man-child was delivered from the dragon in Revelation 12. America’s Republican Party was founded in 1854 (within the 12th seven years of the United States). Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US President and emancipation of slaves in America was elected first Republican President in 1860 – the year closing the 12th seven years of the United States. Nigeria’s 16th National Leader is expected to emerge from the 12th national election. This election is Passover-election in Nigeria.

3. It is a season departures, defections, and parting ways. Abraham departed his native land in Genesis 12. Israel departed Egypt in Exodus 12. Samuel retired and have his farewell speech in First Samuel 12. The House of David lost ten tribes in First Kings 12. Elijah departed the earth in the 12th book of the Bible. First Chronicles 12 is about Israelite who defected to David at Ziklag; before He became king. The Man-child departed the earth in Revelation 12. The emergence of the 12th National Leader ended military rule in Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory moved effectively from Lagos to Abuja on the 12th day of the 12th month of the year beginning the 12th seven years of Nigeria’s Amalgamation. The 12th month is the last month of the year. There is no record of Jacob having children after Benjamin his 12th son was born. The 12th national election will mark a turning-point in Nigeria.

4. It is a season of hardship which the ungodly use to exploit vulnerable people. The people of Tyre depended on Herod for food and worshipped him to death.

HOW SHOULD NIGERIANS PREPARE FOR THE 12TH NATIONAL ELECTION?

1. Gain understanding concerning the season

1 Chronicles 12:32
[32] of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;

Ecclesiastes 9:12
[12] For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them.

Matthew 24:43
[43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

2. Pray and ask the Lord for the positive things that pertain to the season. Zechariah 10:1 NKJV

[1] 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.

3. Pray against the wicked who would take advantage of people’s vulnerability in the season of the 12th national election (Genesis 12; Acts 12; Revelation 12)

4. Pray for the unity of God’s people in the season of the 12th national election Abraham and Sarah were in agreement in Genesis 12. God’s people in Egypt acted in unison in Exodus 12. The church prayed with one accord in Acts 12. First Corinthians 12 teaches us to act as members of one body in the 12th season.

5. Pray also for the unity of Nigeria in this season. Israel divided in First Kings 12. In the 12th seven years of the United States, America was divided over the freedom and rights of slaves.

6. Commit to the observance of Communion with understanding.

7. Register to vote and vote for God’s choice.

8. Avoid unnecessary provocation. It was insensitivity and provocation that led to the immediate split of United Israel. Rehoboam lost ten tribes because he did not listen to the people but spoke harshly to them. He gave room to provocation.

PRAYING INTO THE 9TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 4)

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 25, 2023

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As we pray that this week will conform to the Word and Patterns settled in heaven, here are seven broad features of the ninth season revealed in the ninth book and chapters of the Bible:

1. IT IS A SEASON OF RECOVERIES.

The ninth season is for the recovery of lost things.There are four cases of recovery in the 9th book of the Bible: The Nazirite Israel lost in Samson in the 7th book of the Bible was recovered in Samuel in the 9th book of the Bible. The Ark Israel lost to the Philistines in chapter 4 was returned in chapter 6. The donkeys that Saul’s father lost in chapter 9 were recovered. The family members and property that David and his men lost to raiders and abductors in chapter 30 were recovered.

The blind had their sight restored in Matthew 9, John 9 and Acts 9.

The sick were healed and the dead were raised in both Matthew 9 and Acts 9.

The 9th seven books of the Bible (Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John and 2 John) are books of recovery.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will make a way for what is lost, in the lives of individuals, families, institutions, and nations – to be recovered. Pray that this will be a week of recoveries instead of losses.

2. IT IS A SEASON FOR ANOINTING NEW LEADERSHIP

Noah transferred leadership to his sons in Genesis 9. The parable of trees seeking a king is told in Judges 9. Saul was presented to Samuel as the first king of Israel in First Samuel 9. Monarchy began in Israel in the 9th book of the Bible. David was anointed in the 9th book of the Bible. Jehu was anointed king in Second Kings 9. The Lord Jesus recruited Saul of Tarsus into leadership in Acts 9. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this”.

PRAYER: O Lord, let there be a change of guard this week in nations where it is necessary. Let change happen in the church, in organizations, and in nations. Let there be a shift in power holding in nations where change is needed.

3. IT IS A SEASON OF JUDGMENT

The 9th season is for the judgment of the wicked – especially murderers. In Genesis 9, God pronounced judgment (death sentence) on anyone that takes the life of another. Abimelech was judged for killing the 70 sons of his father in Judges 9. The 9th book of the Bible ends with the death of Saul. Jehu executed judgment on the house of Ahab in Second Kings 9 for the murder of Naboth. The 9th chapters of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Revelation are about judgment for rebellion and wickedness.

PRAYER: Pray and decree vengeance against the wicked and unrepentant in the nations. Psalm 9:16-17 says, “The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah [17] The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God”.

4. IT IS A WEEK TO MAKE OR REMEMBER COVENANTS

God made the covenant of rainbow with man in Genesis 9. Israel made a covenant with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9. Jonathan made a covenant with David in the 9th book of the Bible. David remembered his covenant with Jonathan in Second Samuel 9. This is a week of peace.

PRAYER: Pray that this is a week of ending conflicts, making peace and building friendship in the nations.

5. IT IS A WEEK OF REVERSING THE PLANS OF THE WICKED.

God’s will for the 9th season is fruitfulness and multiplication but the evil one pushes to decimate. Genesis 9:1-7 says, “So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. [2] And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. [3] Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. [4] But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. [5] Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. [6] “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. [7] And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”

This week, what the wicked had planned for others will return to the head of the wicked. The ninth season is when evil returns to those who plan it. In this season, the opposite of what the wicked thinks happens. It is a season when God treads down the enemies of his people. In Judges 9, Abimelech perished for stretching his hands against his father’s house, killing the sons of his father, and making himself king.

In the 9th book of the Bible, the Philistines hurt themselves for seizing the ark of covenant; Goliath perished for standing up against the armies of the living God; and king Saul, who wanted to see David dead, died. In Second Kings 9, God raised Jehu against the house of Ahab. In Esther 9, the battle turned against those who had prepared to destroy the Jews. The Jews overpowered their enemies. In Acts 9, Saul of Tarsus encountered Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus; and his evil plan was aborted. This is a week of the Boomerang – to give to the wicked and evil people a taste of what they intend to give to others. This week, the Lord will arrest the raging of the wicked in your favor.

Psalm 9:15-16 says, “The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. [16] The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah”.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will reverse the plans of the wicked. Let the tide turn against killers and destroyers by a supernatural twist.

6. IT IS A WEEK OF INTENSE PRESSURE TO WEAKEN AND BREAK THE BACKBONE OF THE ENEMY.

The plagues that came down on Egypt in Exodus 7-12 brought Pharaoh and his people to their knees. The plagues of tumor on the Philistines and the destruction of the image of their god compelled them to return the Ark to Israel. This week, the Lord will put intense pressure on the enemy to give up on your case. Amen! Saul of Tarsus was on a mission to destroy in Acts 9 before Jesus Christ stopped him. The Jews in Persia were to be annihilated in Esther 9 before the opposite occurred. Jehu was anointed for the destruction of the House of Ahab in Second Kings 9. The tormenting locusts from the bottomless pit were released in Revelation 9.

PRAYER: Pray that the enemy will come under intense pressure; and that his backbone be broken in the nations. Pray that the prey be freed from the predator.

7. IT IS A WEEK OF HELP TO THE HELPLESS.

In the ninth season, the hopeless rejoice (The Gibeonites in Joshua 9; Saul in First Samuel 9; Mephiboshet in Second Samuel 9; Jehu in Second Kings 9; The Jews in Esther 9; The sick and afflicted in Matthew 9, Luke 9, and Mark 9; The Man born blind in John 9; Aeneas and Dorcas in Acts 9). Believe God, this week, for surprising visitations in the area of need.

Psalm 9:9,18 says, ‘The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. [18] For the needy shall not always be forgotten; The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever’.

Isaiah 9:2-4 says, “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian”.

PRAYER: Pray that help and relief will rise for the helpless in the nations as it did for the Jews in Esther 9. Pray that the Lord will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE 9TH WEEK.

Psalm 9:17-18: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten; The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever”.

Happy 9th week of the year!

AMERICA, KENTUCKY, ASBURY UNIVERSITY AND REVIVALS

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 23, 2023

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KENTUCKY AND REVIVAL

Kentucky was the 15th US state to join the Union. She is a book of Ezra state in America. She attained statehood on June 1, 1792 – in the second month of the 17th year of the United States. In 1801, the ninth year of joining the Union, the Cane Ridge Revival broke out. That was a book of First Samuel year in Kentucky

ASBURY UNIVERSITY AND REVIVALS

Asbury University was founded on September 2, 1890 by John Wesley Hughes as Kentucky Holiness College – at the beginning of the 15th seven years of Kentucky statehood – when Kentucky was in her 99 year as a State. It was renamed Asbury College in 1891 after Bishop Francis Asbury, “the father of American Methodism”.Asbury is known for revivals and has had 9 major revival seasons between 1905 and 2023:

1. February 1905: In the 15th year of the establishment of the college, a prayer meeting in a men’s dormitory sparked a campus and city-wide revival. That was the year before the 1906 Azusa Street Revival.

2. February 1908: three years after the first revival, a two-week revival broke out in the school’s chapel.

3. February 1921: in the 16th year of the first revival, a planned revival was extended for three extra days.

4. February 1950: in the 60th year of the college and around the time of the 45th anniversary of the first revival, a testimony from a student led to a nonstop 118-hour revival.

5. March 1958: In the 68th year of the college and in the 53rd year of the first revival, a prayer meeting turned into a 63-hour revival.

6. February 3, 1970: In the 80th year of the college and 65th year of the first revival, one of the most famous revivals in Asbury University history took place. Classes were canceled for a week during the 144 hours (six days) of nonstop religious service. This revival attracted national and international attention.

7. March 1992: In the 102nd year of the College and the 87th year of the first revival, an annual religious conference turned into a nonstop 127-hour prayer and worship gathering.

8. February 2006: In the 116th year of the University and the 101st year of the first revival, a four-day revival was held.

9. February 8, 2023: On the 8th day of the second month of the 23rd Year of the 21st century, in the ninth month of the 231st year of Kentucky’s statehood, the 133rd year of the University and 118th year of the first revival, a simple scheduled chapel service in which the speaker spoke about love from Romans 12 (a ‘Revive Us by Your Love’ message) led to a revival of two weeks on-campus non-stop worship. The revival continued off-campus after the the second week. Thousands joined the services from across the United States. People traveled from other nations to join or witness this revival. Some gave up their jobs, moved to to Wilmore, Kentucky to be part of the revival services.

It is worthy of note that seven of the nine revivals, so far, occured in the month of February. The 1958 and 1992 revivals occured in the month of March.

THE TIMING OF ASBURY REVIVAL 2023

Time is a gate and there are purposes that are expected to pass through each gate of time. Revival is expected at this time. Is there anything so special about the timing of the Asbury Revival 2023?

2023 IS A YEAR OF REVIVAL

It is a book of Isaiah year.
It is a Josiah-refornation season.

return to the word
return to God
return to the cross

YEAR 247 OF AMERICA IS A YEAR OF REVIVAL

a). The second year of America’s 36th seven years

b). The second year of America’s sixth 49 years.

c). The 47th year of America’s third century

YEAR 231 OF KENTUCKY IS A YEAR OF REVIVAL.

This is a Micah 7 year in Kentucky
This is Back to Bethel Year in Kentucky.

YEAR 133 OF ASBURY IS A YEAR OF PSALM 133 REVIVAL.

a). Psalm 133 Revival.

b. Psalm 118 Revival.
YEAR 118 OF THE FIRST (1905) REVIVAL IS A GATE FOR ANOTHER REVIVAL

Adar: The Biblical 12th Month of the Year

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 22, 2023

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Welcome to Adar – the 12th month of the year! The 12th month is the 30-day month that runs between the third of fourth week of February and the third or fourth week of March in the Gregorian calendar. This Biblical twelfth month is the pattern for all 12th months. All 12th months have common characteristics. Nations, states, organizations, families, and individuals are to count their 12th months from the day of their birth. Biblical patterns for understanding the 12th month are the fifth day of creation narrative, the 12th book and 12th chapters of the Bible, and Bible passages mentioning the 12th month.

Life – the enjoyment of it and the full expression of it – is fundamental in the 12th months. The evil one seeks to destroy or frustrate life in this season but God seeks to protect and preserve it. The enemy wants the month od Adar to be a season of grief but God has made it to be a season of great joy.

A, The 12th month is a fifth day of creation season. All seasons have their basic pattern in the day of creation that corresponds to them. Although there is no 12th day of creation, the 12th is the fifth in the second-seven. So, the 12th month is a fifth-season month. God began the creation of living-moving creatures on the fifth day. He made sea creatures and birds of the air on that day. He made them to express life to the full. They could move; and were also equipped with senses to perceive their environments, and with organs to reproduce their kinds, and make voice sounds, Since God made those creatures to express life to the full, the adversary wants to hinder full expression of life. He fights creation with barrenness, destruction, and death. Instead of enjoying God’s blessings, He wants creation to groan with curses. As new things began on the fifth day of creation, the 12th month is a month of positive new beginnings.

B. The 12th month is a Book of Second Kings season. The book of Second Kings is the 12th book of the Bible and is applicable to the 12th month of the year. The prophets, Elijah and Elisha dominated half of this book both to kill and to save lives by the word of the Lord and in the name of the Lord. The 12th is both a month of destruction and a month of intervention. It is a month of mercy and a month of judgment. Elijah departed the earth by a chariot of fire in this book and without dying. Elisha performed several miracles of intervention. This book breathes with the power of God. In this book, Jehu was anointed king to execute God’s word against the house of Ahab. The house of Ahab came to an end in this book. This books ends with captivity of the two kingdoms of Israel. The 12th month is an end-time for the wicked and rebellious.

C. The 12th month is a 12th-Chapters of the Bible season. The 12th chapters of the Bible indicate that the 12th season is a season of judgment. In Genesis 12, “the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife”. In Exodus, God killed the firstborn of Egyptians in the Passover. In Numbers 12, God plagued Miriam for speaking against Moses. In 2nd Samuel 12, Nathan pronounced judgment on David for the sin against Uriah and David’s son through Bathsheba died. Daniel 12 is about the judgment of the end-time. In Acts 12, Herod was eaten by worms and died for receiving glory due only to God.

D. Bible passages that mention ‘the twelfth month’

The Bible reveals three things about the twelfth month

1. It is the month of intervention and freedom.

2. It is the month of vengeance

3. It is the month of lamentation for the enemies of God.

1. THE MONTH OF FREEDOM

2 Kings 25:27-30: Now it came to pass in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. [28] He spoke kindly to him, and gave him a more prominent seat than those of the kings who were with him in Babylon. [29] So Jehoiachin changed from his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before the king all the days of his life. [30] And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.

Jeremiah 52:31-34: Now it came to pass in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. [32] And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a more prominent seat than those of the kings who were with him in Babylon. [33] So Jehoiachin changed from his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before the king all the days of his life. [34] And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king of Babylon, a portion for each day until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

2. THE MONTH OF VENGEANCE

Esther 3:5-7: When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. [6] But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus-the people of Mordecai. [7] 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.

Esther 8:11-13: By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives-to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions, [12] on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. [13] A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Esther 9:1-5: Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. [2] The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. [3] And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. [4] For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. [5] Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.

3. MONTH OF LAMENTATION FOR GOD’S ENEMIES

Ezekiel 32:1-8: And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [2] “Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say to him: ‘You are like a young lion among the nations, And you are like a monster in the seas, Bursting forth in your rivers, Troubling the waters with your feet, And fouling their rivers. [3] ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will therefore spread My net over you with a company of many people, And they will draw you up in My net. [4] Then I will leave you on the land; I will cast you out on the open fields, And cause to settle on you all the birds of the heavens. And with you I will fill the beasts of the whole earth. [5] I will lay your flesh on the mountains, And fill the valleys with your carcass. [6] “I will also water the land with the flow of your blood, Even to the mountains; And the riverbeds will be full of you. [7] When I put out your light, I will cover the heavens, and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, And the moon shall not give her light. [8] All the bright lights of the heavens I will make dark over you, And bring darkness upon your land,” Says the Lord GOD.

PRAYING INTO THE MONTH OF ADAR

1. Pray that the Lord will open up the closed doors for His restricted people and end their confinement in this 12th month – as He did for Jehoiachin in the 12th month (2 Kings 25: 27-30; Jeremiah 52: 31-34)

2. Pray that the Lord will favor His people and grant them a change of status in this season asHe did for Jehoiachin in the 12th month

3. Pray that the Lord will remove garments of shame and reproach from His people this month of Adar as He did for Jehoiachin in the twelfth month.

4. Pay that the Lord regularize provisions for His people and let them lack nothing this month as He did for Jehoiachin in the 12th month. Let there be no scarcity or rationing of necessities in the lives and homes of His people.

5. Pray that the Lord will frustrate the efforts of the enemy against His people this month of Adar as He did for His people in Persia in the book of Esther (Esther 8: 11-13; 9:1-5)

6. Pray that the Lord will revoke and reverse the decree and counsel of the wicked against His people in this month of Adar as He did n Esther 8.

7. Pray that the Lord will turn the table against the wicked enemies of His loved ones this month of Adar as He did to the house of Haman in the book of Esther..

8. Pray that those who wait unrepentantly to end the lives of God’s people and the innocent this month of Adar will end with the year like Haman and his allies in the Book of Esther.

9. Pray that the feet of the saints will be on the neck of their enemies this month of Adar as in the Book of Esther..

10. Pray that the Lord will comfort His people and turn weeping and mourning into joy and celebration this month of Adar as on the first Purim in the book of Esther.

11. In the name of the Lord, decree lamentation for the proud and wicked who rise against God’s people – as in Ezekiel 32..

12. Pray that the Lord will use you to change someone’s story for good this month of Adar. Pray for a positive change of story for God’s people in the nations.

Happy 12th month of Adar!

PRAY INTO THE 8TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (February 19 – 25)

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 19, 2023

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Here are 8 things to note and pray about in the 8th week:

1. IT IS A SEASON TO WATCH AGAINST SATANIC AGENTS OF FORCED RELOCATION

In the 8th week of 2014 (February 20), Russia annexed Ukraine. About 8 years later, in the 8th week of 2022 (February 24), Russia invaded Ukraine again; leading to war that forced many to flee Ukraine. In the late 1830s, in the season of the 8th President of the United States, Martin Van Buren, American Indian tribes were forced to move westward from the south and southeast in what has come to be known as ‘The Trail of Tears’.

The Bible is key to understanding why these things happened when they did. The 8th book of the Bible (Ruth) and the 8th chapters of the Bible indicate that the 8th season is a time when people may face harsh circumstances that may force them to flee, or move from, their lands. In the book of Ruth, Elimelech fled the land of Judah because of famine. In Second Kings 8, famine made the Shunemite woman relocate to the land of the Philistines – by the word of the lLord. In Acts 8, persecution drove many believers out of Jerusalem. Philip moved to Samaria and found ministry there.

PRAYER: Pray that Lord will guide His people in the nations through any hard and harsh circumstances that may rise this week. Pray that the Lord will keep His people in the nations far from satanic agents of forced relocation.

2. IT IS A SEASON TO REVERSE LAWS AND DECREES

The 8th season is for making new laws to counter old ones or give new direction. In Genesis 8, God said, “…I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. [22] “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease” (Genesis 8:21-22). In Esther 8, the king mandated Esther and Mordecai to write a new law, in his name, to revoke or counter the evil decree Haman initiated. In the 8th seven books of the Bible (Philippians – Titus), Paul made new laws for the church – especially in his epistles to Timothy and Titus.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will cause the overthrow and reversal of evil and wicked decrees and writings in the nations as it happened in Esther 8. As you pray, make new decrees, by the spirit, to counter wicked purposes on earth.

3. IT IS A SEASON OF BATTLES THAT CAN ONLY BE WON THROUGH DIVINE COUNSEL AND STRENGTH

This is a week of invasions. Noah inherited and took over the new earth in Genesis 8. In Joshua 8, Israel received wisdom from God to defeat and take over the city of Ai. Israel wanted a king in First Samuel 8 because of battles. In Second Samuel 8, David led Israel to subdue Moab, Syria, Edom, Philistia, Ammon, Amalek and Zobah. Philip, by the power of God, overthrew demonic strongholds of Samaria in Acts 8. Revelation 8 is the beginning of the ‘battle of the trumpets’ to redeem and reclaim the earth. Russia had cashed in on the mystery of this week in her conflict with Ukraine (2014 and 2022). Proverbs 8 is about the excellence of wisdom. It is expedient to have wisdom in the 8th season. The enemy takes advantage of men in the 8th season for lack of wisdom.

PRAYER: Pray for God’s wisdom in fighting the battles of this week. Pray for guidance to triumph over all enemies this week. Pray for nations at war in this season – especially for wisdom. Pray for Israel and her allies – especially the United States. Pray for Russia and Ukraine. Pray especially for God’s people in those nations.

4. IT IS A SEASON TO WATCH AND WAR AGAINST SATANIC DARKNESS AND DECEPTION

There is a spirit of deception that comes upon people in the 8th season. Philip’s ministry in Samaria overthrew an agent of darkness called Simon. Acts 8:9-10 says, “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, [10] to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” Simon was a sorcerer and a deceiver. Darkness deceives! In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” In John 8, Jesus described Satan as a liar and the father of lies (verse 44). Gideon was deceived, through pressure from the people, into an initiative that resulted in idolatry. Judges 8:27 says, “Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house”. In First Samuel 8, Israel was deceived to ask for a king so they can be like other nations. Nigeria made a choice within her 8th seven years (2015) to elect her current President. It turned out to be 8 years of disaster and pain. Deception!

PRAYER: Pray to be delivered from decisions that will hurt in the future. Pray to be delivered from liars and deceivers. Pray also for Nigeria as the people struggle with the realities of the new government and administration.

5. IT IS A SEASON OF TAKING GUIDED STEPS.

The 8th season is a season of relocations but it should be ‘guided relocation ‘. Under Nigeria’s 8th National leader, the nation’s seat of power moved from Lagos to Abuja. Noah was guided to disembark from the Ark in Genesis 8. He did not just act by himself. Genesis 8:15-19 says, “Then God spoke to Noah, saying, [16] “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. [17] Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” [18] So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. [19] Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark”. Elisha instructed the Shunemite woman to relocate in Second Kings 8. In Acts 8, the Holy Spirit instructed Philip to join the Eunuchs chariot . Acts 8:26-29 says, “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. [27] So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, [28] was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. [29] Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

PRAYER: Pray this week that your movements be guided by the Lord and that you will be delivered from taking unguided steps. Pray the same for God’s people in the nations.

6. IT IS A SEASON TO ASK FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT PLACES.

It is a blessing to have the right people in the right places in the season. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were rightly positioned in the 8th book of the Bible. In Matthew 8, Jesus showed up as the One Who bore sicknesses and took infirmities away. In John 8, the woman caught in adultery would have been stoned to death if Jesus was not there. In Acts 8, the Ethiopian Eunuch found great in meeting Philip. In the 8th seven books of the Bible, Paul had Timothy and Titus in the right places.

PRAYER: Pray to be connected to right and helpful people this week. Pray that the Lord will send or position the right people in the right places in the nations this week. Pray also that the Lord will send you where you will be needed this week.

7. IT IS A SEASON OF CHANGE AND A NEW BEGINNING

The 8th week is a new beginning. It is the beginning of the second seven weeks (49 days) of the year. Noah began a new earth in Acts 8. The church moved into a new territory (Samaria) in Acts 8. Philip’s ministry in Samaria brought joyful change. Israel rejected corrupt leadership and demanded a shift from judges to kings in First Samuel 8. Andrew Jackson became US President within the 8th seven years of the nation – the first from the south. He was ‘a new beginning President’.

PRAYER: Ask the Lord for change this week. Pray to be delivered from the exploitation of evil and wicked men. Decree the rejection of corrupt and evil leaders in the nations as Israel rejected the corrupt sons of Samuel in First Samuel 8.

8. IT IS A SEASON OF OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES

Noah offered sacrifice to God in Genesis 8. Genesis 8:20 says, “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar”. In First Kings 8, Solomon offered sacrifices to God to to mark the entrance of the ark into the temple.1 Kings 8:5 says, “Also King Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled with him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be counted or numbered for multitude”. In Joshua 8, after the defeat of Ai, Joshua built an altar to the Lord and offered sacrifices and peace offerings. In Revelation 8, prayers were offered to God as incense. The sacrifices of the 8th provoke divine blessings and visitations in the season. The 8th chapter of First Corinthians is about foods sacrificed to idols. It is an error to patronize idols in the 8th season. Second Corinthians 8 is about offerings. 2 Corinthians 8:12 says,
“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have”. Let your prayers, praises and other offerings release a sweet smell into heaven this week.

PRAYER: Pray that acceptable offerings and sacrifices will rise from God’s people in the nations to the Lord this week.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Isaiah 8:12-13: “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. [13] The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread”.

Happy 8th week of the year;

PRAYING INTO THE 7TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 12 – 18)

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 9, 2023

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When we declare God’s will in and through prayer, we are putting an instrument of creation to work. We are calling God’s will to manifest on earth as it is in heaven. This week, we pray to bring this seven-day season into alignment and conformity with God’s principles, promises and patterns. The Lord reigns!

How should we pray in and concerning the 7th week of the year?

1. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS AN ‘END-POINT’ WEEK

Genesis 2:2: “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done”.

This is the week ending the first seven weeks of the year. God ended His work of creation on the seventh day and rested. This became a pattern for terminating troubles, problems, yokes and burdens in the seventh season. The wall of Jericho fell down flat after Israel marched around the city seven days and seven times on the seventh day. Naaman was healed of leprosy after dipping in Jordan the seventh time. In Second Kings 7, Elisha terminated famine and food scarcity by a prophetic word. In Esther 7, Haman, the enemy of the Jews, died and came to an end by hanging. Jesus healed the sick and ended their troubles on the seventh day. He took the rest of the seventh day beyond the realm of ‘no work and no movement’. He gave the people rest from their worries. The seventh week is a week of rest from distress and unrest.

PRAYER: Pray and decree that problems (yokes if the enemy) that have journeyed with us through the first six weeks of the year will end this seventh week. Pray that Haman harassing God’s people in the nations will fall by his own sword.

2. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A BLESSED SEASON.

Genesis 2:3: “Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made”.

God blessed the seventh day BECAUSE He rested on that day. He did not bless any other day of creation as He blessed the 7th day. On the fifth and sixth days, He blessed His creation with fruitfulness and multiplication but not the days. The blessings released on the seventh day was intended to keep curses away from the seventh season. Blessings drive curses away as light drives darkness away.

PRAYER: Bless this seventh week as the Lord blessed the seventh day. Speak preservation and intervention into it.

3. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A SEASON OF INTERVENTION

The 7th book and 7th chapters of the Bible indicate that seventh week is a season in which divine intervention is greatly needed.

The seventh book of the Bible is named Judges after the deliverers (Shamgar, Othniel, Ehud, Barak, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, etc) God raised for Israel against her enemies. In Genesis 7, Noah’s ark saved him and family from the flood. God used the ark to preserve life. In First Samuel 7, Samuel saved Israel from the hand of the Philistines. In Second Kings 7, Elisha saved Samaria from famine. In Luke 7, Jesus saved an only child of a widow from death. Revelation 7 talks about those who came out of the great tribulation. Jesus intervened in the lives of the distressed on the seventh day. Whereas the Jews advocated limited activity and movement on the Sabbath, Jesus stood for spirit-soul-body rest from shackles. For Him, it was the best time to heal the sick and set captives free. For Him, it was a day to announce to everyone, “It is done; no more worries; receive your freedom and enjoy it”.Week seven is a week of salvation from oppression.

The seventh 7 chapters (43-49) of the Bible bear witness that the seventh season is a time of intervention. Going through Week 7 (Days 43-49) is like going through the seventh seven chapters of Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah or Jeremiah. They are chapters of intervention. Think of Genesis 43-49. In this seventh section of the book of Genesis,Joseph stood out as both the savior of his family and race and the savior of Egypt. Through him his family came to live in Egypt and were cared for. Through him, Egyptians were preserved from a seven-year famine. May the Lord bless you with a Joseph or make you one in this seventh week of the year.

Heart-felt intercession in a seventh season is great intervention (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Mark 7:24-30)

PRAYER: Raise your voice to God as intervention for those in need of intervention. Pray that the Lord will raise help and helpers in the nations. Pray that this will be a week of deliverance from diverse kinds of oppression. Let saviors emerge from the nations to save their people. Pray that those God will raise for His battle this week will not become casualty.

4. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A SEASON OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH

The seventh chapters of the Bible reveal that the mouths of death and the grave are wide open in the seventh season.

The Spirit of death comes in the seventh season to separate men from their labors and cause them to rest eternally. God may use it for judgment. Satan employs this spirit against righteous in seventh seasons.

Many lives were lost in the seventh book of the Bible (Judges) – especially from wars. The flood of Noah’s day is recorded is recorded in Genesis 7. In Joshua 7, Israel lost 36 soldiers. The stoning of Achan and his family is also recorded in that chapter. Gideon defeated and killed his enemies in Judges 7. The palace official who doubted the prophetic declaration of Elisha died in 2 Kings 7. The death of Haman is recorded in Esther 7. Proverbs 7 is the warning of wisdom against the strange woman whose ” house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27). Ecclesiastes 7 exalts the season of death and mourning above birth and celebration. In Luke 7, Jesus raised a young man (the only son and child of a widow) from the dead. He was already in a coffin and ready for burial. The Jewish leaders spoke of killing Jesus in John 7. Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7. Hebrews 7 is about Jesus our High Priest and Saviour from death. In Revelation 7, 144, 000 people from the 12 tribes of Israel were sealed against harm and death. The seventh season is a deadly season without divine intervention. May the Lord intervene this week for the sake of the elect. The first attempt to assassinate a US President happened January 30, 1835; in the season of the seventh President, Andrew Jackson. The assailant shot at him but the gun misfired.

PRAYER: This week, pray and shut the mouth of death and the grave and deliver those appointed to death in the nations (Psalm 79:11; Proverbs 31:8). Pray that this week will be a week of preservation; not of destruction and death. See Hosea 13:14.

5. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A SEASON OF REST AND FAITH IN THE FINISHED WORK

Week 7 is a seventh-seven-books-of-the-Bible week (Books 43-49). The 7th seventh books of the Bible are John, Acts, Romans, First Corinthians, Second Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians. These books are about the application of the finished work. In the 43rd book, John, Jesus declared on the cross, “it is finished”. Those books are about the riches we have in Christ – salvation, eternal life, power, righteousness, freedom, gifts, ministry, position and authority. These seven book show us that, in Christ, we have rest from the Law, by faith; and that the struggle is over. Five Pauline Epistles are part of the seventh seven books. Let this week be a week of rest; not a week of unrest or distress.

PRAYER: Pray that people will come into the finished work and rest of God. Pray that religious people around the world who are struggling and labouring for salvation will come into His rest this week.

6. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A HOLY SEASON OF PURSUING THE PLEASURE OF GOD

Although we are to pursue God’s pleasure at all times, some seasons demand that specially; and they come with heavy distractions from the pursuit of God’s pleasure. The book of Judges is the seventh book of the Bible and provides a pattern for the seventh week. This book is about three things: Israel’s intermittent sin, suffering, and salvation. The book is called Judges because of the ‘judges’ who rose at different times to guide Israel back to God and to deliver Israel from her oppressors. In the days of the Judges, there was no king in Israel and everyone did was right in his or her eyes. They forsook the pleasure of God and pursued their own pleasures. That was the reason Israel suffered in the seventh book of the Bible. Isaiah 58:13-14 says, “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, [14] Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken.” The evil one fights to have this season and lures men to commit abomination and sacrilege in this season. Islam was born in the 7th century of the Church. It is man’s desecration of this season that makes it a season of curses.

PRAYER: Pray that this week will be a week of recovery from every kind of declension. Let it be a week turning and returning to God and pursuing His pleasure. Pray that the enemy will not rejoice over God’s people this week. Pray to be delivered from taking steps, making decisions and saying or doing things that would give power to the enemy.

7. THE SEVENTH WEEK IS A SEASON TO WALK IN UNITY

The account of the seventh day of creation is not recorded in the same chapter with the account of the first six days. This because the seventh season stands out from the bunch. This is true of the march around Jericho, the seven seals of Revelation 7-8, and the t trumpets of Revelation 8-11. This also seems to be the root of the negative tendency towards division and disunity in the seventh season. Four times, in the seventh book of the Bible, we are told that “in those days there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25; 18:1; 19:1). The tribes even fought themselves in the 7th book of the Bible.

PRAYER: Pray that this week will be marked by unity and not disunity among God’s people Let this week be marked by true love and not self-centeredness (Psalm 133:1-3). Pray that the Lord and His Word will be our rallying point this week.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

2 Chronicles 7:13-14: “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, [14] if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”.

PRAY FOR COUNTRIES MARKING INDEPENDENCE THIS WEEK:

Tibet (February 13)

Serbia (February 15)

Lithuania (February 16)

Kosovo (17 February, 2008)

The Gambia (18 February, 1965)

PRAYING INTO THE 6TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 5 – 11)

By

Nkem Okemiri

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February 5, 2023

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Jesus taught His disciples to pray and say, “Your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This would mean seizing every time for the execution of God’s purpose. Our goal in praying into the sixth week of the year is that God’s will be done this week in the nations as is revealed in the Bible. It is God’s will for time to align with God’s Word as it was in the beginning – at creation.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SIXTH WEEK

God made man and land animals on the sixth day of creation. He made man in His image and after His likeness and gave man dominion over the animals. The animals were not made in the image and likeness of God. So, in creation, man represents godliness and the animals represent ungodliness – not necessarily in a negative sense. They just fall below the standard of God’s image and likeness.

What can we learn from patterns in the Bible concerning the sixth season (6th day, 6th week, 6th month, sixth year, 6th seven years or sixth 49 years)? This is a week to remember what God did on the sixth day of creation.

1. IT IS A SEASON OF WAR AGAINST UNGODLINESS AND REBELLION

God perfected the creation of flesh and blood on the sixth day and somehow, the works and manifestations of flesh reach a climax in the sixth seasons. The beastly nature rises in man in this season and multiplies wickedness in the land. This makes the sixth season a time of reaction and judgment against evil and ungodliness.

God decided to destroy evil and wicked humanity from the earth in Genesis 6. God gave Israel the lands of the Canaanites in the 6th book of the Bible and commanded Israel to destroy them because iniquity. The sixth 7 years of the 20th century was a time of atrocities culminating in WW2. Nigeria was in her sixth year of nationhood in 1966 when two bloody coups occurred within seven months. The worst human rights violations in Nigeria history happened within the sixth seven years of Nigeria under the Sani Abacha regime.

The sixth season is a time of conflict between the godliness and ungodliness. The sixth season is a season of reaction against people that do not bear His semblance. It is a season of war against rebellion. The sixth book and chapters of the Bible bear witness to this.

In Judges 6, God prepared Gideon to fight against the oppressive Midianites. In Esther 6, Mordecai began to rise and Haman began to fall. In Ephesians 6, we are to wrestle spiritual forces of darkness and defeat them. In Revelation 6, the Lord began to open the scroll of judgment.

PRAYER: Pray against the spirit of wickedness rising in the nations through crime, violence and other vices. Pray that wickedness will not prosper this week in the nations.

2. IT IS A SEASON FOR THE GODLY TO RISE AND EXERCISE DOMINION ON EARTH.

The sixth book and chapters of the Bible indicate that the sixth season is for exercising Kingdom power and dominion on earth. It is a time to conquer or be conquered. In Joshua 6, God gave Israel miraculous victories as the battled the Amorites and took over their land . In Judges 6, God awakened His image in Gideon to war against the Midianites. In
Second Kings 6, Elisha overpowered the Syrian troops that went to arrest him by prayer and the spoken word. In Daniel 6, Daniel was in the den with hungry lions because of his faith but they couldn’t harm him. In Ephesians 6, we are called to stand against spiritual forces of darkness with the whole armour of God. In the sixth season, God ordains conflict between those expressing godliness and those expressing ungodliness. The United States and the United Kingdom were at war (the war of 1812) in the sixth seven years of the United States. America has also began the journey into her sixth 49 years on July 4, 2021 with Joe Biden leading. Sani Abacha (Nigeria’s 10th Leader) died within the sixth seven years of Nigeria following a season of relentless spiritual warfare. Saddam Husseini died in the sixth year of the 21st century.

PRAYER: Pray that God’s people in the nations will rise to their place of dominion in the land. Pray also for the vindication of those who trust in the Lord in the different parts of the world.

3. IT IS A SEASON OF INHERITANCE AND TAKING (OR DEMANDING) WHAT BELONGS TO YOU

On the sixth day of creation, God said to man, “See, I have given you…” In the sixth book of the Bible, Israel fought for, and possessed, the Promised Land. In Joshua 6:2, “…the LORD said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all you men of war….” Matthew 6:11 says,
“GIVE US this day OUR daily bread”.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will give us the nations as He promised in Psalm 2. Pray, especially, for those nations where the gospel is not preached freely.

4. IT IS A SEASON TO FOCUS ON THE KINGDOM RATHER THAN SURVIVAL

In Matthew 6, Jesus said we should seek the king instead of “all these things”. In Joshua 6, Achan got into trouble for seeking material things above the kingdom. In Judges 6, God called Gideon out of survival to pursue the dominion of the kingdom. In Second Kings 6, two women who could not endure famine agreed to kill their children. In Mark 6, Jesus fed the multitudes after they had listened to His teaching. In John 6:27 Jesus said, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”Acts 6:2-4 says, “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. [3] Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; [4] but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

PRAYER: Pray against distractions that come this week from the cares and needs of this life.

5. IT IS A SEASON TO PROSPER THROUGH INSTRUCTIONS AND OBEDIENCE

The sixth book and chapters of the Bible are instruction passages. In Genesis 6, Noah received instructions concerning the Ark. In Joshua 6, Joshua received instructions concerning Jericho. Everything Joshua did in the sixth book of the Bible was the result of following divine instruction. The only exceptions were in the matter of fighting Ai (Joshua 7) and striking a deal with Gibeonites (Joshua 9). In First Samuel 6, the Philistines received instructions concerning returning the Ark to Israel. In Second Samuel 6, Uzzah died because Israel did not follow instructions concerning conveying the Ark. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus gave instructions concerning almsgiving, fasting, prayer and material needs.

PRAYER: Pray for wisdom and counsel to deal with the challenges of the week.

DECLARATION FOR THE WEEK

This 6th week of the year, the Lord will give you the kind of testimony Israel had in Joshua 6 when the intimidating wall of Jericho fell down flat; the kind of testimony Israel had in the 6th book of the Bible where they subdued the Canaanites and took possession of the Promised Land; the kind of testimonies Gideon had in Judges 6 as he prepared to save Israel from the Midianites; the kind of testimony Elisha had in Second Kings 6 when he blinded and arrested Syrian troops that went to arrest him; the kind of testimony the Jewish returnees had in Ezra 6 when the king of Persia issued a decree against their enemies; the kind of testimony Nehemiah had in Nehemiah 6 with the completion of the wall in 52 days; the kind of testimony Mordecai had in Esther 6 when the king of Persia gave him the highest honour in the land and Haman, his adversary, was humiliated; the kind of testimony Daniel had in Daniel 6 when he survived the den of lions; the kind of testimonies recorded in the 6th chapters of Mark and John where Jesus fed multitudes with very little provision.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Ephesians 6:10-13: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”.

Happy 6th week of the year!

PRAYING INTO THE 5TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4)

By

Nkem Okemiri

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January 29, 2023

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This is a very important gate of time for watchmen and gate-keepers. Creatures of the fifth day (sea creatures and birds of the air) are very watchtful and sensitive.

Patterns in the Word of God indicate the following concerning the fifth season: Remember that what God wants done in this season is an indicator of what the enemy plans to do in the season.

1. IT IS A TIME TO CHANGE THE OLD NARRATIVE

God began to create moving living creatures on the fifth day of creation.

In Joshua 5, God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from Israel; Manna stopped falling and Israel began to eat the fruit of the land.

In 2 Kings 5, Naaman was healed of leprosy and his story changed

The Law of the land was suspended to favour Queen Esther in Esther 5.

Babylon collapsed and fell to the Medes and Persians in Daniel 5.

In Matthew 5, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said by those of old…but I say to you…”

In Mark 5, Jesus changed the story of the woman with the issue of blood.

In Luke 5, Peter left fishing and became a follower of Jesus.

In John 5, Jesus changed the story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda and ended affliction of 38 years.

2 Corinthians 5 says, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new”.

PRAYER: Pray that the fifth week of the year will be a season of change of narratives in the lives of God’s people and in the nations.

2. IT IS A SEASON OF FREEDOM

God made free moving creatures on the fifth day of creation. He created the birds of the air to fly above the earth and across space. He did not put the birds in cages. He also made the sea creatures swimmers and did not put them in controlled ponds.

Moses began to demand the freedom of Israel from Egyptian bondage in Exodus 5.

In Mark 5, Jesus delivered and freed a demon-possessed man from the power of demons.

In John 5, Jesus healed a bedridden man and released him to go home.

In Acts 5, an angel of God released the apostles from prison.

Galatians 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage”.

PRAYER: Declare the fifth week of the year a week of freedom and decree the release of men and women from the chains of Satan. Pray for the release of God’s people held unjustly in prisons around the world.

3. IT IS A SEASON OF HEALING, PHYSICAL RESTORATION AND WELL-BEING.

In Genesis 5, people lived long in health and Enoch even escaped dying.

In 2 Kings 5, Naaman was healed of leprosy.

In Mark 5, Jesus healed the woman who suffered 12 years from hemorrhage, raised a 12 year old girl from the dead and delivered a demon-possessed man.

In John 5, Jesus healed a helpless man among many sick and feeble people at the Pool of Bethesda.

In Acts 5, sick people lying on couches were laid on the streets for Peter’s shadow to touch them and heal them.

PRAYER: Pray for the healing of sick people you know. Speak life and healing to their bodies. Send them words of healing. Pray for (demand) the healing of your own body from any affliction.

4. IT IS A TIME OF ABUNDANCE.

God made living creatures in abundance on the fifth day of creation (Genesis 1: 20-23).

In the 5th book of the Bible, God said Israel will eat bread without scarcity and will lack nothing in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:9).

In Luke 5, Jesus made Peter and his team catch much fish after a night of toiling and catching nothing.

PRAYER: Pray that God will supply the material needs of people in want of basic necessities. Pray for the deliverance of people around the world who are held down by poverty and shortages.

5. IT IS A TIME TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND WAR AGAINST THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Although God began to create flesh and blood on the fifth day, He wants the spirit to dominate the flesh in the fifth season. The fleshy sea creatures (representing the flesh) are to live under while the birds (representing the spirit) having their flesh covered with feathers are to fly above. In this season, people are tempted to walk or act in the flesh.

In Joshua 5, after crossing the Jordan, God commanded Joshua to make a sharp knife and circumcise Israelites who couldn’t be circumcised in the wilderness.

In Second Kings 5, Gehazi (Elisha’s servant) went the way of materialism and became leprous like Naaman.

In Daniel 5, king Belshazzar threw a party to gratify the flesh. It ended in chaos and judgment.

In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira died from lying to God because of money.

In 1 Corinthians 5, a believer overtaken by the flesh was sleeping with his father’s wife.

In Galatians 5:16-23, Paul speaks against the works of the flesh and calls believers to walk in the spirit and also bear the fruit of the spirit.

Walking in the spirit is key to spiritual sensitivity and freedom from deception.

PRAYER: Pray to have victory against temptations and lusts of the flesh. Pray for a sharpened sensitivity to see the invisible, hear the inaudible and understand the incomprehensible.

6. IT IS A TIME TO GIVE ATTENTION TO THE DEEPER, SPIRITUAL SIDE OF THINGS.

In Matthew 5, redefined the Law and went beyond the letter to the spirit of the Law. “You have heard that it was said…but I say to you….”

In Acts 5, Peter told Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, that lying to the Apostles meant lying to God and the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:1,7,16-17 says,

[1] For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

[7] For we walk by faith, not by sight.

[16] Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

PRAYER: Pray to walk and work, this week, from the spiritual and eternal perspective of things.

7. IT IS A TIME OF BLESSING THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FOLLOWING GOD’S WAY

God began to bless creation on the fifth day of creation. He did not bless anything the first four days.

The fifth book of the Bible (Deuteronomy) is a book of blessings (for obedience) and curses (for disobedience). See Deuteronomy 28 and 30.

Psalm 5:12 says, “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield”.

In Matthew 5: 3-11, the word ‘blessed’ is used 9 times.

PRAYER: Speak blessings over God’s Heritage in the nations and pray that God’s people are in the path of blessings and avoiding the path of curses.

8. IT IS A SEASON TO LIFT YOUR VOICE TO GOD IN PRAYER, PRAISE, THANKSGIVING AND FOR GOD’S CAUSE.

Voice sound began on the fifth day of creation – the chirping of birds.

Psalm 5:2-3 says, “Give heed to the VOICE of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. [3] My VOICE You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up”.

In John 5:25, Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the VOICE of the Son of God; and those who hear will live”.

In Acts 5, the angel of God released the apostles from prison to go and SPEAK the words of this life. Religious leaders could not silence the apostles with threats or imprisonment in Acts 5.

PRAYER: This week, lift up your voice to praise God and speak for God in defiance of circumstances around you. Pray for believers in nations where there is little or no freedom to speak to God or for God. Speak freedom over nations without religious freedom.

9. THE FIFTH SEASON IS A SEASON TO KEEP BOUNDARIES AND OBEY LAWS.

This is a season to respect boundaries and keep rules. This is not a week of lawlessness.

On the fifth day of creation, God made sea creatures live in water and birds to fly. They operate on laws concerning balance and boundaries.

The fifth book of the Bible is about obedience to the laws of God. It ties life to obedience. Deuteronomy 5:33 says, “You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess”.

Naaman was healed by obeying Elisha’s command in Second Kings 5. Peter caught much fish by obeying the command of Jesus in Luke 5. The man Jesus healed at the Pool of Bethesda was healed by obeying a command from Jesus in John 5. In Mark 5, a girl was raised from the dead by the command of Jesus. Jesus issued moral commands in Matthew 5:

PRAYER: Pray against the spirit of permissiveness and lawlessness in the nations. Pray that God’s people will grow in obedience to the Lord.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Revelation 5:9-10: “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, [10] And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Happy 5th week of the year!

PRAYING INTO JANUARY 22 – 28 (THE 4TH WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 17TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR)

By

Nkem Okemiri

-

January 22, 2023

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The week of January 22 – 28 is a very significant season. It is the fourth week of the year. It is also the 17th week in Nigeria’s year from October 1. January 22, 1973, Royal Jordanian Airlines flight 707 carrying 171 Nigerian Muslims returning from Mecca and five crewmen crashed in Kano, killing all on board.

THE MYSTERY OF THE FOURTH WEEK

This is the bridge week in the first seven weeks of the year. Patterns in the word of God indicate that the fourth season is one we should handle with prayer. Jesus fasted in the wilderness in the fourth chapters of Matthew and Luke. In the plan of God, the fourth season is for training, testing, triumphs and testimonies. For the kingdom of darkness, it is a time to cause troubles, temptations and tears. God made the fourth season a time of training and stretching for growth. Satan attacks people in the fourth season to confuse, frighten, deceive, cause error, stumbling, defeat and death.

The fourth season is like a fight-back season for darkness. After God had called forth light on the first day of creation, He created light bearers on the fourth day – as it were to reinforce light in the battle against darkness. In the fourth season, darkness manifests through temptations, pressures, pains, persecution, tension, conflicts, and confusion. Darkness does not kill but it can frustrate and confuse people and make them hurt themselves or do things they should not do.

The first murder was committed in the fourth chapter of Genesis.

Moses made God angry in Exodus 4 and God wanted to kill him.

Many Israelites who came out of Egypt in the book of Exodus perished in the fourth book of the Bible.

The failure of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam is recorded in the fourth book of the Bible. The negative ministry of Balaam against Israel, the rebellion of Korah and his company, the attack of the fiery serpents and Israel’s failure to enter the Promised Land on schedule are also recorded in the fourth book of the Bible.

Israel divided into two kingdoms under the fourth king of Israel, Rehoboam. One part of the kingdom turned to idolatry as a state religion.

The adversaries of Judah, Sanballat and Tobiah put up strong resistance in the fourth chapters of Ezra and Nehemiah. The work was made to cease in Ezra 4. Nehemiah was prepared for the opposition in Nehemiah 4.

Queen Esther came under intense pressure to act in Esther 4. The fasting that defeated Haman’s plot happened in this chapter.

The temptations of Jesus are recorded in the fourth chapters of Matthew and Luke.

A storm rose against Jesus and His disciples in Mark 4 as they were crossing “to the other side”.

The Early Church began to face persecution in Acts 4. The chapter ends with prayer that shook the building.

In Second Corinthians 4, Paul says, “We are hard-pressed on every side….”

The War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom happened in the season of the fourth President of the United States, James Madison.

In Nigeria, the fourth national leader, Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated in a bloody coup in his sixth month of his leadership. The tough Buhari-Idiagbon regime was toppled in the fourth year of Nigeria’s fourth 7 years. A lot of misfortunes have befallen Nigeria since the beginning of her fourth republic; especially in the season of the 4th President in her fourth republic,Muhammadu Buhari.

The Ukranian Revolution of 2014 happened in the season of the ousted fourth President of Ukraine, Victor Yanukovych. This also happened at the beginning of the fourth seven years of her independence from the Soviet Union.

Going through the fourth week (Days 22-28) is like going through the fourth seven chapters (22-28) of the Bible. Genesis 22-28 are trial chapters in the lives of Abraham, Rebekah, Isaac, Esau, and Jacob. Numbers 22-28 are trial chapters for Balaam and Israel. Matthew 22-28 are trial chapters in the parables and experiences of Jesus and His disciples. Acts 22-28 are trial chapters in the life of Paul. The fourth seven books of the Bible (Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentation, Ezekiel, Daniel and Hosea) are also full of trials and temptations.

The divine agenda for the week is to hold out light against effects of darkness. It is a week to subdue darkness, disorganization and disorderliness. It is a week to overcome temptations and trials. This is a week of organized strategic warfare against darkness – especially mental darkness that produces fear, confusion, deception, and wrongdoing. What you need is light and God has given you light in His word, in the Holy Spirit, and in the wise people around you.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 4TH WEEK

1. Pray that the Lord will protect His people and our leaders from mental darkness leading to wrong decisions and actions – as in the case of the fourth king of Israel in First Kings 12.

2. Pray against manifestations of the murderous spirit of Cain that may rise this week to attack the righteous and the innocent in any part of our country.

3. Pray for grace to discern the presence of the tempter and to overcome temptations this week. Pray against mental darkness and deception.

4. As heat was created on the fourth day of creation, pray against unnecessary heat this week. Pray that darkness will not overtake any part of our nation this week.

5. As Esther declared a fast in Esther 4, as Jesus withdrew to the wilderness in the fourth chapters of Matthew and Luke and as the Lord called John to “come up hither” in Revelation 4, pray that this is a week of blocking off and rising beyond the noise on this earth to pray and hear God.

17TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR

Week 17 is the third week in the third seven weeks (49 days) of the year. It is a core third-season week. The 17th book and chapters of the Bible indicate that the 17th season is for:

1. Overthrow of the wicked and arrogant. God overthrew Amalek in Exodus 17, overthrew Goliath in First Samuel 17, overthrew Ahitophel in Second Samuel 17, overthrew the Northern Kingdom of Israel in Second Kings 17, and overthrew Haman in the 17th book of the Bible. Great Babylon was marked for overthrow in Revelation 17. The 17th President of the United States was the first to be impeached.

2. Triumph over death and dryness: God appeared to Abraham at 99 in Genesis 17 with a definite promise that 89 year old Sarah would conceive and birth a son for him. He changed his name and the name of his wife. He also named their son, Isaac, here. God gave life to Aaron’s dry rod and made it bud, blossom, and bear ripe almond fruits overnight. In Joshua 17, the five daughters of Zelophehad received inheritance in the name of their dead father who had no son. The first place the dead was raised to life is First Kings 17. Esther and Mordecai triumphed over death and killers in the 17th book of the Bible. Jesus healed ten lepers in Luke 17.

3. Manifestation and vindication of the humble: God vindicated Aaron in Numbers 17 when his dry rod budded and bore fruit overnight. God vindicated David in First Samuel 17 where he killed Goliath. God vindicated Elijah in First Kings 17. In Matthew 17, God vindicated Jesus at His transfiguration.

4. Supernatural provisions: God gave Israel water from a dry rock in Exodus 17. Ravens fed Elijah in First Kings 17. God sustained a widow’s last meal by the Word of the Lord from Elijah in First Kings 17. Jesus sent Peter to fetch their tax money from the mouth of a fish in Matthew 17.

5. Walking by faith: It was by faith that Abraham received a change of name in Genesis 17. It was by faith that Moses gave Israel water from the rock in First Samuel 17. It was by faith that David killed Goliath in First Samuel 17. It was by faith that the widow of Zarephat and son shared their last meal with Elijah. In Matthew 17:20, “…If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you”.

PRAYER-POINTS FOR THE 17TH WEEK

1. Pray that the Lord will overthrow people and systems in this nation that are expressions of Amalek, Goliath, Ahitophel, Haman in this week.

2. Pray that the Lord will overturn the plans and efforts of killers and agents of death in Nigeria this week.

3. Pray that the Lord will manifest and vindicate the humble in Nigeria as He did for Esther and Mordecai in the 17th book of the Bible.

4. Pray that this will be a week of strange provisions for missionaries, ministries, businesses, and families in need.

5. Pray for grace to walk by faith all through this week’s

SCRIPTURES FOR WEEK

Jeremiah 17:5-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. [8] For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body”.

This week of January 22-28 shall be a week of outstanding testimonies for those who trust in God. It will be a week of triumphs.

Happy 4th week of the year! Happy 17th week of Nigeria’s year.

PRAYING INTO THE 10TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (MARCH 4/5 – 10/11)

2023 NATIONAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA

PRAYING INTO THE 9TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 4)

AMERICA, KENTUCKY, ASBURY UNIVERSITY AND REVIVALS

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PRAY INTO THE 8TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (February 19 – 25)

PRAYING INTO THE 7TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 12 – 18)

PRAYING INTO THE 6TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (FEBRUARY 5 – 11)

PRAYING INTO THE 5TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4)

PRAYING INTO JANUARY 22 – 28 (THE 4TH WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 17TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR)

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