Iyar—The 2nd month of the Hebrew Year 5781 April 13 - May 11, 2021; Counting the Omer (Days 16-44)
A Time of Words: Understanding the Importance of What We Say
1. The Issachar month. See 1 Chronicles 12:32, which states, “The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Compare this with Ephesians 5:15–17 which enjoins us to understand our times. This enables us to keep moving ahead, instead of just passing time. Redeeming the time actually means that lost opportunities and chances begin to get restored. It also means that the fulfillment of God’s plans and promises begin to come quicker. In a sense, our future starts coming toward us instead of being “far off.” God wants us to see each day, week, and month as a fresh cycle of new things He wants to bring into our lives and bless us with. Two important things to consider are as follows: ・Be sure to be thankful. Being thankful and speaking it out allows the Lord to propel us ahead. ・Look ahead to Pentecost and the power, provision, and revelation the Lord wants to give us. Paul looked forward to Pentecost (Acts 20:16). So can we. One way to do this is by “counting the omer,” or making note each of the forty-nine days from Passover to Pentecost/Shavuot (May 17–18). The omer count started Sunday, March 28 (Nissan 15) and continues to Sunday, May 16 (Sivan 5).
2. The month of radiance, where light increases (it is Spring and the days are getting longer). Just as natural light increases, see that God wants to give you more revelation about yourself and your circumstances. Whenever you feel darkness trying to overtake you, say “no” to it. Instead, declare an increase in revelation. Isaiah 60:1 says the glory of the Lord will radiate off of us. Look at yourself as being radiant with the glory of God this month. Don’t be surprised if someone comments that you are “shining.”
3. The month linked with natural healing. We should expect that God will heal some through natural means. Exodus 15:26 states, “I am God, your healer [Jehovah Rapha].”
4. A month where you will see your snares. One of the main snares is murmuring and complaining. God gave the promise of healing just after they murmured. The connection is clear. Murmuring and complaining open one up to physical and spiritual sickness. Especially now God is calling all of us to correctly regard our words. Consider the following: ・Remember our words have powerful impact for good or for evil. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:35–36). ・Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Phil. 2:14). ・Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). ・Above all, be thankful. It releases the power of God to work in that situation.
5. The month of the Hebrew letter “vav” [ו]. This is a month that links the Month of Redemption and the Month of Giving. (If you move correctly during this month, the rest of the year connects properly.) Your prosperity is linked with this month. Definitely ask the Lord for what gift you should bring him. Remember, each of the three feasts is a time of special giving. We read, “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed” (Deut. 16:16).
6. The month of the constellation of Taurus, the bull. Look and observe introspectively to find a place of improvement so that strength manifests. Don’t get discouraged and stop when you discover weaknesses. Remember the Lord has made you strong like the bull/ox and you can keep moving ahead. The gospel of Mark emphasizes Jesus as servant. One of the easiest ways to keep moving ahead is by continuing to serve.
7. A month to deal with your soul (mind, will, and emotions). Make sure these three things—mind, will, and emotions—are aligned with God. One way of keeping them aligned is through our speech. Be careful to use words that release grace (Eph. 4:29).
8. A month to understand secrets (Issachar). Thank God that He will show you keys of healing, keys of advancement, and keys to handle complicated situations. Also, remember that “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him (or He confides in those who fear Him)” (Ps. 25:14).
9. The month of thought. God permeates the mind (the thinking process of the heart). If our emotions are wrong, we will not be able to think clearly. God will send healing as we choose not to murmur and complain. We will find Him putting His thoughts into our minds.
10. A month of spiritual advice. We need to be prophetic during this time. If we don’t exercise our gifts, somebody else will. Prophesy regularly this month.
Notes taken from: Glory of Zion - The Month of IYAR