4.23.25

Good morning!

Whether it was the children of Israel who left Egypt after their Passover (Exodus 12) or the Disciples after Yeshua’s crucifixion, they both had to endure a 49 day period of uncertainty...and might I add, even us today (very uncertain times). Leaving the past behind is never easy. In fact, it’s quite scary! Even slavery is better than uncertainty!

Eight days after Yeshua’s crucifixion the disciples are still scared to death for their lives (John 20:26). Life was so much easier when Yeshua was around! Life was so much easier when we were enslaved in Egypt! Life was so much easier when...

Forty-nine days are given to each of us to prepare for Shavuot/Pentecost; Seven sevens or Sabbaths. For all of us it’s a potentially scary time. We’ve never been here before. We live in uncertain times, financially, physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

These days of counting the omer are about taking care of the little foxes that hinder us from the intimacy that Shavuot provides (Song 2:15). It’s a time for overcoming our number 1 fear…death (Heb. 2:15). Fear of death in every area of life and especially in the area of dying to self (Matt. 16:24-27; 1 Cor. 15:31; Rom. 12:1,2; Ex. 29:38; etc.).

It’s a time where every day Yeshua reveals Himself with increasing intimacy so the fears we hold onto slowly fade away and the boldness of living outwardly rises to the surface to declare His power working in and through us.

Whether guilty as King David or Paul with blood on their hands. Whether like Joseph or Yeshua who had family rejecting them. Whether you insulate yourself from others like Isaac or the disciples. Whether your fear surfaces in having to control like Jacob or Peter. Whether you’ve been seduced like Eve. Or if you started like a blaze of glory, but fear that you’re going to end up like Solomon…these forty-nine days of counting the Omer are about relinquishing the fear of our past decisions and letting His presence bring you comfort, strength, assurance and hope for power-packed days ahead.

What happens to those who face their fears and keep counting? The empowering of the Holy Spirit comes upon them like never before! New vitality! New insights! Expanded influence for His Kingdom! And the fear of death, becomes the anticipation of living out His presence day to day!

Whether it’s 49 days or 49 years, freedom and empowerment to accomplish a great work for His Kingdom waits for you!

How’s your counting coming? It's day 11 of counting the omer. It's the 2nd week and the fourth day. Don’t be afraid, He is risen! Don’t be afraid, He’s getting you prepared for another Moedim/appointed time, Shavuot/Pentecost, and another intimate rendezvous with you.

Take care of those little foxes that spoil the vine, especially the biggest little one that the never ending foxes propagate: the fear of death! Yeshua conquered it (1 Cor. 15:56-58), so let's put that one to rest and start living!

Have a great middle of the week!

Oh, btw, let me encourage you to build on each day. Don't forget the lessons that the Lord is teaching you. You're climbing higher with anticipation. You can't get to the 49th step without taking the first 11 steps.

Shalom!

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