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Purim Blessings 5783

Mar6

Sweetness in overcoming joy! Celebrate Purim.

The Feast of Purim is in the month of Adar and is the happiest, most joyous celebration time in the Hebraic calendar. This is definitely a month for those who have prevailed with us on the “Quest of the Overcomers” to experience fullness of  joy!

   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Galatians 5:22NKJV

     Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10NKJV

 The Feast of Esther is on the 13th of Adar, which celebrates the story in the book of Esther about the beautiful Jewish girl that became the queen of king Ahasuerus in ancient Persia. The Feast of Purim, on Adar 14, is remembrance of when the wicked schemes of Haman’s bitterness towards the Jew, Mordecai, (Esther’s uncle) to destroy all the Jews in the land, were overthrown and turned into sweetness of joy!

     “When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who the people of Mordecai were; therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:5-6NASB

   “…In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king’s signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” Esther 3:12-13

     And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Esther trusted in the wise counsel of her uncle Mordecai and submitted herself and the eminent destruction of her Jewish people to God. She relied totally on Him alone as she instructed all her handmaidens and the Jews in the city to fast and pray with her. With clear instructions, requiring her trust and obedience, she was not disappointed to see the salvation of God. In the end it was Haman and his entire family that were destroyed and the Jewish people were saved!

   “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, on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

     The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday.” Esther 8:11-12, 16-17a NKJV

What is our Spiritual warfare assignment in this month of Adar? Pray about this.

Blessings and Shalom, Love Beyond Measure

Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

The Sovereignty of GOD By JoBeth Kested

Feb27

 Learning to accept and yield to the sovereignty of God is not an easy process. When it seems our prayers only hit the ceiling. When we can’t understand “WHY!” in all the affliction of our circumstances. Everything we thought we knew about the character and ways of God isn’t making sense. Our faith may be deeply shaken or feeling shattered under the weight of a broken heart. The disappointments and suffering sometimes leads us into a dark night of the soul that no one would ever choose. As believers we are forced to deal with scriptures that we would prefer to quickly pass over.

    Is anyone excited about being invited to come and die? “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25). Or, what about those not mentioned by name in the Hebrews Hall of Faith, “of whom the world was not worthy…having attained a good testimony of faith yet did not receive their promise.” (Hebrews 11:38-39).No, that is NOT encouraging! And, none of us go around believing for the promise at the beginning of John 16:33! “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It’s definitely not easy to embrace this scriptural command to be cheerful in the middle of our trials and suffering. But, that is exactly what we’re told to do in the process of learning how to live in the overcoming power of Jesus.

    I once heard a message by a minister that had paid a high price for persevering faith. He said, “Both Satan and God are out to kill us, the choice is ours who gets to do the job!” What a sobering statement! Though I didn’t fully understand his premise at that time, I never forgot that message and have drawn from the truth of it many times. Our best option is definitely to choose a loving Father God that not only promises a glorious eternity, but peace that passes understanding, sufficient grace, merciful kindness, and a future with hope. 

    Some years after experiencing a radical salvation, I found myself captive in a deep dark pit of depression; and couldn’t see any way out. At some point I came to the realization that I was faced with a choice. I could continue down the slippery slope into the deep dungeon of hopeless despair, defending and holding on to all my dashed dreams, rejected woundedness with self righteous victimizing pity; or choose to believe that God is Who He says He is in His Word. That meant no longer believing in a God that was supposed to fit into all my boxes. It required making the critical choice to believe that the Word of God is more real than my feelings. To surrender to the truth that He is sovereign and worthy of worship even if I never understand His ways or purpose in my circumstances. The light of His Word began to shed light in my darkness. It was a process of learning to discover His sufficient grace with mercy and blessings in each new day, and choosing gratitude instead of victimization with it’s accompanying hopelessness. God’s word truly became light unto my steps. 

    Father God, I pray for anyone finding themselves relating to these words. Please remove any blinders from their eyes. May Your merciful loving kindness heal broken hearts and help them forgive those that betrayed and wounded them. Break them free from the chains of bondage, victimization and self pity. Let them know your goodness and find your empowering sufficient grace to make the hard choice of surrender to Your sovereignty. Help them accept that Your ways are not our ways, nor are Your thoughts our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8) May the truth of Your Word shed light in the darkness; revealing Your overcoming path for them. In Jesus’s Name, amen.

    May the following scriptures be light in the dark for you as much as they were for me. 

    “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalms 27:13-14) 

    “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)  

    “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”  (Isaiah 41:10)

    I truly believe and declare, that like me, you will also discover the resurrection healing power of God in your life. You will not only experience the reality of Isaiah 61, but you will now qualify to walk in an anointing of those called to set other captives free.

    “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:1-3, 6a-7 NIV

 

Photographer unknown, Free Sunrise Wallpaper Wallup.net posted 3/5/2017

All scriptures are from NKJV unless otherwise stated.

© JoBeth Kested 2023

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan22

Scripture for the week of January 22, 2017
By JoBeth Kested

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:7,9 (NKJV)

Have you ever known someone, or maybe you are someone, who tries to plan for everything and feels like everything must have a plan? Oh, how frustrating when all our well laid plans fall apart! At some time or another we all need to be reminded of the truth of this scripture, that we can plan and set admirable goals all we want, but it is the Lord that directs our steps. I am sure each of us could tell stories of sorrows with hidden blessings, of hopes lost with joys found or disasters that have lead to surprising opportunities or miracles. It is well and good to make plans to our hearts content; yet still be pliable and yielding to the Lord, trusting in Him to direct our steps. After all, we also have this promise that when our steps please the Lord, He is even able to make our enemies be at peace with us. Yes, Lord!

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Oct10

Scripture for the week of October 10, 2021

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

Have you ever felt like a misfit, too different or unacceptable amongst your friends, at work or in your family? What an encouragement to find in this scripture what God has to say about you. You are a chosen one! You are a part of the elite inner circle with access to God; a Holy nation! And, you are part of a distinctive people that have accepted God’s invitation to come out of the dark painful, depressing and hopeless places into the marvelous light of His love! So lift your heart, your hands and your voice to praise the Lord because you are a chosen, special one with the opportunity to display His goodness and glory to all those around you in this world! Thank You, Lord!

By JoBeth Kested

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Aug29

Scripture for the week of August 29, 2021

…Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t let your yesterday’s determine your tomorrow’s”? Are you trying to run your race still carrying the baggage and burdens of your yesterdays? You may remember watching how hard it is for a child learning to walk to keep from stumbling and falling when they keep looking back instead of focusing their eyes ahead. This scripture reminds us that in order to successfully run our race we need to stop looking back at the mistakes, problems, and even accomplishments or the joys of our yesterdays so we can reach for the blessings of today and the hope of our tomorrows. Therefore, in the Lord’s enabling grace, let go of anything in the past that would keep you from reaching for the future and the heavenly prize that is yours in Jesus, today! Selah, Ponder sand think on that.

By JoBeth Kested

Purim Blessings

Feb26

Sweetness in overcoming joy! Celebrate Purim.

The Feast of Purim is in the month of Adar and is the happiest, most joyous celebration time in the Hebraic calendar. This is definitely a month for those who have prevailed with us on the “Quest of the Overcomers” to experience fullness of  joy!

   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Galatians 5:22 NKJV

     Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV

 The Feast of Esther is on the 13th of Adar, which celebrates the story in the book of Esther about the beautiful Jewish girl that became the queen of king Ahasuerus in ancient Persia. The Feast of Purim, on Adar 14, is remembrance of when the wicked schemes of Haman’s bitterness towards the Jew, Mordecai, (Esther’s uncle) to destroy all the Jews in the land, were overthrown and turned into sweetness of joy!

     “When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who the people of Mordecai were; therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:5-6 NASB

   “…In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king’s signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” Esther 3:12-13

     And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Esther trusted in the wise counsel of her uncle Mordecai and submitted herself and the eminent destruction of her Jewish people to God. She relied totally on Him alone as she instructed all her handmaidens and the Jews in the city to fast and pray with her. With clear instructions, requiring her trust and obedience, she was not disappointed to see the salvation of God. In the end it was Haman and his entire family that were destroyed and the Jewish people were saved!

   “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, on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

     The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday.” Esther 8:11-12, 16-17a NKJV

What is our Spiritual warfare assignment in this month of Adar? Pray about this.

 

Blessings and Shalom, Love Beyond Measure

Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Nov15

Scripture for the week of November 15, 2020

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. Isaiah 46:9 (NIV)

Have you heard the saying,”You can’t know where you are going unless you know where you came from”? When we remember the stories of those before us that overcame great trials, handicaps, poverty, and wars we are encouraged that we can also overcome the trials before us. Likewise, God instructs us in this scripture to remember the former things. In the midst of our current needs and busyness, have we forgotten the answered prayers and miracles we’ve experienced or learned in the past that will inspire our faith to trust God today? Twice God declares that He alone is God and there is none like Him! Let us remember there is no other God whose very nature is love, extends mercy, offers peace, forgives sin, heals diseases, saves the lost, wipes away all our tears and knows the number of hairs on our heads! Yet, He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and commands the Angel Armies of Heaven. There is no other God like our God!

 

By JoBeth Kested

 

The Quest of the Overcomers Has No End By Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

May6

We have come full circle where we began our Quest of the Overcomers at the beginning of Adar twelve months ago. It has been our good pleasure to invite each of you to join us on our journey of discovery. We hope that you already know that this Quest is unending and eternal, just as Adonai is eternal.

“You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” Acts 2:28

We’ve covered a lot of ground while discovering ripe fruit from the tree of life that the Lord has been revealing to us each month. We’ve learned strategic information about God’s times and seasons in the Hebraic calendar and the importance of God’s mandate to celebrate His ordained Feasts. We’ve learned significant lessons for today from the twelve Hebrew tribes of Israel, discovered His messages in the stars, and insightful characteristics of God revealed in Hebraic letters and numbers during each calendar month. The journey of discovering the of beauty of Adonai, the intricacies of His ways, the depths of His love, and the majesty of His glory will never end. The times and seasons were created by Elohim and belong to Him; and we must receive His revelation moment by moment as we continue to embrace Him and His ways each month through each year as our quest continues.

It is our choice to make each and every day of our remaining time on the earth, to press on in the Quest,  and to reach for the prize of His promises to the Overcomers.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:4-5

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—” Revelation 2:26

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5

 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21

What is the transforming power of partaking the ripe fruit from the Tree of Life each month as we continue in our unending Quest?

Clue — Becoming the Ripe Fruit!

 “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8 NIV

Our hope is that you have gained wisdom and direction to assist you in continuing, with the ability to reach for and apply the ripe fruit from the Tree of Life each month for yourself. Forge on and become the ripe fruit that you must become so that others may partake of the life of Yeshua that abides in you. Minister to others the message of the Kingdom of God that offers salvation for the lost, healing and deliverance for brokenness and eternal hope. We pray that many will partake from each of you as you make the choice to partake of the ripe fruit we have partaken and shared from our lives with you. As we have freely shared with you, we hope you will go and freely share with others.

A final note from JoBeth:

Over a year ago Beth invited me on this journey with her to seek God for insights, revelation and understanding to discover a ripe fruit from the Tree of Life that she felt Adonai wanted to offer us each month of Hebraic calendar as mentioned in Revelation 22:2. Though our friendship has become very dear, our writing process and styles are very different and it seemed like an impossibly daunting task, so, I responded, “No.” Several times. I am so grateful I finally yielded to both her and the LORD’s promptings. Each article, each month has truly been miraculous as God put all the pieces of insights and revelations cohesively together each month! I’ve been in awe of all the LORD has taught us and shown us; with such a joy of seeing more and more unfolding glory of the Lord as He has led us in this quest with the joys of sharing it with others. We have been astounded by the hundreds that have discovered these posts on our website at faithtestimony.org from around the world. We have no doubt you will also be surprised and thrilled to see how Adonai blesses you and multiplies the fruit you offer to Him in obedience as you continue with Him on the Quest of the Overcomers.

We want you to read the end of The Book; paying close attention to the Tree of Life. Receive and partake of the Spirit of Revelation that Adonai has for each of you and know that Yeshua — Jesus is coming soon!

“Maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [Our] love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 16:22b-24 NASB

Blessings and Shalom. We look forward to spending eternity with you in Heaven.

Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

 

Revelation 22 from the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

     “Next the angel showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Between the main street and the river was the Tree of Life producing twelve kinds of fruit, a different kind every month; and the leaves of the tree were for healing the nations — no longer will there be any curses. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, so they will need neither the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because ADONAI, God, will shine upon them. And they will reign as kings forever and ever.

     Then he said to me, “These words are true and trustworthy: ADONAI, God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must happen soon.” “Look! I am coming very soon. Blessed is the person who obeys the words of the prophecy written in this book!”

Then I, Yochanan, the one hearing and seeing these things, when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am only a fellow-servant with you and your brothers, the prophets and the people who obey the words in this book. Worship God!”

     Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy in this book, because the time of their fulfillment is near. “Whoever keeps acting wickedly, let him go on acting wickedly; whoever is filthy, let him go on being made filthy. “Also, whoever is righteous, let him go on doing what is righteous; and whoever is holy, let him go on being made holy.”

“Pay attention!” [says Yeshua,] “I am coming soon, and my rewards are with me to give to each person according to what he has done. I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’ the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” How blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they have the right to eat from the Tree of Life and go through the gates into the city! Outside are the homosexuals, those involved with the occult and with drugs, the sexually immoral, murderers, idol-worshippers, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

     “I, Yeshua, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the Messianic communities. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ Let anyone who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let anyone who is thirsty come — let anyone who wishes, take the water of life free of charge.” I warn everyone hearing the words of the prophecy in this book that if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues written in this book. And if anyone takes anything away from the words in the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and the holy city, as described in this book.

     “The one who is testifying to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’”

Amen! Come, Lord Yeshua! May the grace of the Lord Yeshua be with all!”

 

 ~  ~  ~  *  ~  ~  ~

 

All scriptures from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.

Reference credit: “A Time to Advance” by Chuck Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler  © 2011

(Photography purchased or taken by Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested. Photo Art by Beth Auman)

© Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested 2020

Adar 5780 – Overcoming Fruit From the Tree of Life

Feb25

Adar 5780 – Overcoming Fruit From the Tree of Life

By Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

At sundown on February 25, 2020 we will enter the month of Adar, which is the 12th and last month in the Hebraic ecclesiastical calendar that began with the month of Nissan. It will last for 29 days to March 24th.

Adar is the happiest and most joyful month of the year. The Jewish motto in this month is “When Adar comes, joy is increased.” Adar means “strength and power” and is a month to overcome bitterness, to experience good fortune and fullness of joy. This is the season to overcome the giants of fear, anxiety, depression and bitterness in our land and to see any “Haman” plots of destruction against us exposed and defeated.

      “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11

The Tribe of Naphtali is associated with the month of Adar and means “Sweet victory!” It is celebrating that the curse of bitterness is overcome and turned into sweetness. Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and second son born to Bilhah, Rachel’s maid. In Genesis 30:8 (CJB) Rachel said, “I have wrestled mightily with my sister and won,” and called him Naftali [my wrestling].” 

 Jacobs last words spoken to his son: “Naphtali is a deer let loose; he uses beautiful words.” (Genesis 49:21) The image is of one who springs forth with great speed and speaks eloquent words of wisdom that bring good news; with a beautiful ability to speak and communicate well. Part of the final words of Moses to the Tribe of Naphtali: “O Naphtali satisfied with favor, and full of blessing of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 33:23a) It is said in apocryphal writings that Naphtali instructed his sons to fear the Lord; to serve and to follow after Him. The men of Naphtali were fearless warriors and the tribe was part of the rear guard behind the Tabernacle when moving in the wilderness. Despite all their blessings, the tribe of Naphtali failed to obey God’s command to drive out all the Canaanites living in their territory.

What can we learn from the Tribe of Naphtali in this month of Adar?

Clue – Fear the LORD, serve and follow after Him!

Let’s embrace the lessons to be learned from the tribe of Naphtali this month: to seek the favor of the LORD, to fear the LORD in all things, to speak words of wisdom, to drive out all our enemies, and to pursue the sweetness of overcoming joy! Yes, AMEN!

     “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalms 42:1-2a

What is the fruit from the Tree of Life that Adonai is offering to us in the month of Adar? (Revelation 22:2)

Clue – Sweetness in overcoming joy!

The Feast of Purim is in the month of Adar and is the happiest, most joyous celebration time in the Hebraic calendar. This is definitely a month for those who have prevailed with us on the “Quest of the Overcomers” to experience fullness of  joy!

   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Galatians 5:22 NKJV

     Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV

 The Feast of Esther is on the 13th of Adar, which celebrates the story in the book of Esther about the beautiful Jewish girl that became the queen of king Ahasuerus in ancient Persia. The Feast of Purim, on Adar 14, is remembrance of when the wicked schemes of Haman’s bitterness towards the Jew, Mordecai, (Esther’s uncle) to destroy all the Jews in the land, were overthrown and turned into sweetness of joy!

     “When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who the people of Mordecai were; therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:5-6 NASB

   “…In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king’s signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” Esther 3:12-13

     And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Esther trusted in the wise counsel of her uncle Mordecai and submitted herself and the eminent destruction of her Jewish people to God. She relied totally on Him alone as she instructed all her handmaidens and the Jews in the city to fast and pray with her. With clear instructions, requiring her trust and obedience, she was not disappointed to see the salvation of God. In the end it was Haman and his entire family that were destroyed and the Jewish people were saved!

   “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, on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

     The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday.” Esther 8:11-12, 16-17a NKJV

What is our Spiritual warfare assignment in this month of Adar?

Clue – Wrestle to Overcome!

It was sad to learn that the tribe of Naphtali did not obey God’s command to drive out all the Canaanites living in their land. We must identify any anti-Christ spirit rising up against us that would keep us focused on the giants of fear or bitterness that would hinder us from breaking through to the abundance the LORD has prepared for us in this next season. Adar is the month to root out any remaining giants in your life, your territory, that would keep you in depression, despair or defeat. It’s time to break any wrongful decrees spoken against us or personal vows we may have made in the past.

When trials come our way, the moment that it begins, submit it all to Adonai immediately. The word submit means to duck, get out of God’s way so that He can bring the victory quickly. When we submit immediately, He responds immediately even if sometimes we cannot see it. If we wait and try to defeat the devil alone then we are fighting a loosing battle. Our God is El Gibbor – the One who fights for us, our Champion! (Zephaniah 3:17) With God all things are possible. Without Him we lose. Esther did not perish nor did the Jewish people. Nor will you! As you learn to submit your circumstance immediately to the LORD, walk in His ways of wisdom and instruction, you will also eat of the ripe fruit in this month of extravagant joy in overcoming enemies and strategies of destruction!

Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:9-10 NKJV

     “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,” Isaiah 61:1-2a.

KUF is the nineteenth letter in the Hebraic alphabet and is linked with Adar – symbolizing the ending of a masquerade and entering the joy of true spiritual identity. It is the only letter with a line that descends beneath the baseline, representing one who ventures below what is acceptable or unholy, violating the boundaries of truth in the Torah. The KUF reveals both the sacred and profane and is also the word for monkey. Therefore, it symbolizes revealing the essential importance of removing a cover or mask of the superficial, animalistic, baselessness of humanity to reveal true holiness within.

     “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” II Corinthians 7:1

     “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

What is the doorway to the dungeon of depravity and ungodliness?

Clue – The root of bitterness.

Pride and succumbing to bitterness led Haman down the path to hatred for all Jews because Mordecai wouldn’t bow to honor him; and it ultimately led to his destruction. Ask the Lord to reveal any bitter fruit in your heart. Allow Him to search your heart and yield any bitterness that is exposed back to Him with genuine repentance. Ask Him to overturn any offenses and evil decrees that have taken root in your heart and created bitterness. Ask Him for the gift of repentance with forgiveness that will turn bitterness to sweetness. The sweetness in overcoming joy is the fruit Adonai offers us this month. Yeshua, our Messiah, paid the ultimate price for our victory and joy by overcoming all sin and death.

     Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Hebrews 12:14-15

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 3:9

        “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

 The Constellation of Pisces aligned with Adar is a picture of two fishes. It reminds us of when Jesus sent Peter to go fishing and miraculously found the gold coin in the mouth of a fish to pay the required temple tax for them both (Matthew 17:24-27). In Jewish tradition, fish are a sign of blessing and fruitfulness and the two fish represented in Pisces also symbolize a double portion! Just as fish live in water, the Jewish people thrive when immersed in the Torah and we cannot hope to be overcomers without the life-giving water of God’s Word. Adar is the month to trust and seek the LORD for a double portion of His miraculous supply!

O, Heavenly Father, we ask for Your overcoming, empowering, sufficient grace to identify any “Haman” intents to kill and destroy us or our families and to expose any giants rising against our lives, or within our territories, to defeat us in our continuing Overcoming Journey. Free us from captivity in any dungeons of depravity and the pain of offenses from roots of bitterness. Grant us the gift of repentance, turning darkness to light, with the taste and sweetness of overcoming joy from Your Tree of Life. Grant us the double portion of Your miraculous provision for all our needs according to Your riches in glory during this month of Adar. In Jesus’ Name, amen!

   “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

 In a final note, Adar was also the last month the Jewish people spent in Egypt before the Exodus. Adar’s joy is so great, in part, because it serves as the opening to celebrating the miraculous joys of Passover during the next month of Nissan that will begin a New Year.

      “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 KJV

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All scriptures are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.

Reference credit: “A Time to Advance” by Chuck Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler  © 2011

(Photography purchased or taken by Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested. Photo Art by Beth Auman)

© Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested 2020

 

An Invitation to Join the Quest of the Overcomers by Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

Shevat 5780 Overcoming Fruit From the Tree of Life

Feb3

By Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested

The evening of January 27 began the Hebraic month of Shevat that will last for the next 30 days. Shevat is the eleventh month on the Jewish ecclesiastical calendar that began in Nisan and is the fifth month on the civil calendar year. There are so many blessings to embrace this month as we press on in our “Quest of the Overcomers!”

The sense of taste is one of the characteristics linked with the month of Shevat.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” Psalms 34:8-9 NIV

The Tribe of Asher is associated with Shevat. He was the 8th son of Jacob, second son of Leah to her maid Zilpah. When he was born, Leah exclaimed, “How happy I am! The women will call me happy. So she named him Asher.” (Genesis 30:12-13) Moses said of Asher: “May Asher be blessed above other sons; may he be esteemed by his brothers; may he bathe his feet in olive oil.” (Deuteronomy 33:24). Asher became one of the most numerous and blessed of the tribes, inherited some of the most fruitful and prosperous territory in the Promised Land, dwelt in peace with his brothers and was protected from his enemies.

There is no mention of war hero’s from the Tribe of Asher, but an elderly prophetess, named Anna is mentioned in the book of Luke; “who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” She recognized the infant Messaiah’s arrival into the Temple and “in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:37-38) In this month of Shevat, let us be among those who are watchful and waiting upon the presence of the LORD.

What is the fruit from the Tree of Life that Adonai is offering to us in this month of Shevat? (Revelation 22:2)

Clue – Righteousness, right standing with Jehovah Tzidkenu.

“Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:6

 The letter from the Hebraic Alphabet representing the month of Shebat is TZADIK, which symbolizes “righteous one.” Jehovah Tzidkenu, “The LORD our righteousness” is a significant declaration for us to declare and decree over our homes in this month. If there are any areas of our lives that have gotten out of line, become cloaked in darkness by sinful choices that have led us into unrighteousness; then Shevat is the month the Lord is reaching out to restore our righteousness. Take this moment to lay any unholy entanglement in our lives at the feet of Jesus; asking Him to forgive and restore our right standing in Him. We are never able to be righteous within ourselves. Our righteousness is only found within a right relationship with Jehovah Tzidkenu — the only One Who is Righteous, Yeshua, Jesus our Messiah.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. Psalm 89:14

The name of this month appears in Zechariah 1:7 and is believed to have come into usage during the Babylonian exile. Shevat possibly originates from an ancient Akkadian word for “lashing or striking,” seemingly related to the heavy seasonal rains nearing the end of winter. Rain, in the Jewish tradition, is linked with blessings. It is not known where the acrostic for Shevat was first expressed, but Shevat in Hebraic can stand for Shenishma Besurot Tovot, meaning that “We should be blessed to share good tidings.” How appropriate, as we will want to receive fresh, restoring rains of the Holy Spirit for the fullness of blessings in this month of Shevat.

What is the holiday celebrated in Shevat?

Clue – Tu Bish’vat, The New Year of the Trees.

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14

Shevat is the month of Trees. The 15th of Shevat, is a holiday celebration called Tu Bish’vat, which is traditionally the New Year of the Trees. Some find it odd that this holiday is celebrated during the cold winter, however, during the winter months, followed by the heavy thrashing winter rains, the trees begin to drink deeply from the water of life during this time. Through their root system, sap begins to rise upward within the trees and new life begins to flow in the process of renewal and fruitfulness in the beginning of a new growing season. The holiday is celebrated by eating fruit, particularly from the “Seven Kinds” with which Israel is blessed – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

What a beautiful picture this provides for us during the winter months of our lives. If we are truly trees planted by the River of Life, in Yeshua, Jesus – our Messiah; and we are receiving His water of life during our winter days, our renewal will begin, and we will see vibrant life bursting forth in a new season of Springtime.

“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3

What is our spiritual warfare assignment this month?

Clue – Shevat is the month to discern our generations.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7

Why would we be directed to focus on tress in this winter month of seeming lifeless barrenness? What is planted in our fields? Scripturally, we are looked upon as trees and branches who will ultimately bear good fruit or if bad fruit is found, to be thrown into the fire. What type of trees are in your generational line? Prayerfully evaluate the trees, fruitfulness or barrenness, good fruit or bad fruit in your generational fields. We need to be asking ourselves, are the trees in our field ready to bear good fruit?

We need to be mindful that there are generational blessings and generational curses. We have authority to break every chain or curse off of our generational bloodlines with intercession for salvation that is already paid for on their behalf, by the blood of Jesus. (Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18) This Quest of the Overcomers is all about what is pictured this month, breaking every cyclical challenge that our generations have sown and reaped in the past; so that we can move forward to be rooted and grounded to become fruitful in all that Adonai has purposed for us. While we are awaiting on the return of Messiah Jesus, there is still time to break off the past and to speak forth blessings into our generations moving forward.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:17-20

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

How can we make sure our future generations grow in wisdom with understanding knowledge in the fear of the LORD?

Clue –Words of Blessings!

Jewish families celebrate the sabbath, “Shabbat” together with a meal every Friday evening. The father of the house speaks blessings upon his wife, children and each family member in the home. What a difference it could make in all our families if each week the children heard the their father speak words of blessing and honor over their mother! Can we imagine the difference it could make for each child to hear their father speak a blessings over them? What would this world be like if every Friday night, every father in this world verbally spoke God’s blessing over every member of his family? Pause and think about that for a moment. Be encouraged to speak forth blessings into our children, children’s children and our generations going forward.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:24-27

 What is the significance of the Constellation of Aquarius, the water carrier, aligned with Shevat?

Clue – Pitchers of the the Water of Life.

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14

Of course we have already made mention of the importance of water, winter rains and preparations for a new season of growth. And, in the scripture above, we will all remember when Jesus had the encounter with the woman at the well and His declaration that He is the water of Life to quench all our thirst, that never ends. But, we may need to stop a moment to ask ourselves, “How am I being watered?” If you are not being watered and refreshed, you may need to position yourself to be watered in a new way. Who is carrying the pitcher of water you need for this season in your life? What changes do you need to make, new direction you need to go, in order to receive what is needed in your next season on our Overcoming Journey? It is also equally important to ask ourselves, “Who am I to share waters of life with on this Quest of the  Overcomers?” Look for those bringing pitchers of water to you! Shout, “My provision and blessings are on the way!”

“And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” Revelation 21:6

“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Adonai, May we continue to clearly hear Your voice and clearly see the path ahead to always follow You. We welcome the winter, renewing and refreshing rains of The Holy Spirit. We resubmit and rededicate ourselves to You; trusting You to show us Your wisdom and give us Your understanding that we may continue to persevere and overcome. Please direct and position us amongst a happy tribe that is willing to water, encourage and bless each other on this Quest of the Overcomers. We want to be the mature trees which provide shelter to others during their storms and to be pitchers of water to those who are thirsty. Yeshua, we thank You that You are the Water of Life that will never end! In Jesus Name. Amen!

“Happy is the that people, whose God is the LORD!” Psalm 144:15

 

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All scriptures from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.

Reference credit: “A Time to Advance” by Chuck Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler  © 2011

(Photography purchased or taken by Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested. Photo Art by Beth Auman)

© Beth Auman and JoBeth Kested 2019