PRAYING THROUGH APRIL

April is the second (2^nd) sacred month (the month Zif) for the Jews. ‘Zif’ – a term from an unused Hebrew root word meaning: Prominent, Brightness, Splendour, Comeliness and Cheerfulness marking the season when the sun shines and countenances are lightened up. A time when believers should take up positions in their God-given endeavours in life, and serve in such a way as to bring glory to God. It is the fourth (4^th) month following the present Gregorian calendar.

The derivation of the Latin name “Aprilis” for April is uncertain. Conventionally, the etymology is from the Latin word “Aperire” meaning “to open” in relation to it being the season when trees and flowers begin to “open” which is also supported by comparison with the modern use of the Greek word “ἁνοιξις” (meaning opening) for spring. Vegetation continues to bud (open out) and blossom, new life continues to spring forth. It is the time for restoration of life after the cold,  and harsh, just-ended winter months. It is also the time of release of the latter rain that culminates in establishment, preservation and progress signifying fruitfulness and hope as new life begins; bringing about a change for the better. One of the festivals which will be celebrated during this month is  the Passover (Num 9:6-13)

It is the eighth (8^th) month for the Jews’ civil purposes. The eighth month symbolised continuation of new beginnings, so this month should be a time when new foundations are laid for every endeavour of our lives – prayer lives, Bible study and word intake that culminate in intimacy with God, business, marriage, etc. etc.

JEWISH FEASTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL

The Hebrew month Nissan approximates March/April and the feasts that are celebrated are:

Evening Passover (PESACH)

Feast of Unleavened bread (HAGTLAMAT ZAH)

In the morning: Presenting of the First Fruits (this is the fulfillment of the resurrection of Jesus)

These feasts have prophetic significance to every believer. Hence intercessors and serious believers must speak God’s words to plant the heavens and lay foundations for the earth (Isa. 51: 16) so that each of these days can align with the original plan and purpose for our lives.

Fulfillment of the Feasts

Passover – Liberation from the slavery of Satan, sin, sickness (so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed John 8: 36. Through the blood of Jesus, we have eternal life. John 5: 24

Feast of Unleavened Bread – yeast, a symbol for sin (1 Cor. 5:8) is eliminated. Unleavened bread speaks of Jesus’ purging out of the practice of sin from the heart of the believers. This is what some call Sanctification – personally experiencing a purging out of anything like malice and wickedness.

Jesus fulfilled all righteousness by partaking of this feast is Luke 22 and then established a new covenant on better promises (Luke 22: 19 – 20)

People are weak and sick in the church today because the place is filled with malice, envy, jealousy, disunity and bitterness.

The believers would observe and keep the feast of unleavened bread by living a life free from the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin and the flesh and be a living part of the body of Christ in true fellowship, unity and giving honour to one another with humility and love.

WERE YOU BORN IN APRIL?

• Praise the Lord that all creation celebrated your birth and you were marked for destiny at such a season as this.
• Take time at regular basis to be praying for yourself and prophesying over your own life. Speak into the foundations of your life and prophesy good things.
• Prophesy that you will live and not die premature in any area of your life. Your family will live, the work of your hand will live and grow from strength to strength (Deut 33:6, Psalm 27:13, 118:17).
• Prophesy and proclaim the blessing of Levi upon your life as a priest unto the Lord (2 Pet 2:9, Deut 33:8-11).
• Prophesy Psalm 20 over your life

MOON PHASES IN APRIL 2014

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