5785 THE YEAR OF DOUBLE GRACE & OPEN WINDOWS FOR DIVINE EXPANSION AND PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT!
Greeting, As we have stepped into a new Hebrew Year of 5785 as well as 2025 on the Georgian calendar, we are stepping into a window of time and opportunity. What does an opportunity mean? An opportunity is an appointed or favorable time to advance forward. In 5784, the Lord showed me that we were in a Revelation 3:8 NKJV season for the Year of the Open Door for Revelation, Realignment and Renewal for Prophetic Fulfillment! According to Revelation 3:8 NKJV… “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
In some ways we are still in that season as we continue to progress from the door to the window. The Lord has been issuing this clarion call to His Church to come up higher. In this place of ascension, there is a new vantage point and, new levels of revelation. As we’ve come through the door and now look through the windows (opportunities). GOD desires to enlarge our vision and break every limitation so we can see clearer. The Lord longs to show us the things to come so we can be prepared and ready to receive them. The verse the Lord gave me for 5785 is Psalms 18:19 KJV… He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. The Theme He gave me for KBCMI is…5785 THE YEAR OF OPEN WINDOWS WITH DOUBLE GRACE FOR DIVINE EXPANSION AND PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT!
In this new Hebrew year 5785, the double fives in this year carry a special emphasis on multiplied grace or the empowerment of GOD. When you put the fives next to each other you get twenty-five, you get the Hebrew word Hen which means to behold. When you think of a window, it’s a prophetic representation of vision. I believe the Lord is increasing our vision, especially in His seers and prophets. As we behold the Lord, He will show us the things to come to declare bold. We must not forget that we are in the decade of the mouth. There is a greater grace and empowerment on the words we speak and declare. This is why since 2020, there often has been a “war of words” concerning many different situations on a personal, national, and international level. It’s important to be mindful and intentional of the words we speak. Not only will we see things to declare but, there will also be situations to behold that will shock us and grip us. There are things coming that we never thought possible. The word unprecedented will become normal to hear it so anchor yourself in the Lord for 5785.
Another insight concerning the five or the Hebrew letter Hei (hey), is that there is an appointed time and season for us to put our hands to the things of GOD, what He has spoken over is. This is not a time to sit back in fear, we must move boldly and confidently. The righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1). It’s time to partner with the word of the Lord, activate it and, see it manifest. This season is one of Double Grace - It Begins with grace and ends with grace.
Right now we’re in a season where the Lord is watching what we do with what we have been given. In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the parable of the talents. In this parable, a man was leaving away on a trip for some time. He decided to gather his three servants and distribute his money to them while he was gone to tend to it. To one he gave five talents, another man he gave two, and the last servant he gave one talent. The servants with five and two talents went out and invested their talents and were able to multiply and double what they had. The servant who had one talent went and buried it in the ground out of fear.
When the man came back from his trip he accessed what the servants had done with the talents. He was happy to see the servants with five and two multiplied what they had been given. He blessed them and promoted them saying, His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:21 NKJV
When the servant with one talent told the man that he had buried for fear of losing it, the man was so furious that he gave his talent to another and banished him away. We’re in a time of promotion and demotion. The Lord is weighing his leaders and his people, to see what they have done with what they’ve been given. He’s measuring and judging our faithfulness and stewardship. We should always be increasing and multiplying because, it’s the nature of GOD. You can’t stay small when you’re connected to GOD Isaiah 60:22 NKJV…A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.
Lastly, I want to share some insight for Genesis 8. In Matthew 24:37-39 NKJV Jesus makes an interesting reference back to Noah’s time… 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
This is the way it will be when the Son of Man returns.” Jesus is saying here, what took place back in Noah’s day will take place as the day approaches of his coming. More and more we’re going to see a clear line and distinction between the righteous and unrighteousness. It will not be hard to tell the difference between the godly and ungodly.
One of the things that enabled Noah to be successful and caused him to get through the flood was, he was a righteous man and he was obedient to the voice of GOD. Can you imagine being the only one who was living right for GOD, when everyone around you was living like heathens. Noah continued to live right in the face of such unrighteousness and wickedness. Even though he looked crazy building a big boat and prophesied a rain was coming like never before, he never gave up on the assignment GOD had given him. He had unshakeable faith in GOD. We must be the same way in this time. May the voice of GOD be the loudest voice we hear and believe in this time.
In Genesis 8:1 NKJV it says, Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And GOD made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. “When you live righteously and stay obedient to GOD, He will never forget you. I want to encourage you today that GOD has not forgotten you or the promise spoken of for you but, that he has remembered you like he did Noah. As he remembered Noah GOD sent a wind to begin to shift and dry up the waters after a great time of testing. In Genesis 8:6 NKJV it says, So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. On day 41 it was the dawning of a new day.
In 5785, not only it is a window of opportunity but it’s also a new time and season for you. As Noah sent out the dove (Holy Spirit) a few times waiting for the go ahead, it eventually brought back a fresh olive leaf. As you enter into 5785, there’s new vision and fresh oil, for the new place GOD has brought you into. Just as he did for Noah, GOD is establishing new covenant and reminding you of His promises that has been established in the heavens. As Noah followed the instructions of the Lord, he stayed in obedience, and trusted where GOD would lead him and his family. This is what caused him to overcome and endure.
As the elections have passed in the United States the people have spoken and GOD has honored it. The election was simple and it came down to either voting for light or darkness. Light has prevailed… Glory to GOD so let us now be about our Father’s Kingdom business and take back everything the devil has previously stolen from us.
Blessings,
From the desk of Chief Apostle\Prophet L.R.Gooden Jr.
In His Service For His Glory!
Enrich your spiritual life as you study inspirational messages gleaned from the Word of God! The Holy Bible is filled with wisdom that will strengthen your character and deepen your walk with the Lord. As you reflect on key Scripture passages, you will discover encouraging lessons and practical applications woven throughout the Word. Leon Gooden presents an in-depth study of key Bible passages to sharpen your faith and help you grow in your understanding of God. Each chapter explores a different Scripture passage to encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus Christ. In this book, you’ll learn: -How God calls you to be actively involved in His purposes and plans for the world -You are God’s child, accepted and highly favored—made holy and righteous by the blood of Jesus -How the Holy Spirit will empower you to bring life to others who desperately need it -How God wants to sanctify you and move you toward the future He has planned for you -How worship can overcome temptations to sin -When nothing makes sense, God has a perfect handle on things -Why the result of knowing God is an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe This book is ideal to enhance your personal daily devotions, or as a Bible study tool in a small group setting. Short chapters with edifying messages are perfect for livening up your devotions! Start reading your copy of Walking in the Word today—and spark a flame in your heart for real growth as a child of God!
It's released Apostle's new book, get yours today! Walking in the Word: Fifty Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Relationship with God.
Just like the root determines the fruit, your heart determines your spiritual advancement, and your blessings in life. That is the root of all spiritual encounters because God sees our heart before He hears our voice. He responds to the state of our heart much more than He responds to our utterances and our acts.
In Acts 8:21, the apostles encountered a man who offered them money to buy the power of the Holy Ghost and Peter said to him, “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ” Which means, if your heart is right your part is guaranteed! The state of your heart determines the measure of your part. It is not the volume of your prayer that determines the volume of your blessing but the state of your heart. Men may commend your utterances but God answers your heart.
Nothing happens on this earth without a root in our heart. Every happening around us is a function of what is happening within us. We can never encounter a change on this earth until there is a move from our heart. It is the move of our heart that determines the changes on our earth. There is nothing a man cannot accomplish when his heart is in the right place with GOD.
In Jeremiah 29:11 God said, “…I know the thoughts that I think toward you…thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” But in verse 13 He said, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart…” What moves God to perform His great thoughts towards us is measured by the state of our heart. So, ensure that your heart is connected, ensure that your heart is fervent, pure and right before God. When God finds a man or woman with a right heart, He has found the right man or woman to be anointed, empowered and blessed!
The word “FAVOUR” simply means: “friendly or kind regard; goodness; approval; loving-kindness.”
The FAVOUR of God simply means that, God will:
Regard you as his FRIEND – “No longer do I call you servant but my friend.” (Jn 15: 15)
Be KIND to you – “For he is Kind even to the unthankful.” (Lk 6:35)
Shine his GOODNESS on you – “Do you know that the Goodness of God leads you to repentance.” (Rom 2 : 4)
APPROVE you – “Salute Appelus approved in Christ.” (Rom 16:10)
Show LOVING-KINDNESS towards you – “I will show my loving kindness toward you says God.” (Jer 9:24)
OPEN FAVOR of God will give us:
UNEQUAL ADVANTAGE – This UNEQUAL ADVANTAGE will enable us to DEFEAT Satan, who is already a defeated foe, SUBJECT his demons under us, who have already been made subject to us through Christ and for us to KNOW the PLANS and PURPOSES of God, for which Satan will never know. (Rom 3: 1 )
POWER OF ATTORNEY – God will give us to REPRESENT HIM, so that we can ACT on his behalf, SPEAK HIS WORD for him and OPERATE in the same POWER and ANOINTING as He did. Satan cannot override us, because we now become the REPRESENTATIVES of Jesus Christ here on earth. (Acts 9:15)
TO GO AHEAD OF HIM – Jesus will SEND us forth ahead of him to PREPARE the way as John the Baptist did. We will go to every place that God wants his PRESENCE to be made manifest. Jesus will send us to places to ESTABLISH APOSTOLIC BASES, in our homes and churches, that will allow his PRESENCE to be seen and felt. (Lk 10:1)
Exodus 16: 4-6 - God provided manna to the Israelites through supernatural means
1 kings 17:1-7- God fed Elijah during the famine through the Raven
2 kings 4: 1-7- God helped the widow to clear her debts through supernatural means
Luke 5: 1-9 – Jesus helped Peter to catch fish through supernatural means
Matthew 17:24-27-Jesus provided money for paying tax through supernatural means
KEYS TO SUPERNATURAL PROVISION
God has established keys which can connect a believer to supernatural provision.
We must create Room for the word of God. God spoke to Abraham and he obeyed God’s word. We cannot just build our lives on personal opinion and preferences.
We must Pass the God sent Tests. God tested Abraham and he never failed the test. Some of the things we go through are nothing but God sent tests.
We must operate with Extra Ordinary obedience and faith. What God asked Abraham to do demanded extra ordinary faith and obedience.
We should become people of Prophetic confession. Notice what Abraham confessed: V5 -We will come back to you; V8 -God will provide the lamb for sacrifice. Notice that Abraham got what he confessed. What you confess becomes your portion.
We should have room for Sacrificial giving. It's sacrificial giving which opens the door of supernatural provision.
WHAT IS SACRIFICIAL GIVING?
It is giving which leaves us with pain
It is giving which leaves you with nothing
It is giving your very best.
In conclusion I want to emphasize the point that every child of God should have two doors in their lives through which blessings enter their environment.
What fails to enter through the natural door must enter through the supernatural door.
Breakthrough! It speaks of overcoming an obstacle that is in our way—or of prevailing over a need, a restriction or an opposing enemy. Breakthrough can also mean an achievement or discovery that leads to significant progress.
When we need a breakthrough in our lives or ministry, we turn to prayer. But what kind of prayer will it take?
6 Biblical Keys to Breakthrough Prayer
1. Seek God’s Agenda First
‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.’ (1 John 5:14-15)
Daniel was a godly man who read the scriptures—including the prophecies of Jeremiah. He recognised that Jeremiah prophesied about the times that Daniel was now living in and began to seek God for the answers. He knew it was time to birth that prophecy in prayer.
We need to know that we are praying God’s purpose for our lives. This means firstly praying according to God’s revealed will in the Scripture. Upon that foundation, we can also seek an intimate relationship with Father God in which we can hear His purpose for our lives and situation—and pray out of that. [2]
2. Don’t Settle for Second Best
Hannah was childless, and it grieved her. Wanting to reassure her, Hannah’s husband offered his love and personal gifts, thinking these could please her. But Hannah would only be satisfied with one thing—a baby. As a result of Hannah’s prayer, a future prophet and priest was born. Samuel would bring the nation back to God. (1 Sam 1)
When God has placed something on our hearts, then like Hannah we will be tempted to settle for the ‘status quo’ or second best. But that is the very time to passionately press in to God for the answer.
3. Pray from the Heart
Hannah cried a wordless prayer of deep groaning—and God answered it. (1 Sam 1:12-16, Rom 8:26-27)) Nehemiah shot up a prayer whilst he was going about his daily occupation. (Neh 2:1-5) These seemingly simple prayers, carried from the heart, changed nations.
There are no right and wrong ways to pray. Just real prayers.
It’s time to put aside formulas, and not to be intimidated by someone else’s style and eloquence. The prayers that God answers are real prayers from the heart, regardless of time, place or technique.
4. Pray with Praise and Thanksgiving
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)
Paul and Silas were in a difficult situation. God called them to evangelise a city, but they were stuck in a dungeon, held in stocks. As they prayed in the night and offered up hymns of praise, God sent an earthquake to open the prison doors. (Acts 16:22-29)
When used in addition to prayer, praise is a powerful cutting-edge weapon for breakthrough. (Ps 149:6-9)
5. Don’t Give Up
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1)
Daniel prayed and fasted for 21 days before an answer came. An angel appeared who had been battling in the heavenlies for the entire time Daniel had been in prayer. Daniel’s persistent prayers provided fuel for what God was doing on his behalf. (Dan 10)
Prayer is not a single event, but a process. Whilst continuing in prayer, we are partnering with God as Heaven’s resources, including angels, are being released that are working towards God’s answer.
Don’t give up too soon!
6. Find Others who will Agree with You
Jesus said, “…if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt 18:19-20)
Esther is known as a woman whose courage saved a nation. However, prior to approaching the King, Esther called on Mordecai, all the Jews of the city, and her own attendants, to fast before God for 3 days. Esther knew that the real power lay in God answering the prayer of those who had joined her in the fast. (Esther 4:16)
When in need of a breakthrough, find others who will join you in prayer, because there is multiplied power in agreement.
Jezebel has not changed, except she is meaner than ever when she starts to loose control. People who must be in control are unknowingly being controlled themselves, by a powerful evil spirit, named after one of the most wicked women that ever walked planet earth, Jezebel, 1 Kings 18:4.
For years, Queen Jezebel has defied and mocked our Father’s kingdom, using everything in her power to control or destroy His people. He finally had to kill her and humiliate her by having the dogs eat her flesh and lick up her blood. Gross, you say, not when you understand how GOD feels about anyone who assumes His position of authority to bring people into bondage, while He is trying to set them free, 2 Kings 9:30-37.
Insecure men and women are her easiest prey, because control gives them a sense of worth and importance. Taken to the full extent, they become tyrants who think nothing of murdering millions to cleanse the earth of anyone that threatens them. This control demon enters many insecure believers seeking popularity and significance by becoming church leaders.
Bible schools and seminaries often help prepare the road for demons to control them by teaching how to control a congregation like a corporation. Newly trained leaders being anxious to be a success in ministry, are ignorant of the fact the sheep belong to JESUS. JESUS said I seek to save them and then woo them and call them to let Me take charge of their daily steps. I desire a moment by moment working relationship with every believer, never to control them as puppets.
Our Father has once again given the orders for His angelic hosts to throw down all Jezebel’s and set His people free. You are about to witness churches and 501c3 organizations everywhere, fall apart and crash to the ground. Within hours, He will send in the media, and government dogs will eat up what’s left.
He has cried, LET MY PEOPLE GO, for the last time! Control freaks beware, wether you are behind a pulpit, on Facebook, a military leader or behind a desk, your time is up, GOD is setting his people free, as he shakes everything loose from our control! God's people will no longer fear jezebel's intimidation, and jezebel will no longer manipulate God's people to satisfy her ego! “Woe be to the pastors and leaders that feed themselves! should not you have fed the flocks?”Ezekiel 34:2.
In the last days many churches will hear the Father say: “I have a few things against you, because you tolerated that woman Jezebel, which called herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce, and control my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols….. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to they’re works.”Revelation 2:20,23.
Psalms 107:18-20....Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
WHY ARE YOU PAYING THE HOSPITAL WHEN JESUS ALREADY PAID THE BILL
AS I GO VISIT WEST FLORIDA, BAPTIST, SACRED HEART I CANT EVEN FIND A PARKING SPOT, EVERY BED IS FULL, AND MANY ARE WAITING IN THE LOBBY TO GET A OPEN BED.
I ASKED THE LORD WHY ALL OF THIS SICKNESS, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE THE BIBLE SAYS IN (1Cor. 6:19- 20). THAT our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.
How can we glorify GOD with a sick body, with a broken body, we can't we need to ask ourselves why are we paying a bill that JESUS has already paid for us. SOMEBODY SAY THATS ROBBERY, THATS DOUBLE PAYING.
God wants our body as well as our soul and spirit to be redeemed. Why would He want the body to be sinful, sick, diseased, and not strong if He is to dwell in it?
That would defeat the purpose of Christ in bearing our sins, sicknesses, and infirmities, and shows why atonement includes the cleaning up of the body, soul, and spirit from all sin, disease, and corruption. God provided healing for Israel, and made covenants to heal them until there was not one feeble person in all their tribes.
LISTEN Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8), this alone should be proof of such provision and that He will heal today as He did in the days of His life on earth.
HERE'S 7 BILLS JESUS PAID FOR US
BILL#1-He was stricken ( Isa. 53: 4, 8).
BILL#2-He was smitten ( Isa. 53: 4).
BILL#3-He was afflicted
BILL#4-He carried the iniquity of us all ( Isa. 53: 6, 11).
BILL#5-He was bruised ( Isa. 53: 10).
BILL#6-He was put to grief and made sick. Isa.53:4
BILL#7-He was made an offering for sin and sickness ( Isa.53: 4- 5, 10).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Living Word. You said that your Word is Life to those who find it and medicine to all their flesh. Today, by my confession, I apply your Word giving voice to it.
You said in Psalm 139:14 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that your works are marvelous. I declare that we are created by you and that we area marvelous creation.
I speak to sickness and disease today and proclaim that according to Philippians 2:10 that they must bow down to the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every name in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth bows its knee to Jesus’
I speak to sickness & infirmities today and declare that I have authority over it.
I command it to receive the Word of God. Matthew 8:17 proclaims that Jesus bore our sicknesses and took our infirmities.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us and makes alive our mortal body. I speak to immune systems and command them to line up with the Word of God.
I thank you Father that every cell responds to your Word. That your Word permeates our bodys from the top of there heads to the bottom of there feet.
I confess that the Word of God is being made flesh in all who have come for prayer
Psalm 103:3 declares that you Father, forgave all my iniquities and healed all my diseases. Father, that is your confession and I make it my confession also. I don’t judge by the sight of my eyes, I judge by your Living Word. It is your Word that lives in me and brings health and healing to every part of my body.
Heavenly Father, I rejoice at your promise of divine health. You said it and I believe it! Today, I declare that I will see your promise of healing manifest in all who have prayed this prayer ..Amen
YOU GOT TO GO THROUGH YOUR MARAH TO GET TO YOUR ELIM
Exodus 15:22-25
"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" Then he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested (proved) them.
Numbers 33:8-9
"They journeyed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness; and they went three days' journey in the wilderness together and camped at Marah. They journeyed from Marah and came to Elim; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there."
Marah
Marah (H4781) means "bitter." Chemicals made the water unfit for drinking. Arabs seldom even permit their camels to drink from it. The experience at Marah was just another in the training of God's people.
ELIM
Elim the name of the second station where the Israelites encamped after crossing the Red Sea. It had "twelve wells of water and threescore and ten palm trees."
SEE WHEN THE FIRST TIME DONT WORK TRY IT AGAIN, THE DEVIL HAS A PATTERN OF SENDING YOU THE FAKE ONE BEFORE GOD SENDS THE REAL ONE.
THE ISRAELITES DIDNT SETTLE FOR MARAH, BECAUSE THEY REMEMBERED THE PROMISE GOD GAVE TO MOSES TO GIVE TO THEM, MARAH WAS A TEST, ELIM WAS THE REWARD FOR GOING THROUGH THE TEST.
TELL YOUR NEIGHBOR ITS ONLY A TEST. ELIM IS JUST UP THE STREET.
ELIM HAD 12 SPRINGS OF CLEAR WATER AND 70 PALM TREES, DONT SETTLE FOR YOUR LITTLE WHEN GOD HAS A WHOLE LOT.
WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH OUR MARAH WITHOUT MUMBLING AND COMPLAINING ABOUT THE ROUTE WE ARE HAVING TO GO DOWN, YOU CANT START ON THE AUTOBAHN, TOO FAST, YOU HAVE TO WORK YOUR WAY UP, FROM THE BACK ROADS, THE POT HOLES, AND EVEN THE NO ROADS BEFORE YOU GET ON THE AUTOBAHN. COME ON SOMEBODY.
IN THE BOOK OF ACTS WE SEE FIVE OUTPOURINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
Acts 2:4 - 120 with the disciples in the Upper Room
Acts 8:17 - Converts to Phillip in Samaria
Acts 9:18 - Saul's conversion
Acts 10:44 - Peter preached to the Gentiles in Cornelius house
Acts 19:6 - Paul with the believers at Ephesus
It is an experience that is available to all Christians in all lands and in every generation. Acts 2:39, "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
This experience offers the believer spiritual power for victorious Christian living and effective service (ministry) in the Kingdom of God.
Acts 1:8, "But you shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit has come upon you......"
The Baptism With the Spirit is Called in the Book of Acts:
The verb #1: "Bapto" - Being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
[Jesus said] "For John truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts1:5).
"Bapto" in ancient times was used in an interesting number of ways. It essentially described something that was immersed.
The verb #2: "Eperchomai" - the Holy Spirit coming upon
[Jesus said] "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem..." (Acts 1:8).
The chief idea in "eperchomai" relates a coming upon a whole new set of circumstances - as in "these things that have come upon me." In other words, the Holy Spirit wants to reshape our perspective (on the world) our passion (for the lost) our pointedness (in focus on human need).
The verb #3: "Ekcheo" - the Holy Spirit poured out
In Acts 2:17, Peter quotes from Joel's prophecy about the coming of the Holy Spirit: "And it shall come to pass in the last days says God I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh."
The verb #4: "Pieroo" - they were filled "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...."
(Acts 2:4). In the Greek language this verb was not used unless there was actually an overflow. In other words, "pieroo" means there was more than enough.
The verb #5: "Epipipto" falling upon -
See Acts 10-44-46. The Holy Spirit wants to "fall upon" us to catch us up in the fullness of God's love.
The verb #6: "Lambana" - to receive
"Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:17)."Lambano" conveys both the ideas of giving and/or receiving.
Principles of finance have been put in place by God himself for two reasons. The first is to activate our obedience to Him and the second is to generate wealth to furnish the Kingdom of GOD.
As believers in Christ we practice a three fold giving which IS: First- fruits, Tithes and Offerings.
First: First Fruits and Tithes are separate from each other.
2 Chronicles 31: 5 As soon as the command went abroad, the Israelites gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, vintage fruit, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
Nehemiah 10: 37 And we shall bring the first and best of our coarse meal, our contributions, the fruit of all kinds of trees, of new wine, and of oil to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God. And we shall bring the tithes from our ground to the Levites, for they, the Levites, collect the tithes in all our rural towns.
Nehemiah 12:44. On that day men were appointed over the chambers for the stores, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by law for the priests and the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served [faithfully].
When we accept Christ into our lives we need to understand that we leave behind a life of financial bondage and enter into financial prosperity and freedom. This ability and location is handed down to us by our Father himself but He has put certain principles in place for us to give heed to. These principles unlock financial prosperity and freedom that is due to us.
What is the First Fruit? It was the first of the cattle, corn, fruit and sons that was offered to God. This was the first of the entire harvest.
Exodus 22: 29-30 29 You shall not delay to bring to Me from the fullness [of your harvested grain] and the outflow [of your grape juiceand olive oil]; give Me the firstborn of your sons [or redeem them]. 30 Likewise shall you do with your oxen and your sheep. Seven days the firstborn [beast] shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.
This was done according to the law but we are now living in a period of grace. You see although we are living in grace, the principles of God have not changed. There is an immense favour decreed over children of God that only God’s principles can unlock. Principles of wealth existed before the law, during the law, during the times of the prophets, during Christ’s time here on earth, during the times of the apostles and it still exists to date.
Children of God assessed their First-fruits in the following way:
Fourth year crop of a new tree was given to God. The entire crop was given to God; the people only partook of the fifth year’s crop.
Leviticus 19: 23–25 23 And when you come into the land and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count the fruit of them as inedible and forbidden to you for three years; it shall not be eaten 24 In the fourth year all their fruit shall be holy for giving praise to the Lord. 25 But in the fifth year you may eat of the fruit [of the trees], that their produce may enrich you; I am the Lord your God.
First reaping in a new land, if you were to come into a land that Lord has given to you and dwelled there then the first crop was given to God.
Deuteronomy 26: 1-2. 26 When you have come into the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance and possess it and live in it, 2 You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the soil which you harvest from the land the Lord your God gives you and put it in a basket, and go to the place [the sanctuary] which the Lord your God has chosen as the abiding place for His Name [and His Presence].
First reaping in a new season, year by year the first-fruit was brought to the house of the Lord, to the priest who ministered there.
Before we assess our First-fruits; take note:
Our First-fruit giving; represents our whole year’s income. It represents 100%; we are saying to God I surrender my year’s income to you. It is showing God that He is greater than any amount of money. Please note I used the word represents. You don’t sow 100% but a potion that represents your whole year’s income.
How do we assess our first-fruits?
In this period grace seasons are declared, bringing in a first-fruit declares an apostolic season; it is declaring the fourth year. Know this; after the fourth year the people were able to reap themselves. So there is a leap in harvest reaping just by living out God’s principle.
Leviticus 19: 23-25. 23 And when you come into the land and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count the fruit of them as inedible and forbidden to you for three years; it shall not be eaten.24 In the fourth year all their fruit shall be holy for giving praise to the Lord.25 But in the fifth year you may eat of the fruit [of the trees], that their produce may enrich you; I am the Lord your God.
Anything new that generates wealth, some of the first income should be given to the Lord.
Examples of new is: A new job, a job promotion, a financial increase at work, a new business, a new business order, insurance payouts, inheritances, if you were to sell your car, house or belongings.
Deuteronomy 26:1-2. 26 When you have come into the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance and possess it and live in it, 2 You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the soil which you harvest from the land the Lord your God gives you and put it in a basket, and go to the place [the sanctuary] which the Lord your God has chosen as the abiding place for His Name [and His Presence].
Year by year we bring in a portion of our first income to the Lord as a representation of the whole years income. This is all income, example first salary, first profit, first sale commission, first weeks pay, etc.
Calculation:
Leviticus 23: 10-11 “When ye be come into the land which I give unto you and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.”
The Lord asks that we bring a sheaf (a bundle of grain tied together) of our harvest; our harvest is our entire first income.A sheaf is a bundle of grain, a stack of grain is made up of many sheaves. Note the crop is only harvested when it is at its best, so the sheaf will also always be the best.
In preparing our first-fruit we must ensure, at all times, that it is, the best that we can offer to God. To some it may be a week’s salary. To some it may be a week’s profit, but at all times it must be our best.
A day’s salary is also a bundle and so to is a week’s salary. They all represent the full harvest, which is; your full year’s income.
Remember God builds you up to accuracy but He simply loves your obedience. I strongly believe that releasing a day’s salary as a first-fruit activates the first-fruit principle, because a day is also a sheaf but if your best is a day this year, your best can be more than a day next year.
As the years of prosperity increase our sowing should increase also to one full week and ultimately sow a full month; this is the entire month’s harvest. Simply because we are living in a period of grace and the grace bestowed upon us is unlimited.
Calculation for businesses
Now I was asked this question several times: How do I calculate my First fruits as a business? There are different types of businesses which generate income at different times in the month.
Your first profit drawn is your first harvest, now some people draw at the end of the week and others at the end of the month. That entire profit is your first harvest and you need to bring a sheaf of that harvest to the house of the Lord. Remember this is separate from your tithe. A days profit is a sheaf, and so to is a week’s profit; you decide.
Calculation Examples:
If you are earning 4000.00 a month.
A day’s salary will be 200.00; a week’s salary will be 1000.00.
If you bring a profit of 10 000. 00 a month.
A day’s profit will be 500.00; a week’s will be 2500.00
The whom is the First Fruit given?
Now at this point we need to understand the manner in which God operates. The many that are called get separated from the few that are chosen. You see the first fruit was given to the priest of the temple, in our case it would be to our Pastor or Apostle of KBCM.
Deuteronomy 18:3-5 3 And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach. 4 The firstfruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first or best of the fleece of your sheep you shall give the priest. 5 For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name [and presence] of the Lord, him and his sons forever.
Ezekiel 44:30. And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests. You shall also give to the priest the first of your coarse meal and bread dough, that a blessing may rest on your house.
Nehemiah 10:35-36 35 And [we obligate ourselves] to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the first of all the fruit of all trees year by year to the house of the Lord, 36 As well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as is written in the Law, and the firstlings of our herds and flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in [His] house.
Leviticus 23:10-11 10 Tell the Israelites, When you have come into the land I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest.11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, that you may be accepted; on the next day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it [before the Lord].
Why Do We Bring in a First-Fruit?
The main purpose is to honour God. The Lord has brought us into this location that allows us to enjoy the reaping of many harvests and we therefore need to honour God for this.
Obeying this principle ensures that our entire year’s income is kept holy and protected. We tell God that He is far greater to us than any amount of money. When we do radical things for God, He does radical things right back at us.
Proverbs 3:9-10. 9 Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income;10 So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.
Romans 11:16 16 Now if the first handful of dough offered as the firstfruits [Abraham and the patriarchs] is consecrated (holy), so is the whole mass [the nation of Israel]; and if the root [Abraham] is consecrated (holy), so are the branches.
Some Benefits of bringing in a First Fruit
Abundance. Proverbs 3:9-10
Blessing Will Rest in your House. Ezekiel 44:39
Ensures that your finances to come, is Holy. Romans 11:16
Substance (the widow never ran out)1 King 17:10-16
