Ron Sawka Ministries
April 28, 2021; Iyar 16, 5781
Counting the Omer: Day 31
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“From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32, NIV).
“You shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exod. 19:5–6).
God’s River of Fire Conference (Online)
How to receive and maintain the fire of God
Saturday, May 29, 7:30–9:30 p.m. (Japan time)
Don’t Get Distracted—Stay in Preparation Mode for His Blessing
Don’t be surprised if you are running into obstacles and problems. Let’s not be like Israel and murmur and complain. Keep feeding on His goodness and faithfulness.
During this whole second Hebrew month, Iyar, I feel the Lord has been emphasizing how important it is for us to have the mindset that He wants to bless us. The more we have that mindset, the more likely we will be able to be positioned to receive much from Him.
The devil also knows this and will do everything he can to distract or discourage us. If he can get us murmuring or doubting, then instead of drawing near to God we will withdraw or distance ourselves and thus miss the blessings He had for us.
I feel this is why the Lord told the Israelites to deliberately—daily—count each day of the seven weeks from Passover to Pentecost (Lev. 23:15–16). That “counting of the omer” would help keep their minds focused on the following truths: “God is so good that He delivered us from Egypt,” and “Regardless of what problem may arise, we know He already has a victorious solution for us.”
However, we see that right after Passover the people began to murmur and complain. In those forty-nine days from the first Passover to the first Pentecost, there were at least four major tests: the Red Sea, the bitter waters at Marah, manna, and water from the rock (Exod. 14–18). Instead of viewing each event as another opportunity to see God’s amazing power, they gave in to fear and doubt. They murmured and complained. It didn’t seem to matter that every time God had provided a miraculous solution. When the next problem arose, they complained again.
What was the result of this worrying and murmuring instead of maintaining the mindset that “God has already set us free and surely has a solution”?
Instead of seeing “How I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. … Then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people” (Exod. 19:4–5), they were fearful and full of unbelief. In fact, they were afraid to draw near to God. We read, “They then said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us lest we die’” (20:19). They did promise to obey, but it wasn’t long before they turned to their own devices and made the golden calf. We further know that things never really changed for them over the next forty years.
So, what about us? How are we to be? What are we to do?
Make sure we are fully aligned with God in our mind, will, and emotions. Know that He wants to bless us. As we approach Pentecost (May 17–18), know that He wants to give more revelation, more provision, and more power. The more thankful we are, the more we will see He is carrying us on “eagles’ wings” and that we are “a special treasure” to Him.
And don’t just settle for mental alignment or acknowledgment. Let your will and emotions also be fully aligned. Be determined to stay in joy, praise, and thanksgiving. God is good. He has blessed us and will continue to do so—in fact, He wants to increase His blessing. So have that mindset.
Thanks for praying. Be blessed.
Ron and Teddy
Those who have special needs for ministry can contact us here. A special team is there to minister to you.
The Importance of Our Words: Understanding the Times We Are In
Iyar: The second month of the Hebrew Year, April 13–May 11
Iyar is a transitional month and God wants to position us for increase and multiplication. Let’s be sure our thoughts and words reflect this. The blessings of Iyar are available here.
This Week’s Broadcast Schedule
Below is a list and times (Japan Standard Time) of public meetings you can connect with via Ron’s public Facebook page.
April 27, Tues., 8:30–10:00 p.m., Regular Apostolic Center Training, English/Chinese. Registration required.
April 29, Fri., 7:00–8:00 p.m., English/Russian
Sat., May 1, 8:30–10:30 p.m., Zebulon Apostolic Center, English/Chinese. Registration required.
No MPP Thursday, April 29–Wednesday, May 5
Japan Golden Week holiday
MPP resumes Thursday, May 6.
You can join the live broadcast via Facebook (Ron’s public page), or can access the other channels to view the recording at your convenience:
Giving to Ron Sawka Ministries
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2. You may also feel led to become an Apostolic Fund Supporter (AFS) by pledging to give $1,200 (US) or its equivalent for the year.
Yes, I Commit to Being an Apostolic Fund Supporter for 2021
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