Ascending the Mount
Since counting the Omer pictures overcoming sin and developing the righteous-ness and character of God in our lives, and becoming more and more Christ-like (see Gal.4:19), we should use these days to pray about overcoming and growing in God’s holiness and righteous character.
Each day it is helpful to pray that day especially about the characteristic of God which we are working on developing in our lives, pertinent to that day.
For example, the Jews derive seven major characteristics of God which are mentioned in the Old Testament, which can be applied to the Omer count. These seven attributes are also characteristic of the “seven patriarchs” mentioned in the Scriptures – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David. The characteristics are:
Chesed Loving-kindness Abraham
Gevurah Strength, Power Isaac
Tiferet Harmony, Peace Jacob
Netzach Victory, Triumph Moses
Hod Glory, Majesty Aaron
Yesod Foundation Joseph
Malkut Sovereignty David
We can also use each day to work on one of the attributes of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul wrote to the brethren in Galatia, these plain and instructive words:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections [or, “passions,” marginal reading] and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22-26).
There are actually nine fruits of the Spirit listed here. But if we combine gentleness and meekness, which go together, and faith and self-control (temperance), then we have seven combinations of Divine Attributes. The apostle Paul lists them in Galatians 5:19-20.
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience (Long-suffering)
5. Gentleness, Meekness
6. Goodness
7. Faith (faithfulness), Self Control (temperance)
Counting the Omer, for forty-nine days, till Pentecost, helps us to concentrate during this period and focus our minds on overcoming our sins and weaknesses and developing the attributes of God in our lives. This helps us to have a PLAN of overcoming! It is Biblically-based! And it will help you to be a true overcomer in your life!
To make the most of the Omer season, and the days of counting the Omer, it is vital to spend extra time in earnest, heartfelt prayer every day, to put your heart into your prayers for spiritual growth and overcoming. As Jeremiah wrote, “Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches, pour out your heart like water before the presence of the LORD!” (Lamentations 2:19). Become the embodiment of prayer like David who wrote, “I am all prayer” (Psalm 109:4, Tanakh, marginal reading). The apostle James wrote, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NRSV).
Put your heart into your prayers, as you count the Omer and Become the Overcomer that you are!
Until the Day Dawns and the Shadows Flee,
❤️Kim
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Christians know Christ gave us the victory over death and the law (Galatians 5:1), but we also know we have an enemy intent on keeping us from walking in it. Counting the Omer gives us pause to consider how we are walking out our Triumph. We give Christ 40 Days to prepare ourselves for the Gift of His Cross (Salvation & Grace), God asks us to give Him 50 Days to prepare for receiving the Gift of His Spirit (Power & Might).
JOIN ME ON THE COUNT toward full recalibration that our hearts will always stay in tune to the beat of His Victory! Get Started Now -> http://eepurl.com/dp7hyH
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