Shifting into the Apostolic—Getting a Hebrew Mindset

Arise 5 Weekly Update
April 24, 2012

Thank you so much for praying for Japan, and thank you for praying for our monthly First Fruits Gathering which we held this past Saturday. The Saturday gatherings start with praise and worship and are followed by a seminar. After a break, we go through the blessings of the Hebrew month and then declare them. We close with prophetic ministry. Since most of the people who attend are well versed in prophesying, we just instruct each person to prophesy to three others. Prophecy is one of the hallmarks of our First Fruits Gatherings. Done in this fashion, everyone gets to prophesy as well as receive prophetic ministry.

The next day I was at our Tokyo Arise 5 church (also known as Prophecy Cafe). One woman gave a testimony. She was unable to join us the previous day, but she watched the webcasts. She testified that a kind of depression was broken off of her as she joined in the celebration via the Internet.

Shifting into the Apostolic—Getting a Hebrew Mindset

So far this year in our Saturday gatherings, I have been teaching on Apostolic Government. It appears to me that a major indicator of shifting into the apostolic revolves around having a Hebrew mindset. We could simplify it by saying we learn to think like God does. The easiest way to obtain this mindset is to follow God’s three main cycles: 1) celebrating the yearly feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles; 2) observing the weekly cycle by making sure to rest one day; 3) adhering to the monthly cycle which we can celebrate by teaching and delcaring the blessings of that Hebrew month at the beginning of the month and bringing our firstfruits offerings to the Lord. Many of us call this monthly celebration a “firstfruits celebration.” I have been following these cycles for more than five years; I can testify that doing so brought me first into a state of “flow,” and now into a state of “overflow.” Here are some reasons why we should partake in these cycles. But first, let me state that most of what I know about this I have learned from Chuck Pierce. Some reasons for observing God’s cycles are as follows:

• When we celebrate at the head of the month (Rosh Chodesh), it blesses our whole month. If the firstfruit is holy, so is the whole lump (the rest of the month). See Romans 11:16.
• It is the simplest and surest way of getting our thinking to align with God’s thinking and walking in the confidence that “God is for me.” I am astounded at how much time and effort we have to spend ministering to long-term Christians to convince them God is for them. Celebrating First Fruits will break them out of the up-and-down cycle, as well as out of double-mindedness.
• It breaks us out of depression and unbelief, because we know that we are to (and can) serve the Lord always with joy and rejoicing. See Deuteronomy 28:47.
• We will gradually come to understand God’s covenant and that we are “the head and not the tail” (Deut. 28:13), which causes a release of even more blessing.
• We begin to see that God can and wants to redeem everything for us. (Jesus already paid the price.) This takes back ground from the anti-Christ spirit that tries to take away our hope.
• When we walk with God, trusting Him to redeem everything about us, it flows out to our families, our neighborhoods, and our cities. We become agents for change, transformation, and revival.
• These are God’s appointed times to meet with us and bless us. See Isaiah 58:13–14.
• It brings acceleration and blessing. See Exodus 34:23–24. Results include the following things: a casting out of our enemies; an enlarging of our borders; an enabling to live in peace with others (they will not covet us or compete with us).
• It begins to become a lifestyle that allows the Lord to bless us more and more. See Deuteronomy 28:47.

Feel free to watch the videos from this past Saturday’s First Fruits Gathering. They may be found here:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/arise-first-fruits1.

Additional information on Iyar may also be found here:

http://ronsawka.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/iyar-the-second-month-of-the-hebrew-year-4/

Ron and Teddy Sawka

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance

I am glad many are writing in with prayer requests, especially for healing and deliverance. That is the mission of the church—to destroy the works of the devil. Keep sending in requests! One of the reasons I enjoy doing this is because I know it brings an increase in anointing. On Sunday at Tokyo church, which always has lots of new people and unbelievers, I could see the bondage on people’s faces. God led us to do a “shout,” followed by a laying on of hands (everyone lined up for prayer). It’s amazing to see God touch people and set them free.

Praying for Japan

1. Something is shifting in Japan. Keep declaring and contending for great, great revival in this nation.
2. Pray for Micah Lawrence and Fire on the Altar Japan. He is working on praise gatherings for all 47 prefectures. He would like to do much of this during July and August. Details will be posted here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-on-the-Altar-Japan/302563383138740.
3. Yarn Alive. God’s hand is on it. Even Japanese companies in the USA are now gathering yarn and sending it to us. I suspect that we have little idea of how much God is going to use Yarn Alive.
4. Keep praying for Japan Alive. It is gaining momentum. Let 2012 be a year of vast increase.
5. Google project. Pray for funds to be generated in Japan to keep this project going. You may give to this ministry via the account below.

Schedule

• April 24–26, CI Korea
• April 28–May 1, Apostolic Conference with Barbara Yoder, Cheras Charis Church, KL, Malaysia (Tel) 603 9274 0618
• May 2–6, Vladivostok and Ussurisk, Russia

Donations and/or APOSTOLIC FUND SUPPORTERS (AFS) ($1200 for 2012)

I am so thankful for those who give financially to the work of Arise 5. Below is bank information listed for your nation. Also, I want to invite you to consider becoming an Apostolic Fund Supporter (AFS). These funds are what enable us to carry on ministry in many of the nations we work in. Additional information may be found here: http://www.arise5.com/#/network/apostolic-fund.

As always, thanks for praying.

Ron Sawka
Arise 5

www.arise5.com

Bank Details for Apostolic Fund Supporters and any Donations

Information for Arise 5 Donors and Apostolic Fund Supporters

*CANADA: Christian International of Canada: 21530 103rd Ave., Edmonton, AB T5S2C4
 
JAPAN: Citibank Japan Ltd, Address: Citibank Japan Ltd, Shinjuku Minami Guchi Branch, 1-18-8 Nishi Shinjuku-Ku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-0023.
Account Name: Ronald W. Sawka, Account Number: 9364 2377, Swift Code: CITI JPJT
 
KOREA: KEB Bank 172-18-47989-8
 
MALAYSIA: Standard Chartered Bank 390194941955
 
RUSSIA: Please write us at: russia@arise5.com
 
SINGAPORE: POSBank 149-42129-7
 
TAIWAN: Chinatrust 42854-041347-0
 
*USA:
Christian International: PO Box 9000, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
 
 *Canada and USA: Please make checks out to that particular organization and designate it to “Sawka Mission Fund.”

OTHERS: Please use the Japan Citibank details for direct deposits

Disaster Relief Donations–Direct Deposits

We are widening the scope of this fund. If you would like to give to various evangelism/church planting projects in Japan, then please use the bank details BELOW. Be sure to inform us of your desired designation.

Bank Name: Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.
Branch: Sanominami
Bank Code: 0129
Account Name, Number: Ciasia Sanokirisutokyoukai 131-64120
SWIFT Code: ASIKJPJT
Branch Address: Tochigi-ken, Sano-shi, Uekami-cho 1631

Arise 5 Weekly Update—April 17, 2012

Arise 5 Weekly Update
April 17, 2012

I am now home from my two-week trip to Taiwan. I am so thankful for the increased breakthroughs and miracles we seemed to experience in each meeting. I like what Chuck Pierce pointed out recently, that this Passover was a crossing over into a new level of miracles. I think we experienced that. Also, I believe the extra “open heaven” has to do with the weeklong celebrating of Passover. We were in God’s appointed time.

I also want to point out the incredible openness to the Holy Spirit and how it seems to keep increasing. When I lay hands on believers and impart to them, I am struck by the pliability and softness in the hearts of so many—this pliability seems to increase each time I visit. God is doing awesome things in Taiwan.

Trumpets, Shouting, and Unexpected Victory?!

Last week, I asked you to pray against a spirit of division and competition that seems to be arising in the disaster area. During the 3/11 relief work there was such compassion and unity. The whole year went so smoothly. It seemed as if everyone had laid aside their differences to work together to help others. Now as the “relief” work winds down, and the focus shifts to church planting and evangelism, I guess it shouldn’t surprise us that a wrong spirit is again trying to assert itself. That is what I had been sensing and asked for prayer about.

At one meeting this past week (in Taiwan), the Lord led us to do spiritual warfare for Japan regarding this issue. We were led from Numbers 10:9, “When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.” Note the following things:

• “When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you.” This specifically refers to when the enemy tries to “come in.” God takes special notice when the enemy invades your sphere. This fit us exactly. Japan is our sphere (and also the sphere of the 1600 Taiwanese intercessors who have committed to praying for Japan).
• “Sound an alarm with the trumpets.” We were led to blow the trumpets (shofars).
• “You will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.”

The Lord led us to shout. We shouted long and hard for about 15 minutes. I feel this was an exact parallel to when Judah found themselves surrounded by the forces of Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:13–20). Watch what happened…

• Judah found themselves trapped and surrounded by the enemy.
• They cried out to God.
• The priests blew the trumpets. (Note that Judah itself was to blame for most of its troubles. Nevertheless, watch what God did for them!)
• God struck Jeroboam and his army so there was great victory and even increase.
• The wicked king Jeroboam never did regain strength.

We then prophesied to the situation, and the Lord said that we are to raise up more praise over Japan. Also, I began to get the sense that we should invite a lot of Taiwanese Christians over to Sendai for a large praise gathering. I feel this is kind of a fulfillment of what I wrote last week about what happens when we celebrate what God wants us to celebrate—it will give us great victory in the face of unexpected battle (See 2 Chronicles 32).

First Fruits Gathering at Arise 5 Apostolic Center, April 21

• Session 1 (13:00 JST), Apostolic Government (Part 3) Seminar, “Shifting into Apostolic Mode and Structure”
• Session 2 (16:00 JST) First Fruits Celebration for Iyar, the second Hebrew month (April 23–May 21, 2012)

Feel free to join us for these sessions: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/arise-first-fruits1.

The Lord is giving us great progress. As we teach and preach on the apostolic center and on apostolic government, the Lord gives more and more revelation. Also, He is helping to shift our mindsets. We must be “kingdom,” as in His not our kingdom. One of the most efficient ways of having our thinking changed into God’s way of thinking is to celebrate First Fruits (known in Hebrew as Rosh Chodesh [head of the month celebration]).

More information on Iyar may be found here:

http://ronsawka.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/iyar-the-second-month-of-the-hebrew-year-4/

Ron and Teddy Sawka

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance

I am glad for those who are writing in with prayer requests, especially for healing and deliverance. That is the mission of the church—to destroy the works of the devil. Keep sending requests in!

Praying for Japan

1. All I can say is that the prayer of you intercessors is having great impact on us and on Japan. Let’s keep pressing ahead. Please pray for the following things:

• For the Holy Spirit to be poured out to give more and more pliability and softness of heart.
• For more praise to arise in Japan
.

2. Pray for Micah Lawrence and Fire on the Altar Japan. He (and I) are working on praise gatherings for all 47 prefectures. He would like to do much of this in July and August. Details will be posted here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-on-the-Altar-Japan/302563383138740

3. Yarn Alive. God’s hand is on it. Even Japanese companies in the USA are now gathering yarn and sending it to us. I suspect that we have little idea of how much God is going to use Yarn Alive.

4. Keep praying for Japan Alive. It is gaining momentum. Let 2012 be a year of vast increase.

5. Google project. Pray for funds to be generated in Japan to keep this project going. You may give to this ministry via the account below. **

Schedule

• April 21, Apostolic Government Seminar Part 3, First Fruits Gathering, Sano
• April 22, Tokyo Prophecy Cafe/Church
• April 24–26, CI Korea
• April 28–May 1, Apostolic Conference with Barbara Yoder, Cheras Charis Church, KL, Malaysia
• May 2–6, Vladivostok and Ussurisk, Russia

Donations and/or APOSTOLIC FUND SUPPORTERS (AFS) ($1200 for 2012)

I am so thankful for those who give financially to the work of Arise 5. Below is bank information listed for your nation. Also, I want to invite you to consider becoming an Apostolic Fund Supporter (AFS). These funds are what enable us to carry on ministry in many of the nations we work in. Additional information may be found here:

http://www.arise5.com/#/network/apostolic-fund.

Bank Details for Apostolic Fund Supporters and any Donations

Information for Arise 5 Donors and Apostolic Fund Supporters

*CANADA: Christian International of Canada: 21530 103rd Ave., Edmonton, AB T5S2C4

JAPAN: Citibank Japan Ltd, Address: Citibank Japan Ltd, Shinjuku Minami Guchi Branch, 1-18-8 Nishi Shinjuku-Ku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 160-0023.
Account Name: Ronald W. Sawka, Account Number: 9364 2377, Swift Code: CITI JPJT

KOREA: KEB Bank 172-18-47989-8

MALAYSIA: Standard Chartered Bank 390194941955

RUSSIA: Please write us at: russia@arise5.com

SINGAPORE: POSBank 149-42129-7

TAIWAN: Chinatrust 42854-041347-0

*USA:
Christian International: PO Box 9000, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

*Canada and USA: Please make checks out to that particular organization and designate it to “Sawka Mission Fund.”

OTHERS: Please use the Japan Citibank details for direct deposits

** Disaster Relief Donations–Direct Deposits

We are widening the scope of this fund. If you would like to give to various evangelism/church planting projects in Japan, then please use the bank details BELOW. Be sure to inform us of your desired designation.

Bank Name: Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.
Branch: Sanominami
Bank Code: 0129
Account Name, Number: Ciasia Sanokirisutokyoukai 131-64120
SWIFT Code: ASIKJPJT
Branch Address: Tochigi-ken, Sano-shi, Uekami-cho 1631

—

As always, thanks for praying.

Ron Sawka
Arise 5

Iyar, the Second Month of the Hebrew Year

Arise 5
Iyar, the Second Month of the Hebrew Year
29 days: April 23–May 21, 2012

1. The Issachar month. See 1 Chronicles 12:32, “The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Compare this with Ephesians 5:15–17 which enjoins us to understand our times. This enables us to keep moving ahead, instead of just passing time. God wants us to see each day, each week, and each month as a cycle of new things He wants to bring into our lives and bless us with. Look at the list of things accomplished for us at Passover and watch them grow in your life. (Some of the blessings of Passover include the following: a new level of deliverance; new “crossing over”; new provision; a “rolling away” of old identity and reproach; new intimacy with the Lord; new strategy.)

2. The month of radiance, where light increases (It’s spring and the days are getting longer). Just as natural light increases, see that God wants to give you more and more revelation about you and your circumstances. If darkness tries to overtake you, this month you say no to it. Declare an increase in revelation. Isaiah 60:1 says the glory of the Lord will radiate off of us. We need to “light up” this month.

3. The month linked with natural healing. God will just heal certain things naturally.

4. The month of “I am God, your healer (Jehovah Rapha).” See Exodus 15:26. You will see your snares. The main snare is murmuring and complaining. Note that this promise comes during a time of murmuring. The Healer was manifested to help. When we murmur, we open ourselves up to sickness, and it is as if getting sick becomes scheduled on our calendar.

5. The month of the Hebrew letter “vav.” This is a month that links the Month of Redemption and the Month of Giving. (If you move correctly during this month, the rest of the year connects properly.) Your prosperity is linked with this month. Vav is the tent peg. We can bring heaven to earth. Jael drove the peg into Sisera’s head (Judges 4:21). God’s judgment was executed through her. Declare God’s judgments will be executed through you. I also like the word from Isaiah 54:2, “Enlarge the place of your tent … and strengthen your stakes.” God wants us to stretch out.

6. The month of the constellation of Taurus, the bull. Look and observe introspectively to find a place of improvement so strength manifests. Keep moving—like a bull. Rely on the Lord and keep moving.

Let me explain about the constellations and how God uses them to teach us. Because of my evangelical background, I tended to look at this element with mistrust. In my mind, stars were mostly associated with astrology or fortune telling. However, we need to think correctly about this. God made the stars and uses them to declare His glory (Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God”). Romans 1:20 tells us that the attributes of God can be clearly seen in nature. The stars are part of this. When we look at them we can see God and His message of salvation. Each month is linked to a different constellation, and thus a different message. Last month was the month of Aries (the lamb or ram). It moves me to realize God has designed the stars so that the whole world can look up and see “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This month is “the bull.” God wants us to keep moving ahead, so His strength can manifest.

7. A month to deal with your soul (mind, will, and emotions). Make sure these three things (mind, will, and emotions—don’t let negative emotions remain) are aligned with God.

8. A month to understand secrets (Issachar). Thank God that He will show you how to do new things this year. Also remember “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him (or He confides in those who fear Him)” (Ps. 25:14).

9. The month of thought. God permeates the mind. If our emotions are wrong, we will not be able to think clearly. God will send healing to your thought processes.

10. A month of spiritual advice. We need to be prophetic during this time. If we don’t exercise our gifts, somebody else will… Prophesy regularly this month.

11. The month of the right kidney and conscience (will and thought). Kidneys are linked with emotions, thought processes, and adrenaline processing. Fear affects the kidneys. God starts dealing with our consciences. The conscience is a window between spirit and soul. A clean conscience helps us with revelation. The blood of Jesus flows in us and brings cleansing, even to our DNA.

Seven Blessings of Celebrating the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, Our Lord!

Arise 5 Weekly Update
April 10, 2012

I am enjoying this trip to Taiwan, which is already the third one this year. I feel there is an open heaven over the Chinese people in general, and now over Taiwan in particular. To me, “open heaven” means that the word of the Lord (including the gospel) which is already circling the earth (see Psalm 19), is “heard” in the hearts of those living under that open heaven. So when the gospel is declared, many identify with it and receive it because they are already intuitively “hearing” it. Conversely, a closed heaven keeps people from hearing in their hearts, so that even if the gospel is presented it is hard for them to connect with it.

Anyway, the heavens are open in Taiwan. Many have received Jesus during these past few meetings. It’s awesome to see them touched by power of God!

Seven Blessings of Celebrating the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, Our Lord!

This past weekend was Passover and Resurrection Sunday, and we must celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. I love the concept of Passover—it’s a whole week of celebration, not just one day. (The day after Passover starts the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread). Here are seven amazing things God will do for us as we celebrate what is so dear to His heart. The material comes from the story of King Hezekiah choosing to celebrate Passover in 2 Chronicles 30–32.

1. Gathering begins to happen (2 Chron. 30:11–12). People began to gather to celebrate. Likewise, the Lord will gather, or draw things together for us, so we will not be scattered and fragmented (neither individually nor corporately). Opportunities will also be gathered. Even families will gather.

2. Healing (30:20). The Lord healed the people as Hezekiah prayed. Celebrating brings healing to whatever needs to be healed—be it body, soul, spirit, family, or work. As you celebrate, you can trust the Lord to being the healing processes.

3. Prayers were heard/blessing given (30:27). Expect an open heaven as you pray. Also, the Levites blessed the people. Know that you can bless others and it extends far beyond mere words. You will put the presence and blessing of God on those whom you pray for.

4. Discern and destroy hindrances (31:1). The people realized the hindrance of idolatry and began to pull down and destroy the idols. Expect your eyes to be open to be able to recognize hidden hindrances and “idols” in your own life. When you recognize those hindrances, it becomes easy to pull them down.

5. More worship and intimacy with the Lord (31:2–3). Hezekiah’s actions resulted in a system being set up so people could worship God. As you celebrate, the Lord will help us set systems into place so that we can worship and draw nearer to Him. Just think of the incredible blessing you are being led into!

6. Incredible abundance (31:7–9). Every Passover (and thus Resurrection Celebration) is a time of increase of provision.

7. Great victory in the face of unexpected battle (2 Chron. 32). None of us knows what battles may lie ahead, but after each Passover we see an unexpected threat as well as great victory. It was after Passover that God opened the Red Sea; it was after Passover that Jericho’s walls fell. And after Hezekiah celebrated Passover, Sennacherib’s attempts to besiege and destroy Jerusalem ended in utter failure.

So, let’s celebrate all week long. Meditate on these things, discuss them with your family, and let’s enter into the things God has for us. Also, keep looking at the blessings of this first Hebrew month (March 24–April 22 ). A more thorough explanation may be found here:


http://ronsawka.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/nissan-first-month-of-the-hebrew-year/

Ron and Teddy Sawka

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance

I am glad for those who are writing in with prayer requests, especially for healing and deliverance. That is the mission of the church—to destroy the works of the devil. Keep sending requests in!

Praying for Japan

1. The relief work is going well, and many groups are beginning to plant churches. I notice an increasing amount of conflict. We must pray against that wrong spirit, bind it, and drive it out. Pray that the ones the Lord sends will flourish, and those who are hindrances will be removed.


2. Yarn Alive. God’s hand is on it. Even Japanese companies in the USA are now gathering yarn and sending it to us. I suspect that we have little idea of how much God is going to use Yarn Alive.

3. Keep praying for Japan Alive. It is gaining momentum. Let 2012 be a year of vast increase.

Schedule

April 10–12, Neihu Lutheran, Taiwan
April 13–15, Fungshan Bread of Life, Taiwan
April 21, Apostolic Government Seminar Part 3, First Fruits Gathering, Sano
April 22, Tokyo Prophecy Cafe/Church
April 24–26, CI Korea
April 28–May 1, Apostolic Conference with Barbara Yoder, Cheras Charis Church, KL, Malaysia
May 2–6, Vladivostok and Ussurisk, Russia

Inviting You to Be an APOSTOLIC FUND SUPPORTER (AFS) ($1200 for 2012)

I am so thankful for those who have become a vital part of Arise 5 as an AFS. These funds are what enable us to carry on ministry in many of the nations we work in. Additional information may be found here: http://www.arise5.com/#/network/apostolic-fund.

Apostolic Fund Supporters, please send us a picture of yourselves. It helps us pray for you.

Disaster Relief Donations–Direct Deposits

Churches or organizations wishing to give directly to disaster relief can make direct deposits to this special account, or can write us for further information.

Bank Name: Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.
Branch: Sanominami
Bank Code: 0129
Account Name, Number: Ciasia Sanokirisutokyoukai 131-64120
SWIFT Code: ASIKJPJT
Branch Address: Tochigi-ken, Sano-shi, Uekami-cho 1631

—

As always, thanks for praying.

Ron Sawka
Arise 5

www.arise5.com

Getting Ready for Passover—Be Sure to Plunder the Enemy

Arise 5 Weekly Update
April 3, 2012

Thank you for praying for me in Thailand. I really enjoyed my three days there with the International Christian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), a group founded by Gunnar Olson to help Christian businessmen understand their callings and succeed in the marketplace. It was my first time to minister in Thailand. Like Japan, the number of Christians is very low (less than 1%). On the other hand, there is definitely an open heaven over Thailand and Christians are really rising up. Their example offers great hope for Japan.

Getting Ready for Passover–Be Sure to Plunder the Enemy!

One of the amazing things that has been occurring these past five years has been the huge amount of Christians and churches paying attention to God’s cycle as expressed through the Hebrew calendar. I am thankful for ministries like Glory of Zion who are taking the lead in helping us as believers understand how to reconnect with these Hebrew roots and how to access the incredible blessings God has for us.

Passover, of course, was fulfilled for us by Jesus. He is our Passover lamb. But the Lord never meant for us to see Passover just as a historical event. Rather, as we focus on it, we focus on all that Jesus accomplished for us–and enter into an even deeper and fuller experience of God’s provision. Every Passover we can expect the following things:

1. A deeper level of freedom and deliverance. The Israelites were set free from Egypt, but each Passover they looked to God for more deliverance. It’s interesting that Peter was miraculously released from prison during Passover (Acts 12). Whatever personal issues you may have, ask the Lord for deliverance.

2. Quick growth, release, and understanding. On the first Passover, the Israelites were instructed to eat the lamb quickly and fully (Exod. 12). To me this is a picture of non-linear growth in the Lord. It’s not a slow, painful, dogged trudging toward spiritual maturity. No, we receive Jesus and enter fully into all He has for us.

3. Reproach is rolled away. After the exodus, the Israelites were no longer slaves of course. Also, during the first Passover in the Promised Land, their reproach was rolled away (Josh. 5:9). We can expect the Lord to roll away any sense of failure or shortcoming so we are not hindered in moving ahead.

4. New intimacy. The Israelites went out of Egypt and became God’s people. He began to reveal Himself to them. Joshua met the Lord face to face (Josh. 5). We can expect a new level of intimacy with the Lord and that He will meet us at the place of our next obstacle (Joshua was looking at Jericho, his next big problem).

5. Crossing over. Passover is always a time of leaving the old and crossing over into something new. Thus, the Israelites had to eat the Passover meal fully dressed and with their shoes on (Exod. 12:11). Understand God is taking you to a new level now.

6. New provision. The Lord told the Israelites to ask/demand the Egyptians for money and thus they “plundered” the Egyptians (Exod. 12:35–36). Make sure you shift your thinking and demand the enemy release the finances that God has for you. The Lord does not want us to be limited and hindered in doing what He has called us to do because of a lack of finances. So, rise up, command the enemy to release your finances, and then leave it to God.

Keep seeking the Lord and expecting resurrection life as we enter Passover season.

Ron and Teddy Sawka

A more complete explanation of the blessings of Nissan (March 24–April 22 ) may be found here:

http://ronsawka.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/nissan-first-month-of-the-hebrew-year/

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance

I want to remind you again to not hold back in sending us requests for healing, deliverance, or prayer for family and business issues. God has given prophetic and apostolic anointing to bring the deliverance we need. Thus, we are committed to praying for your breakthrough. So, send in your requests. Our only stipulation is that you send a follow-up note within two or three weeks to let us know what is happening.

Coming Soon: Judah Goes First

Judah Goes First is the first book I’ve published in several years. It teaches about the power of apostolic and prophetic praise. Over the years, I’ve found that praise is the determining factor in distinguishing a church that is shifting into the new things of God from one that isn’t. If the church changes its mindsets and operational parameters about praise, they will usually make the shift. If they retain the old mindsets, they most often cannot shift ahead into the prophetic and apostolic. The book is currently available in Japanese. English and Russian versions will be available in May, and a Mandarin Chinese version will be ready in June. More information will be posted soon.

Praying for Japan

1. Would you please pray that each of our churches across Japan begins to see conversions every week. This means we need to pray for new people to attend, and for the presence of God to touch them. The presence of God comes because of praise, or signs and wonders, or prophetic words and revelation.

2. Keep praying for Japan Alive. It is gaining momentum. Let 2012 be a year of vast increase.

Japan Alive–Become an Intercessor for Japan Alive

From April 10, you can receive monthly prayer requests about key issues and areas that Japan Alive is involved with. Please email updates@japanalive.org to sign up. We need to see lots of miracles, so please join with us in prayer!

Schedule

April 1–4, Hualian Holiness, Taiwan
April 5–8, Agape Taoyuan, Taiwan
April 9, House Church, Taipei
April 10–12 Neihu Lutheran, Taiwan
April 13–15, Fungshan Bread of Life, Taiwan
April 21, Apostolic Government Seminar Part 3, First Fruits Gathering, Sano
April 22, Tokyo Prophecy Cafe/Church
April 24–26, CI Korea
April 28–May 1, Apostolic Conference with Barbara Yoder, Cheras Charis Church, KL, Malaysia

Inviting You to Be an APOSTOLIC FUND SUPPORTER (AFS) ($1200 for 2012)

I am so thankful for those who have become a vital part of Arise 5 as an AFS. These funds are what enable us to carry on ministry in many of the nations we work in. Additional information may be found here: http://www.arise5.com/#/network/apostolic-fund.

Apostolic Fund Supporters, please send us a picture of yourselves. It helps us pray for you.

Disaster Relief Donations–Direct Deposits

Churches or organizations wishing to give directly to disaster relief can make direct deposits to this special account, or can write us for further information.

Bank Name: Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.
Branch: Sanominami
Bank Code: 0129
Account Name, Number: Ciasia Sanokirisutokyoukai 131-64120
SWIFT Code: ASIKJPJT
Branch Address: Tochigi-ken, Sano-shi, Uekami-cho 1631

—

As always, thanks for praying.

Ron Sawka
Arise 5

www.arise5.com

Apostolic Revelation Helps Us “Grab Hold” of What God Is Doing

I feel one of the functions of apostolic centers is not just to facilitate an open heaven for that region, but also to release area-specific revelation. Indeed, an essential function of apostles is to ascertain what the Lord is doing and then explain that revelation so that people can “grab hold” of it and receive the blessings God intends for them. For example, on the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2) Peter explained tongues and connected it to Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. He further clarified that both the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues were fulfillments of God’s promises. That day, over 3,000 repented and were baptized. Without that anointed explanation, that exceptional Pentecost might very well have only affected those 120 gathered there. Instead, because of apostolic revelation, 3,000 met the Lord.

During our our apostolic training and First Fruits Gathering this past Saturday, the Lord spoke several things for us (and for Japan). I share them so that we can receive the benefits the Lord wants us to have. The list is as follows:

1. As I was teaching from Acts 19, the Lord highlighted verse 8 and said that the next three months would yield some visible results (people turning to Jesus). Interestingly, the very next day I ministered at Tokyo Church (Prophecy Cafe), where four people received Christ.

2. There will be an increase in dreams, and the Lord will give revelation and understanding about how to pray.

3. I prophesied to one of our leaders that within this Hebrew month (March 24–April 23) he would see the Holy Spirit falling on people even while he was still speaking (see Acts 10:44–48). This is something we can all believe for (and which actually occurred while I was preaching in Tokyo).

4. The Lord also spoke that there would be an increase in divine visitations and revelation, and within a month’s time some(one) would see into the heavenlies (see 2 Cor 12:4; Rev. 4:1).

5. Another word was that previously sown seed would now begin to quickly spring up. In Tokyo, I prophesied that the Lord was releasing an “entrepeneur anointing” for new businesses and new ways of doing things.

 

Nissan Is About Praise

The final session focused on releasing the blessings of the Hebrew month of Nissan. This is the first month of the Hebrew year and is connected with the tribe of Judah and abundant praise. The Holy Spirit surprised us and led us to prophetically sing those blessings.

Both sessions may be viewed here: First Fruits

A more complete explanation of the blessings of Nissan (March 24–April 22 ) may be found here: Nissan

Thank you so much for praying. Keep seeking the Lord and expecting resurrection life as we enter Passover season.

Ron and Teddy Sawka

 

Praying for Japan

1. Thanks so much for praying for Japan Alive. This NPO is one of the new kinds (and methods) of ministry that the Lord wants to birth in this nation.

2. Thank you for praying for the recent meetings in Japan (Okinawa, Kobe, Sano, Tokyo). The Lord really blessed us and is showing us how to keep the momentum He is giving—and not let it be stolen or squandered. Keep praying for spiritual momentum and increased revelation.

3. Keep praying for me as I try to focus more on writing. My first book in eight years, Judah Goes First, has just been released in Japanese. English, Chinese, and Russian versions will be available soon. I hope to finish my next book, which is about prophecy and prophesying, in the upcoming weeks.

4. Google Project. This is really spreading, and since its launch last August has had 14,000 hits—the site features articles (in Japanese) about who Jesus is.

 

Japan Alive—Become an Intercessor for Japan Alive

From April 10, you can receive monthly prayer requests about key issues and areas that Japan Alive is involved with. Please email updates@japanalive.org to sign up. We need to see lots of miracles, so please join with us in prayer!

 

Schedule

March 28–31, International Christian Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Thailand

April 1–15, Taiwan

April 21, Apostolic Government Seminar Part 3, First Fruits Gathering, Sano

April 22, Tokyo Prophecy Cafe/Church

April 24–26, CI Korea

April 28–May 1, Apostolic Conference with Barbara Yoder, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

How to Get the Weekly Updates

Simply go to http://ronsawka.wordpress.com (English, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia), http://arise5japan.wordpress.com (Japanese), or http://arise5taiwan.wordpress.com (Mandarin) and click “Sign me up” (under Email Subscription). You may also view all past updates under “Recent Posts” and “Archives.”

 

Inviting You to Be an APOSTOLIC FUND SUPPORTER (AFS) ($1200 for 2012)

I am so thankful for those who have become a vital part of Arise 5 as an AFS. These funds are what enable us to carry on ministry in many of the nations we work in. Additional information may be found here: AFS.

Apostolic Fund Supporters, please send us a picture of yourselves. It helps us pray for you.

 

Information for Arise 5 Donors and Apostolic Fund Supporters

Disaster Relief Donations–Direct Deposits

Churches or organizations wishing to give directly to disaster relief can make direct deposits to this special account, or can write us for further information.

Bank Name: Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.

Branch: Sanominami

Bank Code: 0129

Account Name, Number: Ciasia Sanokirisutokyoukai 131-64120

SWIFT Code: ASIKJPJT

Branch Address: Tochigi-ken, Sano-shi, Uekami-cho 1631

—

As always, thanks for praying.

Ron Sawka

Arise 5

www.arise5.com

Nissan—First Month of the Hebrew Year

Nissan—First Month of the Hebrew Year

March 24–April 22, 2012

Nissan is the first Hebrew month. It is sometimes known as Abib (or Aviv).

1. The tribe of Judah is associated with this month. Judah goes first into warfare. (See Judges 1:2; 20:18.) Judah was also the first tribe in the order of procession when Israel moved in the wilderness (Num. 10:14). Judah means “praise,” and is also the way we can keep our hand on the neck of the enemy (Gen. 49:8). Let everything we do start with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise.
2. The month in which spring starts; the beginning of the month of direct light. Declare that your light is getting brighter. (See Isaiah 60; Luke 2:32; Isaiah 49:6; and Acts 26:18.) Light also signifies “revelation.” Expect God to show you the paths and strategies you need.
3. The month of Passover. (Passover occurs on the 14th of Nissan: April 6, 2012). Passover is designed to help us enter into a fuller experience of our great salvation in Jesus. We do this by examining the first Passover. Note the following things:
   1. Deliverance. Remember where we came from. Say, “Lord, Thank You for this year; thank You for how you delivered me in the past, and for the many ways You will deliver me this year.”
   2. Every Passover expect new a level of deliverance. Peter was set free from prison in Acts 12. Is anything (e.g., a bad habit) holding you back? Believe for deliverance.
   3. Passover is a time of crossing over (e.g., the Red Sea, the Jordan River in Joshua 4–5). Realize that you are crossing into something new. Here in Japan, we definitely are crossing into a brand new season.
   4. Reproach is being rolled away (Josh. 5:9). Any old sense of failure that is still a part of our identities that is allowed to remain will hinder us. Jesus wants to roll that off of us.
   5. New provision (Josh. 5:10–12). Each Passover is a time when the Lord wants to bless us with new provision. Be sure to ask Him for it.
   6. New intimacy with the Lord, and new strategy.
4. The month of redemption. (A price has been paid for you to be set free from each one of your “prisons.”) Read Ruth, and see how Boaz bought back the property that had been lost for Ruth and Naomi, and how this brought Ruth into her destiny. Declare all is being unlocked and that you are moving into your destiny. Jesus has bought back your destiny.
5. The month of the beginning of miracles. (See Nehemiah 2:1; Esther 3:7.)
6. The month that sets the course for your future. Again, this is why it is so important to keep moving in praise.
7. The annual renewal of Gods “HEI” plan. Every year, the spirit of God needs to blow on you during this month. Ask the Holy Spirit to blow upon you for refreshing, for new revelation, and for a quickened understanding of what God is doing.
8. Linked to the constellation “Aries” (the ram, or the lamb). Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). God provided a ram for Abraham instead of Isaac. He is Jehovah Jireh, and God will provide (Gen. 22:14). Expect unusual sources of provision.
9. The month kings go to war; the new year for kings. God wants to “expand” you. Declare that plans and new beginnings shall begin to take place. Do warfare over those declarations (2 Sam. 11:1).
10. The month of speech. If you speak negatively during this month, it will adversely affect you 3–4 months later. The seeds of negativity take root and will pull you backward. Conversely, your positive confessions should “grab the wind” and change the atmosphere. (See 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Samuel 1:17; 2:20–21.)
11. The “controller month.” You need to assess both where you are at and where you are going.
12. The month where you need to “learn to fish.” If you can’t pay your taxes, pull a coin out of a fish’s mouth. Let the Lord give you new and unusual means of supply. (See Matthew 17:27.)
13. “Step forward with your better foot.” Don’t wait and hold back. Move ahead confidently in God. Numbers 33:3 (AMP) says, “The Israelites went out [of Egypt] with a high hand and triumphantly.”