When we hear the word prosperity in the American church, we automatically think of money. But should that be our first thought? Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines prosperity as “Advance or gain in any thing good or desirable; successful progress in any business or enterprise; success; attainment of the object desired; as the prosperity of arts; agricultural or commercial prosperity; national prosperity Our disposition to abuse the blessings of providence renders prosperity dangerous. – The prosperity of fools shall destroy them. Proverbs 1:32.”

3 John 2 CJB “Dear friend, I am praying that everything prosper with you and that you be in good health, as I know you are prospering spiritually.”

Prosperity begins in the soul. We’ve all heard famous people talk about everything they have, yet feel empty. This is because they lack fulfillment in their soul. The book of Proverbs is full of comparisons between the wealth of the godly and the sinner. In Deuteronomy 8:18, God warns Israel not to forget that the power to gain wealth comes from Him. Biblical prosperity doesn’t mean everyone will be a billionaire but that everyone who walks in obedience to God will have what they need to accomplish their purpose, and yes, even have more than what they need to enjoy an abundant life. The abundant life of the believer is not one of greed but contentment and that of a giver.

There is much talk of revival in the church and different moves of God. But, as much as we long for revival, we should ask this question, how do we want it? Do we want pandemonium? Do we want a specific theology lived out? Do we want God and His ways?

Psalm 119:25 CJB “I lie prostrate in the dust; revive me, in keeping with your word.” The Scriptures are our revival. God gives us pathways of revival throughout the year during Passover, Pentecost (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). Between Passover and Shavuot is known as the counting of the omer. This is a 49-day period of spiritual renewal, growth, and revelation. Counting the omer is a new concept to most Christians, but it is not new; it is an ancient God-given command.

Deuteronomy 16:9-12 CJB “You are to count seven weeks; you are to begin counting seven weeks from the time you first put your sickle to the standing grain. 10 You are to observe the festival of Shavu’ot [weeks] for Adonai your God with a voluntary offering, which you are to give in accordance with the degree to which Adonai your God has prospered you. 11 You are to rejoice in the presence of Adonai your God — you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the L’vi’im living in your towns, and the foreigners, orphans and widows living among you — in the place where Adonai your God will choose to have his name live. 12 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt; then you will keep and obey these laws.”

Each year, God has appointed times for us to be revived. We don’t have to work it up or plan special services; God already did the planning for us! Pentecost, or Shavuot as it is called in Hebrew, is when God gave the Torah to Moses. It was also when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit. It is no coincidence, considering Jesus said the Holy Spirit would lead us in all truth, and there is no greater truth than God’s Torah!

When we go from Passover into the counting of the omer to Shavuot, we have completed another year of robust growth. We have poured ourselves into the Word of God, and God pours out His Spirit upon us in a fresh way.

When Joshua was preparing to lead Israel into their promise God spoke to him and said, “Be strong, be bold; for you will cause this people to inherit the land I swore to their fathers I would give them. 7 Only be strong and very bold in taking care to follow all the Torah which Moshe my servant ordered you to follow; do not turn from it either to the right or to the left; then you will succeed wherever you go. 8 Yes, keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed. 9 Haven’t I ordered you, ‘Be strong, be bold’? So don’t be afraid or downhearted, because Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.”

If we want to receive the promises of God, we must walk in the path that God has set. The way God has set for us is revealed in His Word. As Christians, we spend most, if not all, of our time in the New Testament. Shavuot is a holiday that reminds us to give attention to the Torah. The Torah is God’s words directly to Moses. The Scripture is inspired, but only Moses dictated from God Himself. The prophets were inspired by the Spirit, even the Apostle Paul occasionally gave his opinion, which is not the voice of God.

The counting of the omer allows us to go back to familiar things and gain fresh insight. We can regain our love for the Scriptures and God Himself. We don’t want to be like the church that lost its first love. This season allows us to regain a love-grown cold and go higher on a path we are already progressing. Let this be a season of joy, a time of reflection and revelation. Draw near to God as he draws near to you.