God is raising a people of 'quick understanding'!

Isaiah 11:3a (KJV): And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord...

The word 'understanding' here in Hebrew is 'ruwach', which can mean 'scent, sense/smell, perception, anticipation'. In other words, being of 'quick understanding' is being 'quick-scented, quick in sensing/smelling, quick in perception, or quick in anticipation'. Interestingly, this word 'ruwach' is the same word found in Genesis 1:2 that says, '...And the Spirit ('ruwach') of God moved upon the face of the waters'. Here, this same word 'ruwach' means 'spirit, breath, or life'.

Let's look at Isaiah chapter 11 now. This chapter speaks about our Savior Jesus, the Messiah who was to come. Isaiah 11:1-2 begins with, 'And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord'. And it's from here that Isaiah 11:3 continues, 'And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord...'

As you can see, all the above attributes, i.e. wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and of course, being of 'quick understanding' in the fear of the Lord are attributes found in Him. And you know what? The Bible says 'as He is, so are you in this world'! (1 John 4:17) Receive the impartation of all these in your life by faith now!

In this end-time, God is also raising a people who are like Jesus, a people who are of 'quick understanding', a people who are spiritually-sensitive (to the things or situation in and around them), and a people who just know how to make a way of escape when they sense danger (or something amiss)! One example is in Luke 4:30. Here, even in the midst of 'danger' surrounding Him (and when some people were trying to kill Him), He just knew how to make a way out - somehow, someway, supernaturally! And He knew His time (to die) was not yet.

I like the definition 'quick-scented' in the first paragraph. The word 'scent' is defined in Oxford Dictionary as 'characteristic smell of something, particular type of smell, smell left behind by a living thing that allows others to track/follow, feeling of the presence of something, or discovering something by sense of smell'. Therefore, I can also say being 'quick-scented' means 'when you sense/smell something, you just know what it is or what is going on'.

Today, the Lord is indeed sensitizing (or 'scent-sitizing') His people to be likewise, a people who are enabled by His Spirit to sense and move with His timing and season (being sensitive to every change or movement in the spiritual realm, and what He is currently doing in the spiritual realm at the moment).

In fact, what is in the spiritual realm is reflected by the physical realm. In the animal kingdom, there are animals which are very sensitive even in the most ‘minute’ of any earth movement. One of the earliest recorded instance of animals being able to sense impending earth movements/earthquakes was recorded in the history of the Greek. During the winter of 373 BC, ‘all the mice, beetles, centipedes, and every other creatures of that kind in the city of Helike left’. After these creatures left, an earthquake occurred, the city went under, an immense wave flooded, and Helike disappeared!

More recently, it has been recorded that before a powerful earthquake hit Chile in 2010, dozens of deep-sea fish surfaced and was discovered by a group of Japanese fishermen. Shortly before the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a number of deep-sea fish were found stranded on beaches nearby. In a scientific study of earthquakes, waves, and earth movement by a Japanese specialist in ecological seismology, it has been found out that “deep-sea fish living near the sea bottom are more sensitive to the movement of active faults than those near the surface of the sea.” In the spiritual realm, the same is also true, that the deeper one’s walk with God, the more likely he/she’s going to ‘catch’ or sense what’s currently going on in the spiritual world!

Sensing/smelling has to do with inhaling/breathing in. In Genesis 2:7, the Bible says, 'And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed (out) into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being'. This word 'breathed (out)' is 'naphach' in Hebrew, which can mean 'blow, scatter (as in scattering seeds), kindle, give up'. Genesis 1:26-27 says you are created after His own image and likeness. In other words, you are made after His kind, i.e. His seed (that He scattered). And even when man sinned, He sent His only Son to 'give up' His Spirit at the cross (John 19:30), so that we have His Spirit (breath, life) again. His redemptive work for mankind!

So, people of God, what do you breathe in today? He breathed (out) His 'ruwach' into your nostrils, so that you can now breathe in His 'ruwach'! You should therefore ‘smell’ Him all the time, because you have His 'ruwach' inside you. And what is this 'ruwach'? The sweet-smelling fragrance of Jesus! The Spirit of life that conquers death! The Spirit who always leads you in triumph in Christ, and through you, diffuses the fragrance of the knowledge of His glory wherever you go (see 2 Corinthians 2:14). Hallelujah! Amen!

Living a lifestyle of seeking Him

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV): Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

The word 'seek' here is ‘darash’ in Hebrew, which means 'to follow in hot pursuit, to frequently search, to inquire diligently, or to set one's foot in'. This same word 'darash' is also found in David's psalm that says, 'The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek ('darash') the Lord shall not lack any good thing' (Psalm 34:10).

When King David was about to pass the throne to his son Solomon, he said, "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek ('darash') Him, He will be found by you..." (see 1 Chronicles 28:9).

As you can see, King David himself was an example of someone who lived a lifestyle of seeking the Lord. In Psalm 63:1-2, he said, "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You... So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory." King David sought the Lord much in his life, and it's no wonder that the Bible says he lived till a good old age, full of days and riches and honor (see 1 Chronicles 29:28). 

Recently, I heard the Lord say during a time of prayer, "Seek. This is a time for seeking. Tell the people to seek Me. Seek, and you will find. Seek, and I will show My revelation, My blueprint, My direction, and My will for you."

Yes, indeed, this is a crucial time for seeking Him, even in receiving His revelation, His 'blueprint' (i.e. detailed, specific plans for one's life), His direction, and His will for your life, your vocation, your ministry, and even for your many months ahead.

Matthew 7:7-8 (Amplified) says, 'Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened'. In fact, as you seek (and keep on seeking), you’ll even find that elusive door being opened to you this year!

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) says, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you'. The word 'seek' here can also mean 'to desire, to enquire'. And what are 'all these things' here? Jesus says these are 'what you eat, what you drink, and what you wear', which are 'pictures' of your every day needs!

When you seek Him every day, He'll also talk to you about your every day! Yes, all that you ever need for your every day! And these include His guidance, His plan, and His revelation for your every day too.

As you seek and hear, you’ll also need to act on it! Joshua (and the new generation of Israelites) wouldn't have experienced the land flowing with milk and honey if he had not acted on what God had spoken to him, i.e. to cross the River Jordan!

Another interesting definition of 'seeking Him' is found in Isaiah 64:7 that says, 'And there is no one who calls on Your name, who stirs himself up to take hold of You'. Today, God is also looking high and low for such people - a people who would stir themselves up (or initiate) to take hold of Him every day, and in every season of their lives! These are also the ones who'll receive the secrets of the Lord - the things that 'no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

As you seek Him, know that He is a good God, and He’ll always lead you into good things. In fact, He’s even able to do ‘exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think of’! (see Ephesians 3:20)

The other day, the Lord opened my eyes to see this word 'seeking', and I saw 'See King'! See the King! And who is this King? The King of kings! The Lord God Almighty! Your Heavenly Father! When you seek Him, you'll also see the King! Then and there, I was reminded on how Esther faced the king, how she found favor in the king's sight, and of course, how the king granted her wish! (see Esther 5:2-3)

Today, because of what Jesus has already done for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago (to take upon Himself all your sins and punishment), know that you too have found favor in His sight (like Esther had with the king those days), and therefore He is also saying the same to you, "What can I do for you?" 

Isaiah 65:20-24 (NIV) sums up beautifully the fruits and benefits for those living a lifestyle of seeking the Lord:

"Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years... They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of My people; My chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." Amen.

You will not be put to shame!

Isaiah 54:4 (NKJV): "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore."

Recently, I heard the Lord say, "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame. The enemy may try to bring shame to you and cause your name to be smeared, but fear not for I have given you an assurance in Isaiah 54:4. Never let the enemy shake you no matter what, and because My light has come, I am also visiting you in a very special way this year, and put My anointing and enabling on you."

This word 'widowhood' in Isaiah 54:4 comes from the Hebrew word 'al-maw-naw', which also means 'a desolate place, or a desolate house'. 'To be desolate' is 'to be deserted, miserable, lonely, sad, or incomplete'. So, this word 'widowhood' here figuratively speaks of being 'deserted, miserable, lonely, sad, or incomplete'.

Never mind if you have been a 'widow' in the past. Because Isaiah 54:5 then says, "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth." In other words, your Maker is your 'husband' who completes you, or makes you complete in Him! No more will you be alone in facing the fiery darts of the enemy, and no more will you be put to shame, because your Redeemer, Jesus Christ has already carried all your shame when He was nailed on the cross! In fact, His face was even 'smeared', 'disfigured', and 'disgraced', so that you will not be disgraced anymore! Isaiah 52:14 says, "So His visage (appearance) was marred more than any man, and His form (was marred) more than the sons of men." Isaiah 53:2 then says, "He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."

And you know what? He suffered all these so that you will have Isaiah 54:4!

This year, because His light has come (Isaiah 60:1-2), know that He is also visiting you, the way Jesus came on Simon Peter's boat (Luke 5:1-6). The Bible says Jesus is the Light (John 1:7-9).

'Boat' here speaks of one's vehicle, livelihood, vocation, or even life itself. Simon Peter was a downcast figure then, a picture of dejection, and in rather low spirits. He had toiled all night but caught no fish. And if there's not going to be any fish in his net, it means there'd also be no food on his family's dining table!

But God! And He came! And out of the many boats by the Lake of Gennesaret, Jesus (Yeshua, meaning 'salvation, rescue, aid, deliverer, restorer') chose to come on his boat!

Today, He wants to come onto your 'boat' as well! Will you allow Him? Blessed are you if you do. 

You see, Simon Peter could really have said, "Sorry, but I'm about to finish washing my net, and I'm too exhausted to entertain anyone today. Maybe next time? Or you can choose another boat to use instead?" But he did not, and it marked the beginning of a great and tremendous blessing in his (Simon Peter's) life!

When Jesus comes on board, He also brings with Him great and tremendous blessing to you! 

Religious people may turn Him into an obligation, or a duty to fulfil. Some others may turn Him into a religion of many steps in order to (hopefully) reach Him. But that's not what the Word of God says! In the New Covenant, what you need to do is simply just let Him come in, just as Simon Peter did!

When Jesus visited Simon Peter, it wasn't an obligation for him, but instead a blessing to him! In other words, God is not an obligation (or burdensome), but a blessing to you! (see also Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus then said to Simon Peter, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch." And indeed, blessing did come, even 'exceedingly abundantly above all that he could ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). In fact, his life was also about to change forever! (see Luke 5:6-11)

People of God, the Lord is also calling you to 'launch out into the deep' this year, where the abundance of fishes are! 'Fishes' here speaks of 'His great blessing and providence'. May your spirit be sensitized to listen to the leading and instructions of the Holy Spirit as He tells you to launch out. Amen.

This is also the time to receive and meditate on Isaiah 54.

Isaiah 54:1 says, "Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman."

Isaiah 54:2-3 follows, "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes, for you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited."

And as you 'launch out into the deep' or 'enlarge the place of your tent', Isaiah 54:4 then says, "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore."

In cross-reference to 'widowhood' here, a widow's life was greatly blessed and tremendously changed when Elijah came into her life! (see 1 Kings 17:8-24) Similarly, another widow's life was also greatly blessed and tremendously changed when this time, Elisha came! (see 2 Kings 4:1-7) By the way, 'Elijah' means 'God of Yahweh, or God your Redeemer', and 'Elisha' means 'God of salvation, God of supplication, or God who is rich toward you'. Praise God!

People of God, no matter what may have happened in your past, or what shame you have had to endure in the past, will you give and entrust every area of your life to Him again? When Simon Peter allowed Jesus onto his boat, something great happened because it was given and entrusted to Jesus.

Psalm 34:8-10 says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."

'To trust Him' is to give and entrust your entire life and future to Him, like a child throwing himself/herself into the arms of his/her loving daddy. Today, know that your Abba Father loves you and is always (and will always be) here for you, and He is also assuring you that His arms are big and strong enough to carry you through, no matter what the enemy may try to conjure up against you (see Isaiah 54:14-15, Isaiah 54:17). Amen.