'Triumphal Procession' in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place" (see New King James Version).

The word ‘triumph’ (in Greek, ‘thriambeuo’) here means ‘to conquer, to be victorious, to rise above, or to shout aloud joyfully in a triumphal procession, with songs of celebration and jubilation.’ Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (New International Version).

This triumphal procession is likened to the procession celebrating the triumphant Roman generals in Paul’s days, where they would parade the spoils of the war that have been won, to loud cheers, applause, and shouts of triumph from everyone in the streets.

The procession of the ‘ark of the covenant’ has already started again, & you are now in the midst of this great end-time procession! This is your time, God's people! The ‘ark of the covenant’ always means the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ Himself! He is coming to His church and to our land in ways we have never seen before in history. We are now in such time & season of God's calendar, a time when you'll see more of His manifestation all over the world. Therefore, let us position ourselves for His glory! The fullness of the Lord is at hand!

Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) was an entrance of the glory of God, just as in the days of David when the ‘ark of the covenant’ was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1-29).

He is always the One leading you in triumph! It’s not by your own strength or self-effort, but it’s in Christ. As a believer, know that Christ has already done it for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago. On the third day after He died for you, He rose again. Life has therefore conquered death. Mercy has triumphed over judgment. Health has triumphed over illness. Prosperity has triumphed over lack. The enemy has been defeated, and our Lord has already triumphed! This is your time to shout to the Lord with the voice of triumph & victory (Psalm 47:1)! And yes, believe it in every area of  your life!

As you triumph in Christ, let the fragrance of this knowledge of Christ (& what He has done on the cross) spread everywhere through you, wherever you go and whoever you meet, because the time for the knowledge of the glory of the Lord filling the earth, as the waters covering the sea (Habakkuk 2:14) has come! Hallelujah!

Inner change leads to outer change

It’s time to allow Him to change you in the area He wants you to change! And I’m talking about ‘inner’ change, i.e. a change in the ‘inside’ of you. Change in the ‘inside’ will lead to change in the ‘outside’! In other words, an ‘inner’ change will eventually lead to an ‘outer’ change! (be it in your career, ministry, family relationships, finance, or in any other area of your life)

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “With unveiled face (i.e. transparent, honest, putting away ‘mask’, uncovered before Him), beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed (i.e. changed) into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” So, the Bible says a true ‘inner’ change comes by consciously & continuously beholding Jesus (feeding from His Word) & by the works of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at Genesis 37 now. This man Joseph had a destiny, a big one. In fact, his name ‘Yowceph’ means ‘let him add, or increase more and more’ in Hebrew. To the Israelites, a name means everything to them, and more often than not, a name also carries each one’s character & destiny! So, as you can see, Joseph was meant to “increase more & more”! However, before he could be who God wanted him to be, an ‘inner change’ must take place in his life first! And unless this happens, his outward ‘expansion’ (i.e. promotion) would still remain a distant ‘dream’!

Here in Genesis 37, instead of ‘let him add’ or ‘more to more’, Joseph’s life actually went from ‘minus to minus’, from bad (Genesis 37:2-4) to worse (Genesis 37:18-20), and then worst (Genesis 37:27-28). Not enough by being a guy despised by his own brothers (& notorious for pulling down others with his words & bad reports), he was also thrown into a pit, and then sold as slave! And if that’s still not bad enough, Genesis 39:19-20 says he was also thrown into prison for a wrong he never committed! So, as you can see, his life went ‘down & down’ all the way, from his father’s ‘blue-eyed boy’ to a lonely, ‘stripped of everything’ prisoner in a land far away from home!

As some people say, “When you are down at its lowest, the only way now is up!” It was then that Joseph had a change of heart, an ‘inner’ change of character.

In Genesis 40, by the time Pharaoh’s butler and baker were thrown into the same prison as he was, Joseph was already a changed man. And now, instead of being indifferent & insensitive (the way he used to be with his brothers earlier), he showed genuine concern and care (Genesis 40:7) for the fellow prisoners! Not only that, he even helped them by taking time to explain their dreams! And you know what? The rest was history! Later on, this very same butler (whom he had helped) remembered him, when no one else could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:8), and the very next moment, Joseph was elevated to be Egypt’s next prime minister! His ‘expansion’ has finally come! And guess what? He did ‘increase more and more’ since that day, & God’s destiny in his life eventually came to total fulfillment! (see Genesis 50) And all these began with a simple change of heart on his part!

Beloved, maybe you know you too have a God-given destiny, or a ‘dream’ that has yet to come to pass. But you have also been discouraged, and left wondering if those ‘dreams’ will ever come to pass in your lifetime. You may even wonder if God has already forgotten about it altogether! May you receive His divine encouragement now, because I believe all’s not lost yet, and it’s never too late for a change! If God can do it in Joseph’s life, he can do it for you too! I really believe so! In fact, all it takes now is your allowing it. Of course you don’t have to end up in prison (like Joseph did) to have a change of heart! But will you allow Him to change you? Will you allow Him to lovingly search your heart? How about those ‘hidden’ areas in your life that have been ‘clouded’ with ‘cobweb’? How about a certain weakness in your character? Will you allow His light to ‘pierce’ through? Will you also allow Him to bring you back to His original plan for your life? Will you allow those ‘dark clouds’ to be cast away by His light? When the ‘dark clouds’ are gone, what you have is ‘clarity’, even in your vision & destiny!

My sincere prayer for you is that you'll walk in all of God's destiny for you, and the good work that He has begun in you, by His grace, He shall bring it to full, flourishing completion! Be blessed!

Delight yourself in the Lord!

Psalm 37:4: 'Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart'. 

'To delight' is like the 'radiance' in a baby's face upon seeing her beloved mommy & daddy approaching! I remember seeing this in my daughter Sophia's face when she was a toddler then. Pastor Sharon and I were so busy at work then that we had to arrange a babysitter for her, and at times, we could only come and fetch her every few days. Can you imagine the delight in her face upon seeing us at the doorstep? We could literally feel her heart leaping with excitement & joy! Why? Simply because she knew her mommy & daddy love her dearly & she missed us much (just as we missed her much too!). Also because she knew her mommy & daddy are good to her, & can't wait to embrace her and give her good things! She also had complete trust that her mommy & daddy would never harm her, and have only good thoughts for her! 

Beloved, that's exactly how your Father in heaven sees you (His beloved son/daughter) too! He has never meant harm to you, and is (& will always be) good to you! Jeremiah 29:11-12 says it very aptly, 'for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will call upon Me, and I will (& am here to) listen'.

Delighting yourself in Him is to know (& being assured) that He is good to you, all the time!

In Luke 1:41, the baby in Elizabeth's womb was also 'leaping' at the coming of Mary who would be giving birth to Jesus! You know why the babe started leaping? Because his soul was delighted at the presence of Jesus! Hallelujah! The presence of Jesus brings much delight! So, you can say 'to delight in the Lord' is 'to have pleasure in, or taking pleasure in being with Him or worshiping Him'.

The deeper meaning of 'delighting in the Lord' is found in the Hebrew word 'anag' in Psalm 37:4. This may surprise some of you, but it actually means 'to be soft or pliable before the Lord'. It also means 'to be easily shaped and flexible before the Lord', or 'the willingness or humility to be shaped by the Lord'. In other words, 'to delight in Him' is to allow yourself to be shaped by Him, to be soft or pliable before Him, and to be willing to be led by Him. Romans 8:14 says 'as many as are led by Him, these are called sons (or daughters) of God'!

It's also not wrong for people to say 'delighting in Him' is 'to sit at the feet of Jesus and enjoy His presence', by feeding on His Word, praying in the spirit, or in praise and worship. It's in His presence that you'll receive wisdom, revelation, and guidance in life, and that's how you can be 'at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing' always!

As you delight in Him, you'll also never miss all the goodness God has for your life! You'll even be blessed beyond what your mind can think of. His ways are always higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9), even in giving you every 'good thing'!

So, go ahead, continue to delight yourself in Him, and just as the psalmist David has written, 'God will even give you the desires of your heart', in His ways and in His time!

Let go of the past 'baggage'!

"Let go of the 'baggage' of your past & be set free to start anew this new season!" I heard these words recently, and it has everything to do with your destiny!

The 'baggage' can be a certain person (or a group of persons), work, memory, backlog, etc of your past. Some of you may even need to be set free to enter into a new 'environment'. There'll be new friendships. There'll be new 'doors'. There'll be new 'opportunities'. Be open and flexible before the Lord. This is His time of re-positioning. This is His time of bringing you into a new season. And His ways are always higher than yours! (Isaiah 55:8-9) Have a 'hearing' & 'listening' heart. My prayer for you is you'll not miss your timing & season.

The 'baggage' may even be something good that you've had in the past season. Some may say, "But pastor, you don't understand, I can't let go!", or "But pastor, it's easier said than done!" But do you know there are people who may be in a new season, but not set free (from the past 'baggage') yet? This may hinder God's destiny for you to come to pass in the new season! The decision is yours. No doubt 'letting go' can be painful at times, and may not be easy. But if God says 'let go', you'd better 'let go'! There may even be some 'soul-ties' or 'emotional ties' that you need to 'let go of' as you enter a new season.

Let's learn a little from Abraham in the Bible. In Genesis 12:1, God clearly asked Abram (his name then) to 'let go' of certain things in order to step into His blessings & His destiny for him (see Genesis 12:2-3). What was it that he had to 'let go'? God said, "Get out of your country, from your family, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you". But Genesis 12:4 shows he didn't fully heed what God has said. Instead, he brought Lot (his nephew) along. This eventually caused lots of problems to Abraham (see Genesis 13:7, see Genesis 19:37-38 with 2 Chronicles 20:1), and you see, all those loads of problems could have been averted in the first place! He should only have brought along his wife (Sarai), and none other! "But, pastor, doesn't that sound cruel? Look, wasn't Abram doing the right thing by bringing along his nephew (Lot) whose father was already dead? He's just being a nice 'uncle'. After all, Abram's wife was barren and they were childless!". Sounds noble isn't it? But the big question is: "Did God say so?"

By the way, interestingly, the word 'Lot' actually means 'veil, or something that hinders', i.e. something that hinders/delays God's destiny/vision for your life. Someone with 'veiled eyes' is someone 'who can't see what God sees'. Look now at Genesis 13. There was a strife between Abram & Lot (over the issue of land & possession). A fatherly heart as Abram was, he even allowed Lot to choose the better place (a well-watered place) in order to end the strife (Genesis 13:7-12). And right after Abram had separated from Lot, God broke His silence and began speaking to Abram further about His destiny for him (Genesis 13:14-17). The 'veil' was 'lifted', the 'hindrance' was gone, and he was now 'set free' to walk in God's destiny/vision for him again. You know what? Not until Abram separated from Lot (let go of Lot) did God speak His destiny/vision to him again!

People of God, this is your time to 'let go' of your 'Lot' too (whatever that 'Lot' may be) if you want to hear further (or clearly) from Him & walk in His destiny again!

After you have entered a new season, don't look back! Move on as the Lord leads you. Don't be like Lot's wife. She looked back to her 'Sodom & Gomorrah', and as a consequence, became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). A 'pillar of salt' is like a 'statue'. It is 'stagnant'. It has no more 'movement'. It is 'not moving anymore'. Beloved, you've got to start looking forward & keep on moving! Leave the 'Sodom & Gomorrah' of your past behind. The word 'Sodom' actually means 'burnt/scorched, or volcanic (or some other turbulent) activities' in Hebrew, while the word 'Gomorrah' means 'a ruined heap'. In other words, don't look back to your past ruins, shame, 'volcanic activities', turbulence, etc. Look to Jesus. The 'veil' has already been 'torn' when Jesus died on the cross for you.

For every 'inch' of your 'Sodom & Gomorrah' that you let go, is every 'inch' of God's newness (& goodness) added to you!  

Step into His blessings!

Receiving God's 'marching order'

Joshua 5:14: "... but as Commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"

This is your time to 'possess your inheritance'! Joshua chapters 6, 7, 8 are keys. It's a crucial time for 'your spirit to supersede your mind' (i.e. your spirit having the 'upperhand' over your mind), in order for you to hear with 'precision' from the Spirit. One way is by 'tithing' your everyday time to the Lord, especially in praying in the spirit and in the Word. This is also your time to receive your Commander's (Jesus') 'marching order' for your next move (Joshua 5:14).

Many of you may ask this question, "After 'crossing over' my 'River Jordan', then what now?" Just as in Joshua's time, you will receive new strategies from the Lord. You will receive 'new things' (& 'substances'). It's an important time to be in the 'house of prayer', and there's no other safer place than this! This 'house of prayer' can be just you and the Holy Spirit in your prayer closet! This way, you are being 'positioned' to receive His 'marching order' (i.e. specific instructions) as you 'march forth' to gain 'possession of your inheritance' in the new season! God did exactly this to Joshua. He gave His 'marching order' on how to possess Jericho (read Joshua 6) in an unprecedented way, and the whole Israel succeeded in gaining 'possession of their inheritance'! I pray you will too!

People of God, go forward only with the Lord's 'marching order'! Watch out against the 'pitfalls' of moving before His 'marching order'! Learn from Joshua's mistake (read Joshua 7). Right after a great victory at Jericho, Israel fell into humiliation, defeat and discouragement against a lesser enemy, Ai. This happened when Joshua moved forward without gaining the Commander's 'marching order' first. A lot of people preach that Israel's defeat at Ai was due to Achan's sin (of keeping accursed things). That is a valid point, but God showed me that's not the main point here. The main point was the leader, Joshua. As a leader, Joshua was supposed to be responsible for the success or failure of Israel. Why? He's the number 1! The question here is "Did he receive God's 'marching order' first before proceeding to battle Ai?" The answer is "No!" In fact, he acted upon men's opinions and suggestions (Joshua 7:2-3), and these 'ideas' were seemingly good ideas!

How many of you know that "men's good ideas may not be God's ideas for you (or for your church/ministry)"? As a consequence, Israel suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the enemy who seemed to be weaker than Jericho! Not just that, Joshua used the same old method by 'sending spies' (Joshua 7:2). Does that sound familiar? Just because you've been successful in your past 'move', it doesn't automatically mean you can use past revelations/instructions for your next move! In fact, every 'move' of yours should be led by the Spirit, as you hear anew, and not merely by men's suggestions (though these may be well-meaning, or with good intention) or out of sheer excitement! And once you've received your 'marching orders' from the Lord, even if you may be accused of being unreasonable or foolish (or whatever unkind words people may speak against you), stay with those 'marching orders'! And there are times you don't even need to explain and give reasons for your actions. The Lord will be your Defense and Vindicator!

We are in a time of acceleration in the spirit realm. It means even yesterday's methods or ideas can become redundant today! To be at the 'cutting edge' in the spirit, you've got to hear in the spirit anew, in every move and step. And that's exactly what Joshua did in chapter 8. The Commander of the Lord's army (Jesus) began speaking to Joshua again (Joshua 8:1-2), and a new strategy was given to battle against the very same Ai. Joshua followed the Commander's 'marching order' again, and this time, Israel 'gained further possession of their inheritance' in their Promised Land!

Beloved, if you have made a mistake (or made a wrong decision) before in past season, God is saying this to you right now, just as He did to Joshua, "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed" (Joshua 8:1). It's time to start anew and get up again! (Joshua 7:10) You will receive a new strategy! You will receive a new 'marching order'! And you know what? This time, your 'Ai' will be soundly defeated! 'Ai' in Hebrew means 'overturned', and just as Joshua moved from being 'overturned' (in chapter 7) to 'overturning' (in chapter 8), you will be too! Look away from your past season's discouragement, defeat, or shame, and start looking to your Commander all over again! Your inheritance is waiting for you to possess!

Hearing in the Spirit

Amos 3:7-8: Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

God always wants to speak to you, but on your part, you need to have a listening ear. And the good news is He doesn't just speak to the prophets or those serving in full-time ministry. He speaks to anyone who's willing to hear! Amos in the Old Testament was just a farmer, a 'common' man in the eyes of others, and there wasn't any record of him going to any prophets' school. So, unlike the 'Elishas' who have their 'Elijahs', Amos actually had none. But one thing he had: He had words from the Lord! And as he heard from the Lord, he spoke them out! That simple! And that's how he became God's 'mouthpiece' in his time, and as a matter of fact, God did use him to speak against many 'injustices' in his time. In fact, the word 'Amos' means 'burden bearer' in Hebrew. You know what that means? Amos allowed God to use him to speak out 'His burden' for the nations.

Once, the Lord spoke these to me: "Like an earthworm to the earth movement, your spirit should likewise be to the spiritual realm, or the Holy Spirit's movement!". He then prompted me to do some studies on 'earthworms'. I remember asking, "What? Earthworms? Out of so many creatures, earthworms?" But anyway, I just obeyed, and that's how I found out that earthworms are not only essential to soil quality, but they also have one unique feature, i.e. they are very sensitive to 'touch'. Studies have shown that they have very sensitive 'skin cells' that can sense whatever little 'vibration' in the soil! So, whenever there's any little soil movement, or any impending earthquake, they'll be the first to know! And that's when I heard God says "My people in this end-time should be just as sensitive to any movement in the spiritual realm!"

To hear in the Spirit, you need to be connected to the Holy Spirit first! Of course, even before that, you need to receive the Holy Spirit first (i.e. be baptized in the Holy Spirit). When you are in the Spirit, you'll hear in the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-18), just as when you are in the 'flesh', you'll hear in the flesh (i.e. 'fleshly' things)! As you begin, it's always good to enter into a time of worship first, praying in the spirit (praying in tongues), or reading the Word. What you hear in the Spirit should be spontaneous (i.e. not premeditated beforehand), and bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It should also never contradict the Word of God. The Word of God is and will always be the foundation when you hear with your spirit.

Recently, I was led to ask the Lord for deeper spiritual understanding and discernment, and I did the same for all the people under my daily prayer covering in the church. You can ask for it too! He is definitely in the midst of preparing His people to be at the 'cutting edge' in the spiritual realm! He wants His people to know His end-time strategy on how to advance & triumph over the enemy! I was in a prayer gathering recently when someone saw a vision of white waves (like those of the sea) flowing from the worship leader to the rest in our midst, and right then, that person heard me declaring into the spiritual realm that His people is being raised up to 'ride on the wave of the Holy Spirit', like the expert 'surfers' at the sea! She only told me about it after the prayer gathering has ended.

People of God, this is your time to hear strategies. This is your time to hear His 'game plan'. The Bible says 'without revelation, the people perish' (see Proverbs 29:18). This is His time to raise up a people of revelation who would hear His 'marching orders' with such great precision and accuracy! Are you game for this? Are you willing to be part of His whole 'game plan'? Will you be like Amos in his days? Amos spoke and declared without fear whenever he heard in the Spirit, and the Bible says those words roared like lion! Lions are kings of the jungle, and when they roar, the whole 'citizen' in the jungle 'trembles'! Jesus Himself is called the Lion of Judah, and He lives in you and speaks through you!

There are many ways God can speak to you, and these are some examples:
1. Through the Word of God released/read/preached (Acts 2:37).
2. Through inner witness, i.e. Holy Spirit speaking in your conscience (Romans 8:16, Romans 9:1).
3. Through stirrings (or provoking) in your spirit (Acts 17:16).
4. Through a drop of thought or vision/dream (Acts 16:6-10).
5. Through perceiving (or discerning) with your spirit (Hebrews 5:14).

God's grace 'super-abounds' in you!

Romans 5:20b (NKJV) says, ‘where sin abounds, grace much more abounds’. The word ‘abounds’ in the first part here (i.e. ‘where sin abounds’) is ‘pleonazo’ in Greek. It means ‘increase, become more’, whereas the words ‘much more abounds’ in the second part of Romans 5:20b is ‘huper perisseuo’ in Greek. It means ‘super-abound, abound much more, or exceeding’. The word ‘huper’ actually means ‘super’ or ‘over and above’ in Greek. In NIV, Romans 5:20b says ‘where sin increased, grace increased all the more’. So, in conclusion, we can say that God’s grace ‘super-abounds’, or ‘exceedingly much more’ over the increase in sin!

People of God, don’t be discouraged when you see ‘increase’ in sin, problems, or diseases in the world today. The Word of God says God’s grace ‘super-abounds’ over such ‘increase’! It means if the devil tries to attack your health or your family (or in any other area of life), know that God’s grace for you always ‘super-abounds’! In fact, God’s will for your life is you should prosper (in every way) and be in perfect health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2). This is God’s ‘original’ for you! The devil is the one who does the ‘opposite’ (‘anti’ & ‘counter-act’). He is the ‘counterfeit’. He opposes God’s plan for your life, and tries to ‘pull you down’ whenever you are ‘taking-off’. Not just that, ‘he wants your plane to crash as well’! But the good news is God always overcomes, and you (as a believer) shall also overcome because you are born of His ‘seed’!

So, whenever the devil ‘attacks’ your health, say and declare, “I receive ‘super-abounding’ healing grace for my health!” Or if you are in lack, say and declare, “I receive ‘super-abounding’ grace for prosperity!” If you are still struggling with a sin (or bondage) and you really want to be set free, look away from your sin and begin looking to Jesus (and His blood that was shed for you on the cross), and receive His ‘super-abounding’ grace to be set free!

The Bible says ‘And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Notice this verse begins with ‘And we know’. People of God, you must ‘know’ all things work together for good to you. In spite of whatever 'obstacle' you may be facing right now, I declare that God's plan for your life shall never get 'off-track' or crash! I also declare that God's plan for your life shall 'take-off' and you'll reach your 'destiny'! I know God has a purpose for my life too, and today I have no doubt about my call as a preacher, pastor, and teacher of the Word. As a preacher, one important ‘asset’ is to have a ‘mouth’ to speak! But early in my life, the devil 'attacked' that very area God has planned for my life. I remember growing up with severe ‘speech impairment’, and I couldn’t even pronounce ‘good morning’ properly even by the age of twelve! I was often laughed at, mocked, and teased by my schoolmates, and as a consequence, I grew up very timid, and with much inferiority complex. Today, I can testify that I have been completely healed! And as I look back, I praise God for his healing grace that has ‘super-abounded’ over whatever the devil threw at me! In fact, the very area that I was weak at, God has since turned it around for His glory! 

Now let’s look at David in the Bible. One day, Goliath came the ‘opposite’ way, and David was to 'overcome' him. It was a 'make or break', 'do-or-die' situation, where 'the winner takes all' (see 1 Samuel 17). In fact, the whole of Israel's future at that time was hanging on this 'battle'! Goliath had earlier threatened to 'strip' the whole of Israel and make them servants to the Philistines. Interestingly, ‘Goliath’ in Hebrew means ‘exile, or stripped of everything’. To be ‘exiled’ means ‘to be taken away from your original, good, and native land by force’. ‘Goliath’ here is a ’picture’ of whatever 'adversary' you may be facing now. The 'adversary' would always try to 'strip' you from God’s original plan for your life. However, the good news is God’s grace for your life always ‘super-abounds’, just as it was for David! And as you know, David overcame Goliath! In fact, without a ‘Goliath’, David wouldn’t be as ‘famous’ as he was after that! So, I can say Goliath actually made David ‘famous’!

Where there's the 'original', there'll be the ‘counterfeit’. The 'adversary' is always the 'counterfeit', and he will always threaten to 'strip' you of the Original’s (God's) plan for your life. But, just as David was, God sees you as His precious and beloved. He is always with you, and will never leave you nor forsake you, and on top of that, His grace is always 'super-abounding' in you! The name ‘David’ is ‘dowd’ in Hebrew, which also means ‘beloved, loved, lover’, and just as David was, in Him, you His beloved will also eventually come out the winner!

Beloved, know that God’s grace for your life is greater than all your sins, shame, mistakes, troubles, or diseases summed up together! The Bible says Jesus is God’s grace ‘personified’. God’s grace and truth came through Jesus (see John 1:17). In fact, Jesus is greater than all the sins, diseases, sorrow, pain, etc in the world summed up together! And that's exactly why He died on the cross for you some 2,000 years ago, and not just that, He rose up from the dead on the third day! He has indeed overcome your 'adversary' once and for all on the cross, and today, He is more than enough for you! (see 2 Corinthians 12:9) So, whatever you may be struggling at the moment, look away from that 'adversary', and start looking to Jesus now. He is your Sufficiency, and His grace is ‘super-abounding’ in you (and in any area of your life) today. Believe and receive. In Him, you have already ‘overcome’, and in Him, you are set free!

You are shining more and more unto the perfect day!

Proverbs 4:18 (KJV): "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day".

As a believer, you are ‘just’ not because you can justify yourself, for all have ‘fallen short of the glory of God’ because of sin. You are ‘just’ because someone justified you, and His name is Jesus. ‘To be justified’ means ‘to be made righteous’, i.e. you are made ‘in right standing’ with God, reconciled to God again.

The word ‘path’ in this verse here means your ‘walk with God’. ‘Shining more and more’ means ‘more and more of the glory of God’ as you walk with God, until the perfect day, i.e. the day God says to you, “Playtime on earth is over! You’ve completed what you needed to do here. You’ve reached your destiny!” and God says, “Now is the time I’m bringing you to a better ‘playground’, a perfect one, one with the fullness of joy!”.

As a cross reference, Isaiah 60:1-2 says ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you’.

Notice the word ‘but’ both in Proverbs 4:18 and Isaiah 60:2. In spite of the ‘darkness’ and ‘wickedness’ that surround us in this end-time, God says ‘your light will shine’, and Proverbs 4:18 says ‘even brighter and brighter’! People of God, you are living in such a time now! Step into it! In spite of what you see in the world, or despite what people may say, God says ‘you are not diminishing, but you are increasing’! And you know what it means? You’ll be healthier and healthier, wealthier and wealthier, stronger and stronger day by day, not the opposite! Your marriage life, your business, your career, or your ministry will not diminish, but increase, all the way till that 'perfect day'! That’s what God says you are, ‘shining’ brighter and brighter each day! Will you believe for it?

In Psalm 105:37, the Bible says “there is none feeble (weak) in God’s family”, and in Psalm 103:5, it says “your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. Eagles are strong creatures. They shed old and worn-out feathers and get renewed with new feathers, and that’s how they keep their speed and efficiency! God's Word says you too are being renewed like the eagle! Imagine people coming to you and say, “Hey, you look younger than ever!”, or “Your age betrays your look!” This is happening, because the glory (‘shining light’) of the Lord has risen upon you! Will you believe and receive this too?

God is definitely a ‘youthful’ God. He is as 'energetic' as ever, and He still does new things today. And just because people get old, wrinkled, bended, and die with a ‘walking stick’, it doesn’t mean heaven is full of such! And man, you’ll have a new body, an immortal one! And it’s going to be a youthful one; one that shines like the sun at full strength! Hallelujah!

And the good news is you can have a taste of 'heaven' even right now, yes, here on earth!

Be conscious of the blood of Jesus!

Exodus 12:13: God said, ‘Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt’.

The word ‘plague’ here is ‘negeph’ in Hebrew, which means ‘a trip (of the foot), infliction of disease, put to worse, stumble, strike, or hurt’. In Oxford’s English dictionary, plague can mean ‘a deadly infectious disease, large number of pest invading an area, annoyance, damage, suffering, discomfort, trouble, or difficulty upon somebody/something’. As you can see, a plague doesn’t just mean an ‘infliction of bodily disease’, but it can also happen to a home, a household, a family, a business, one's finance, or one’s belongings.

Are you in a situation where you’ve tried everything you knew how (to remedy it), but the ‘trouble’ seems to have no end? Or do you feel you are always having ‘bad luck’? Well, what the world calls ‘good luck’ or ‘bad luck’, the Bible calls ‘favor’ or ‘plague’, and the good news is you don’t have to live in ‘plague’ anymore!

As a believer, know that Jesus has already borne all your ‘plagues’ (or whatever ‘trouble’ that seems to have no end) on the cross. So, not only is there no condemnation when you are in Christ (Romans 8:1), there should also be no plague when you are in Christ! (Exodus 12:13) Will you believe for it? Will you be conscious of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for you, and also consciously come under it?

In Exodus 12:13, God said, “When I see the blood, the plague shall not be on you”. He never said, “When I see your hardwork/self-effort/self-determination”, or even “When I see your devotions to Me, or how long you pray”, but He said “when I see the blood, the plague shall not be on you”. This blood here is a ‘picture’ of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross 2,000 years ago. In fact, this ‘blood’ is the very foundation of your Christian life, and it’s only from this foundation, your devotion (or faithfulness) to Him comes forth!

The ‘blood’ here speaks of redemption (you were bought back), where you can be ‘at one’ (reconciled) with God again. When you are 'at one' with God again, His favor flows to you, and His righteousness is imputed to you. Thus, no plague shall be on you anymore. In Exodus 12, Moses was commanded by God to tell the Israelites that ‘every household shall take a lamb without blemish, a male of the first year (firstborn), and then kill it on the night before the Passover’ (Exodus 12:3-6). This is a ‘picture’ of Jesus, the unblemished, innocent Lamb of God, the firstborn over all creation (see Colossians 1:15-18) being sacrificed on the cross.

And then, on that evening, the Israelites were told to ‘take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts (and on the lintel) of the houses where they eat it’ (Exodus 12:7), and they shall ‘eat the flesh, roasted with fire, and whatever remains of it shall be burned in its entirety’ (Exodus 12:8-10). This is also a ‘picture’ of Jesus’ death on the cross, where His blood was shed at the cross. The ‘doorposts’ here in Exodus 12:7 is a ‘type’ of the ‘wooden cross’ where Jesus’ blood was shed 2,000 years ago, and we know that Jesus also gave Himself as a ‘burnt offering’! (Hebrews 10:5-10)

Beloved of God, Jesus has indeed paid a high price to redeem you on the cross. In fact, He didn’t pay 1 million dollars, 2 million dollars, or even 50 million dollars as a ransom for you, but He paid with His life! The blood here speaks of Jesus’ very own life, and it was shed so that you have the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). He knew you can never repay this debt of sin by your own self-effort. That’s why He came down, and that's why you need Jesus.

And not just that, He has also carried every punishment (judgment) of your sins on the cross. So, instead of you being 'punished', He was 'punished'. And instead of those ‘plagues’ falling on you, it fell on Him at the cross. Such is His amazing love for you! He loves you so much that He's willing to 'pay this price' for you, though none of us deserve it. He has indeed paved a way out for you, and even when He was being crucified, He still thought of you till the end.

The power of the spoken Word - The Deborah Story

Judges 4:14 says, "Up! For this is the day the Lord has delivered 'Sisera' into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?" 

It was Deborah the prophetess who declared these words to Barak (who would then lead Israel to battle against Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, the enemy of Israel). 'Sisera' is a 'picture' of whatever the devil throws at you (i.e. sickness, financial lack, fear, discouragement, etc).

Let's begin with the background story. At that time, Israel was already 'disorderly' and 'at a low' for twenty years, having been sold into the hand of Jabin the king of Canaan, and was harshly oppressed. But when they cried out to the Lord, God heard their cry and raised up a prophetess named Deborah (Judges 4:3-4), who would then 'put things back to order' for Israel.

The name 'Deborah' comes from the root word 'dabar' in Hebrew, which means 'to arrange, to speak (spoken words), to utter, to declare or to pronounce (either victory for God's people, or destruction to the enemy), and to subdue (as the Word is spoken)'. Another meaning of 'Deborah' is 'bee' (having systematic instinct, having a sense of orderliness, or putting things in order). So, to summarize, the name 'Deborah' means 'to put things back to order by the declaration of the spoken words'.

As Deborah declared what God has spoken (Judges 4:14), and as Barak went down to battle against Sisera, the Bible says 'the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword' (Judges 4:15). Not a man was left (Judges 4:16), and Sisera had to run for his life! What Deborah has declared eventually came to pass in the natural realm! The 'sword' here is a 'picture' of the spoken Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). And then, as Sisera hid at Jael's place, Jael took a tent 'peg' and a 'hammer', and she drove the 'peg' into Sisera's temple (area between eye and ear), and Sisera died (Judges 4:21). And on that day, God subdued Jabin king of Canaan in the presence of the children of Israel (Judges 4:23). Interestingly, 'peg' (Ecclesiastes 12:11) and 'hammer' (Jeremiah 23:29) are also 'pictures' of the spoken Word of God!

Now, before I move on, let me emphasize that we are now living in the New Covenant, and we don't fight 'flesh and blood' with bloodshed. Ephesians 6:12 clearly says our real enemy is the devil (i.e. against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness), not human (flesh and blood). So, let's read the Old Testament in the right context, i.e. from the New Covenant perspective (when 'agape' love has already been poured out on us). The 'sword, peg, and hammer' are merely 'pictures' of 'the spoken Word of God' in our time.

The Bible says 'Israel was not in order UNTIL Deborah arose' (Judges 5:7). In short, Deborah arose 'to put Israel back to order by the spoken Word of God', and as a result, Israel had rest for a good long forty years after that! (Judges 5:31)

Remember when the devil tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), Jesus Himself also answered with the spoken Word? (He said, "It is written,...") So, if 'sickness' comes your way, declare that "Jesus has borne my sins upon the cross, and by His stripes I was healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Or if 'fear' comes your way, speak forth "God has not given me the spirit of fear, but He has given me the Spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). The list goes on! And that's how you subdue by your spoken words! Choose specific verses (instead of paragraphs) in the Bible to subdue a particular problem. The Bible as a whole is likened to the 'sunlight', and as you focus on specific verses to tackle a particular problem, it's like you holding a 'lens' to concentrate the sunlight till the 'object' (the problem) under the 'lens' is set on fire and burned! That's how the Word of God destroys the work of darkness!

Beloved of God, begin filling yourself with the Word of God day by day. Notice that if you don't fill yourself with the Word, something else will fill you! Begin to personalize verses that have spoken to you and  make them yours! Speak them over & over again as you 'saturate' yourself with the spoken Word of God every day!

Angels are for you!

Psalm 34:7: The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (revere) Him, and delivers them'. 

The word 'angel' here is ‘malak’ in Hebrew, which means not just ‘messenger', but also 'to despatch as a deputy’. Imagine angels 'despatching' and bringing ‘goodies’ from the throne of God to you! And that's exactly what they do for you! These 'goodies' can be in the form of a healing, a revelation, comforting words, direction in life, or even finance and open doors in your career!

In Hebrews 1:14, the Word of God says 'are they (angels) not ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?' Who are those 'who will inherit salvation'? That's us, the believers of Christ, i.e. Christians, the heirs of salvation! Now, the verse says 'angels are sent forth to minister for the believers'. Notice the word 'for', not 'to'. In other words, angels are sent by God to minister for you! It doesn't say they 'minister to you'. It says they 'minister for you'. You know what it means? Angels (i.e. ministering spirits) are sent to serve you. Let's say you are in a restaurant, and the waiter comes along and wait on you for your order. You then turn your order in, and he goes and gets it for you!

I remember reading how the late brother Kenneth E. Hagin (a man of God whom I respect) prayed a prayer like this, "Satan, hands off my providence!". And then, he went on by saying, "Ministering spirits (angels), go and cause providence to come in!" You know what? Money somehow came in! It happened not just one time. It happened many times! Praise the Lord!

When my wife, Sharon was in her younger days, she used to have a sharp, nagging pain in the middle of her chest. One day, as she was resting in her bedroom, talking to God and being in His presence, suddenly a translucent figure (the size of a well-built person as tall as the height of her room, and dressed in a warrior outfit) walked through the wall of her room, knelt down and touched where the pain was, and then left. You know what? The pain was immediately gone, and she was completely healed since then! Hallelujah!

People of God, know that angels are on your side, fighting for you (those who inherit salvation). As you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, angels are definitely at work too, bringing healing, restoration, comfort, or other 'goodies' to confirm your preaching of the good news!

As an heir of salvation, you can also be assured of angelic protection too (Psalm 91:11-12). Believe for it. Once, I experienced how in a split second, an 'invisible hand' moved my arm on the steering and caused my car to be swerved to safety while I was driving near a T-junction. It happened so fast, and only then I realized there was another car moving towards my side at a break-neck speed! I knew I've been delivered from a fatal car accident that could've taken my life! I believe this 'hand' was that of an angel's as well! Thanks be to God!

I used to wonder why the verse in Psalm 34:7 (about angels encamping around us) was written in the middle of nowhere in a Psalm that talks about 'the happiness of those who trust in God'. Then, the Lord asked me to read Psalm 34:7 in the 'right context', beginning from Psalm 34:4 till Psalm 34:10. This is how Psalm 34:7 should be read and understood in its 'right context':

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces are never covered with shame. He called, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (revere) Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; and blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear (revere) the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear (revere) Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing ('goodies')" (Psalm 34:4-10). You may want to personalize these verses for yourself. As you seek Him (i.e. connect to Him) and look to Him, He is the One activating and releasing angels to encamp around you!

Thank God for angels being sent forth to bring every form of 'goodies' to you, and you'll never be in any want (or lacking any 'good thing'). Beloved, taste and see how good God is in your life! Believe for it. Amen!

Resting at your 'terebinth' tree

Genesis 18:1: Then the Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.

The word 'terebinth tree' in Hebrew literally means 'a strong tree, like an oak tree; or strength', and the word 'Mamre' here means 'vigor'. This 'tree' is actually a 'picture' of the cross, where Jesus finished His work some 2,000 years ago. Galatians 3:13 says, 'cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'. The Bible says Jesus has become a curse for us, so that we are set free (from the curse of sin), redeemed, and now receiving the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:13-14). The Bible also says Jesus who knew no sin has become sin for us, so that we are now made righteous (in right standing) through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As you lean & rest on this 'tree', you'll find perfect rest. Jesus has become your 'strength'. The psalmist wrote 'He is your strength, and your one sure foundation' (see Psalm 46)! In Him, you are now therefore 'invigorated', 'revitalized', and 'refreshed' again! Hallelujah!

Friends, what has been burdening you lately? Is it a concern for someone in your family, or your spouse, or your children? Or maybe it's a business/career concern or direction, or a financial burden. Or maybe your health. Cast all these burden to Jesus. He has carried them all on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-5). Or maybe you aren't exactly sure what's the next step in life. Cast these also to Jesus. He is the One who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Someone asked me this question: "Have I done enough lately?" My answer was: "Even if you have been working 23 hours every day, you may still ask the same question!" Well, we are living in such a world now, where everything seems to be at an accelerating speed, and 'time' never seems to be enough! The next thing you know, a new week has 'come and gone' again, and that's while you are still catching up on your breath!

Beloved, there's only one place that's truly 'enough', and it's only found in Jesus. The Bible says 'His grace is enough (sufficient) for you' (2 Corinthians 12:9). If earthly things have recently left you 'dry' and 'unsatisfied', come to Jesus. Take a deep breath (in fact, another word for 'rest' in Hebrew means 'taking a deep breath'). He is where you find perfect 'rest & refresh'. Rest in Him. And imagine you are in the middle of a desert and you find an 'oasis' of drinking water! He is indeed your 'oasis'. So, come & drink freely from Him. Jesus also says, 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28), 'for My yoke is easy and My burden is light' (Matthew 11:30).

So, what exactly is your 'terebinth' tree?

A 'terebinth' tree is where you lay all your burden to Him, and in return, you receive His (which is light and easy). Genesis 18:4 says, 'let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the (terebinth) tree'. Jesus has indeed carried all your heavy yoke and burden on the cross. Therefore, yours is now light and easy. Not only that, at the 'tree', you'll also come to a place of 'washing of the water', being refreshed by the water of His Word and His Spirit.

It's also at this 'tree' that God appeared to Abraham and Sarah, and He spoke to them. There, they received the promise of a son. So, you can also say it's a place of 'meeting with God', and a place of 'promise'. And last but not least, it's also a place where they found comfort & assurance, when God said, 'is anything too hard for God?' (Genesis 18:14)

Building what God puts in your heart - The Nehemiah Story

The book of Nehemiah is God's comfort that anything ruined (broken) in your life can be restored or rebuilt! It's a book of great hope. In fact, the word 'Nehemiah' means 'the consolation of God'. 

People of God, 'the good work that God has begun in you, He shall bring it to full completion' (Philippians 1:6). God's plan for you shall not be aborted! That's what happened to Nehemiah! Nehemiah himself wrote it's God who 'put in his heart' (Nehemiah 2:12) what to do at Jerusalem, i.e. to rebuild the broken wall. The end-result was a sure success (Nehemiah 6:15). In fact, in Nehemiah 6:16, it is written that even the enemies acknowledged that 'this must be the work of God'! The wall was completed in a mere 52 days, against all odds, and despite all kinds of mockery, fury, attacks, confusion, threats, plots, or conspiracy of the 'enemy' against God's people!

When Nehemiah was laughed at and mocked by his 'distractors' or 'detractors', he answered them: "The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build" (Nehemiah 2:20). That's how sure he was in what God had spoken into his life! He knew the building (& rebuilding) shall be a sure success because this work was 'backed up' by the Lord Himself! As you can see, it was God who started this work, not man's mere self-effort or intelligence or even zeal.

Is there any area that God has spoken personally to you, or 'put in your heart' to build or rebuild? Maybe you've not seen 'it' coming to pass yet, or you may have even given up hope on 'it'. Will you allow Him to 'work in you' in a fresh way? God is looking and searching for a heart that's willing and available.

Philippians 2:13 says 'it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure'. That was exactly what He did in Nehemiah. It is no different for you today! Despite your past or your past mistakes, do you know that God can still work in you today? He says that "your sins I will remember no more" (Hebrews 8:12) as you return to Him. Despite what the devil may say (or accuse you) about your past, God still sees you as His precious and beloved! This is God's comfort for you today!

The devil may 'throw' all sorts of 'darts' to get you 'side-tracked' and 'discouraged'. But just as Nehemiah was, God's grace is sufficient for you. Continue to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Continue to be conscious of His goodness for your life. He has indeed carried all your curse and failures on the cross, and what you have now is His blessings and favor in all its fullness! 

Believe that whatever God has 'put in your heart' (to do) shall 'come to full completion'! Never give up on Him, because He has not! Continue to focus on His goodness and His finished work on the cross. The best has yet to come! Keep looking to Him in all His loveliness. Keep looking to His finished work on the cross! The 'enemy' may try to 'downplay' or 'deny' the completed work of Jesus on the cross, but the truth is 'the cross made all the difference'! Nehemiah continued to focus on what God has 'put in his heart'. He never wavered no matter what the 'enemy' has to 'throw' at him (Nehemiah 6:1-4). 

Beloved, begin to stand on the sure foundation of God's Word today. It's time to 'say what God says', not what the 'enemy' has to say. As you stand on this 'rock', the 'unshakeable rock', i.e. the Word of God, you are definitely standing on the winning side! God is definitely 'backing you up'! And if God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Jesus has taken your 'cup' of death, so you can now receive His 'cup' of life!

In Luke 22:42, Jesus said, "Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." What did Jesus actually mean in this conversation with God the Father? Some people think Jesus was saying He wish not to go through the humiliation or suffering (or pain) of arrest (& eventually the suffering at the cross). But was that really all? Jesus couldn't stand the humiliation, pain & physical/emotional suffering? I truly believe He could stand all these.

So then, what did Jesus actually mean? Let's look at the word 'cup' in Luke 22:42 first. It is ‘poterion’ in Greek, which means ‘a drinking vessel; a situation/happening one goes through, a lot, a fate, a portion’. So, ‘to drink the cup’ means 'to go through the situation/lot/fate/portion, no matter how bitter or sweet it is to go through'. Now, I don’t like to use the word ‘fate’, as I don’t believe in statements like, “Well, I’m fated to be poor and a failure all my life”. However, let's look at this word in the context of Jesus at the cross. He had to go through it (in order to reconcile men to God). He had to 'drink' this ‘cup’ of poverty, failure, or defeat on the cross, so that you can now drink the ‘cup’ of blessing, prosperity & victory!

Now, the truth is it wasn't really the physical/emotional suffering or humiliation (at the hands of His persecutors) that Jesus wish not, but it was His 'separation' from God the Father (read Mark 15:33-39). This Father-Son relationship cannot be separated. They are One. Jesus Himself said, "I and My Father are One" (John 10:30). This Father-Son relationship is like ‘sun & light’. To separate this Father-Son relationship is like 'separating the sun from its light'! The sun 'loses its glory' when it loses its light. This Father-Son relationship is a relationship of love, and they are inseparable. But for once (& for all), they had to separate so that we can become ‘one’ with God again (Romans 5:8, Romans 8:35-39). Such is God’s amazing love for you and me!

In Mark 15:33, this 'separation' of Father & Son was even reflected in the natural realm ('there was darkness over the whole land', i.e. no sunlight). What happens in the spiritual realm is reflected in the natural realm.

The Father was separated from the Son (Jesus) at the cross (Mark 15:34-39), so now we are ‘at-oned’ (atoned) with God again (for sin has separated us from God, and the wages of sin is death). God the Son (Jesus) who knew no sin became sin for us, so that we can now be the righteousness of God (in right standing with God) through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Certain things happen only once in eternity. Jesus was separated from His Father once and for all, as a perfect offering on the cross (Hebrews 10:14) for you and me. He has paved the way for you to eternal life (John 3:16, John 14:6). The cross made all the difference!

Jesus was totally God but also totally man (yet with no sin) in his 33 years on earth. He took on the bodily form, like you and me. So, of course He could also experience pain, even the physical ones. But the greatest pain is still the pain of separation. Pain (whatever pain it may be) never originates from God. Pain is a consequence of sin (Genesis 3:16). The first time 'pain' was written in the Bible was after the fall of Adam & Eve (i.e. Eve had to give birth in pain). But the good news is Jesus has already carried all your 'pain' on the cross, so you will not!

In your communion time, as you partake the drink, say, “Jesus, thank you for drinking (taking) my ‘cup’ of death, so I can now drink (receive) your ‘cup’ of life”. Jesus has indeed taken your 'cup' of death (bitterness) so that you can now have the 'cup' that runs over (overflowing with sweetness & the goodness of God). How do I know? Psalm 23:5 says so. Begin looking to Jesus as your Shepherd, and you'll have this 'cup'! He has taken this 'cup' of separation at the cross, so that you have the cup of 'at-one-ment' (atonement, i.e. 'at one', reconciled with God again). And not only that, Psalm 23:5 also says 'He prepares a table (banquet) before you in the presence of your enemies'. You know what? Victory is yours for the taking now. The devil has already been defeated. Celebrate your victory today! 

A 'helper comparable'

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV): And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him".

The words ‘helper comparable’ (NKJV) or ‘help meet for him’ (KJV) in Hebrew is ‘ezer’, which means ‘to aid, to surround & to protect’. Therefore, the word ‘helper’ in Genesis 2:18 & Genesis 2:20 for Eve is never an inferior word. Eve was someone comparable & compatible to Adam. In fact, the words in KJV ‘help meet for him (Adam)’ show to us that Adam has found his rightful ‘match’, when no other creature on earth could fill that 'place'. You see, many wives see being 'helper' means they are 'inferior' to their husbands (or so they were made to think), but the very word 'ezer' doesn't just mean 'to aid', but also 'to surround & to protect'! There are areas where the husband (as head of the family) do the protection (e.g. in giving physical security to the wife, etc), but do you know that a husband needs the wife's protection as well (especially in some of the more 'subtle' areas of life)? An 'aeroplane' cannot fly (soar) with only one 'wing'. It takes two (i.e. husband & wife comparable), lest it 'flutters'!

Now, I'm here to say that I'm not 'affiliated' to any 'male rights' or 'women rights' group, or any 'rights' group. The only one sure foundation I stand on is the Word of God, nothing but the Word! It's about what God says, not what man (or woman) says!

It’s time to ‘rebuild’ what God has originally ‘built’, and that includes the area of 'marriage'. In a time when the original Word of God has been so 'watered down' and 'adulterated' with so many human philosophies or fleshly opinions, let's go back to the very original! Psalm 89:34 says 'My (YHWH's) covenant I will not break, nor alter the Word that has gone out of My lips'. In fact, the word 'Genesis' in Hebrew is 'reshiyth', meaning 'original, origins, beginnings, the first (in place, time, order, rank), firstfruit, chief of chiefs, the principal thing’. 

This word 'Genesis' is also where the word ‘genetics’ come from. Now, what does it mean by 'being genetically-altered'? It means ‘not original anymore, i.e. adulterated’. To be 'adulterated’ means ‘become poorer in quality after adding other substances’. This is exactly what has been happening in our time, the end-time! The original Word of God has been compromised just to suit the 'fleshly desires/philosophies' of human! There are just too many opinions here and there, & everywhere nowadays. But has God not spoken clearly in the Word? The Word of God is actually so simple (and direct) that it needs 'help' to misunderstand it! Remember how the serpent 'helped' Eve to misunderstand what God has spoken (so clearly) to Adam? See Genesis 3:1. 

Has God created an Adam with more than one 'Eves'? Has God indeed created an Adam with a 'Steve'? Or has Eve been created to be like a 'maid/servant/slave' to Adam (since the English translation of 'ezer' has been grossly misunderstood as merely 'helper')? 

People of God, not what flesh has built, but what God has built! It’s time to break away from men’s traditions or man-made religious practices that may have 'crept' into even the Body of Christ! Don’t build on what YHWH has never originally built! Dig back to the Word, the unadulterated Word of God, the principal thing! That's why I personally study the Word of God by also studying in Hebrew & Greek in order to get the original meaning. Anything that’s not built on/upon the Word of God will not last. Matthew 7:24-29 says to build the 'house' on the rock (i.e. the unadulterated Word of God, & Jesus is the Word became flesh), not build it on the sand (i.e. on men’s ideas, men’s philosophies, men’s opinions, or religious traditions). Unless the Lord builds the 'house', it’s all built in vain (Psalm 127:1). In Luke chapter 4, Jesus said “It is written” three times (a 'picture' of 'complete' trust in the Word, as the number 'three' in Hebrew means 'complete'). 

Get back & dig back to the 'unadulterated' Word of God, not the 'genetically-altered' version! One sure area is in ‘marriage’. Marriage is God-ordained. It is sacred. In fact, it's a covenant! A marriage is a covenant relationship (i.e. lifetime relationship – ‘till death do us part’), and it cannot be broken. This is different from a 'contractual agreement', where the two parties can end the ‘contract’ by mutual consent. A covenant is 'for lifetime'. In fact, God puts the highest priority on the covenant of marriage. Proof? Look at Adam & Eve, the very beginning ('reshiyth', i.e. 'the principal thing'). Do you know that a marriage covenant has existed long before any tabernacle, temple, priestly service, or even the 'law' ever existed on earth?

Husbands, as head of the wife, love, cherish & protect your wife, giving yourself for her just as Christ did for the church (Ephesians 5:22-25). Wives, as you submit to your husband, you are not just an 'aid' to him, but you are also to surround & protect him (the very meaning of the word 'ezer'). Also, for both husbands & wives, give priority to one another, and a 'listening ear' to one another. Husband and wife must ‘communicate’. That is the main key! If the husband does not 'communicate', chances are the wife will find 'somebody else' to communicate. And if the wife does not 'communicate', chances are the husband will also find 'somebody else' to communicate! This is a breeding ground towards an 'emotional affair', and if not checked, it may lead to 'physical/sexual affair' outside a marriage. This eventually leads to the downfall of a marriage (which started so blissful in the beginning). The same happened to the first couple. Adam could have communicated (what God has spoken directly to him about eating what & what not in the garden) more clearly to Eve, and not ‘presume’ she knows whatever he knows. The consequence? Eve was deceived to believe the lies of the serpent (to eat the 'forbidden fruit'), and eventually both Adam & Eve had to share the 'blame'. Speaking of lack of communication! They were then pronounced ‘cursed’ & 'guilty' (Genesis 3:15-19). God had to keep His word ("for in the day that you eat of 'it', you shall surely die"). A sin is still a sin. Now thank God for the 2nd Adam (Jesus) who made things right again some 2,000 years ago!

I end this writing with the word ‘husband’. Do you know the origins of this word? It comes from the word ‘house-bound’, i.e. 'someone bound and covenanted to his wife only & his newly-founded family (where the two have become one)'. A 'house-bound' is someone who 'honors his marriage covenant'. It is a good kind of 'being bound'. Within this 'boundary', the husband is 'aided, surrounded, & protected' (the very meaning of the word 'ezer'). So, it's completely untrue the sayings 'a wedlock is a padlock'! In a marriage, one finds true protection. Indeed, "behind every great man is a great woman"!