Micah 7:7 (NKJV): Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.
The book of Micah is a book about God's justice. It is interesting to note that God has allocated a book in the Holy Bible just to talk about justice! In fact, the very name 'Micah' ('Miyka Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Who is like Yah (the Lord)'. You see, there's only so much man can do to bring justice, but the Lord our God is THE JUSTICE, and there is no one like Him!
Having been raised in his rugged home, and from among the country (rural) people, Micah was burdened by the unfair treatment of the weak (and poor) by those who abuse their power (authority). And the Lord called him out as a prophet to proclaim justice, mercy, and deliverance for those who are victims of injustice.
Micah 1:3 says, 'For behold, the Lord is coming out of His place; He will come down and tread on the high places (i.e. the proud things) of the earth'.
Micah 2:1-2 says, 'Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance'.
Micah 3:1-2 says, '...Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil; Who strip the skin from My people, and the flesh from their bones'.
People of God, the Lord our God is (and will always be) a God of justice to those who are victims of injustice. Take heart and be encouraged. Just as in the days of prophet Micah, God has never changed His stance for those who humble themselves and look to Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. For some of you out there who have been victims of injustice (whether in the workplace, in the family circle, or in the society), the Lord wants you to know that He remembers you, and He will redeem you!
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"Tell My people who are victims of injustice: 'Look to Me! For your deliverance and restoration is at hand! Look to Me! For your vindication and freedom is at hand! For I remember you, and I will redeem you!'"
Indeed, He is not dead, but He is still very much active and alive in your situation, no matter how great the odds are stacked against you at the moment. So, all is not lost yet. There is a new hope for you. There is a new horizon awaiting you. This is your time to look to Him and cry out to Him! He will hear you, and He will plead your cause. He will never allow His divine plans (and purposes) for His people to be hindered and taken away. Amen!
Monday, April 30, 2018
Monday, April 23, 2018
No longer forsaken, nor shall your land be desolate!
Isaiah 62:4 (NKJV): You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.
The word 'Hephzibah' in Hebrew means 'My delight is in her', whereas 'Beulah' in Hebrew means 'Married', which speaks of all of us (the bride of Christ), married to the Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
Isaiah 62 is a chapter on the Lord's assurance for 'Jerusalem' (the city, literally). But 'Jerusalem' here can also be a 'picture' of you and I (the people of the Lord). In Isaiah 62:1, the Scripture says, 'For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace (keep silent), and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns'.
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"Tell My people I will not give up on them, even if they feel like giving up! Tell My people I will not cease until I see My light and brightness fall upon them! Tell My people I will not rest until I see them established according to My purposes in their lives! For I am a God who never leaves them nor forsakes them!"
The word 'Jerusalem' ('Yeruw-shalayim' in Hebrew) has two parts in it, namely 'Yeruw', meaning 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and 'shalayim', meaning 'founded peaceful'. In other words, 'Jerusalem' is a city founded on a flow of (living) water, and a city founded with peace! This is what the Lord had intended for this city to be! The flow of (living) water (i.e. 'a river') here represents 'the Holy Spirit flowing', as this city awaits for the coming of the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself), who is the Prince of Peace!
Your life, by the way, is like a city! Each city has a unique personality and identity. So are you! Each city has unique features and characteristics. So are you! And there are twin cities or sister cities too, just like some of you who have twins or sisters!
People of the Lord, what 'city' are you? The Scripture tells us that you are meant to be like 'Yeruw-shalayim', a city 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and a city 'founded peaceful'! This is what the Lord had intended for your life to be! So, no matter what problem (or issue) you may be facing in your 'city' at the moment, and no matter how troubled your 'city' has become, there is hope for your 'city'! Indeed, this is your time to boldly ask and receive all the promises of the Lord in Isaiah 62!
In Isaiah 62:8-9, the Scripture says, 'The Lord has sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength; "Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored. But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts."'
And in Isaiah 62:10, the Scripture says, 'Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway! Take out (remove) the stones; Lift up a banner for the peoples!'
People of the Lord, this is your time to 'go through the gates', and walk into greater things in life! This is your time to 'take the highway route', because a time for acceleration is at hand! This is your time to 'lift up a banner', because a time for victory has come! Receive all these for your time and season right now! In Jesus' name. Amen!
The word 'Hephzibah' in Hebrew means 'My delight is in her', whereas 'Beulah' in Hebrew means 'Married', which speaks of all of us (the bride of Christ), married to the Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
Isaiah 62 is a chapter on the Lord's assurance for 'Jerusalem' (the city, literally). But 'Jerusalem' here can also be a 'picture' of you and I (the people of the Lord). In Isaiah 62:1, the Scripture says, 'For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace (keep silent), and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns'.
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"Tell My people I will not give up on them, even if they feel like giving up! Tell My people I will not cease until I see My light and brightness fall upon them! Tell My people I will not rest until I see them established according to My purposes in their lives! For I am a God who never leaves them nor forsakes them!"
The word 'Jerusalem' ('Yeruw-shalayim' in Hebrew) has two parts in it, namely 'Yeruw', meaning 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and 'shalayim', meaning 'founded peaceful'. In other words, 'Jerusalem' is a city founded on a flow of (living) water, and a city founded with peace! This is what the Lord had intended for this city to be! The flow of (living) water (i.e. 'a river') here represents 'the Holy Spirit flowing', as this city awaits for the coming of the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself), who is the Prince of Peace!
Your life, by the way, is like a city! Each city has a unique personality and identity. So are you! Each city has unique features and characteristics. So are you! And there are twin cities or sister cities too, just like some of you who have twins or sisters!
People of the Lord, what 'city' are you? The Scripture tells us that you are meant to be like 'Yeruw-shalayim', a city 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and a city 'founded peaceful'! This is what the Lord had intended for your life to be! So, no matter what problem (or issue) you may be facing in your 'city' at the moment, and no matter how troubled your 'city' has become, there is hope for your 'city'! Indeed, this is your time to boldly ask and receive all the promises of the Lord in Isaiah 62!
In Isaiah 62:8-9, the Scripture says, 'The Lord has sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength; "Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored. But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts."'
And in Isaiah 62:10, the Scripture says, 'Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway! Take out (remove) the stones; Lift up a banner for the peoples!'
People of the Lord, this is your time to 'go through the gates', and walk into greater things in life! This is your time to 'take the highway route', because a time for acceleration is at hand! This is your time to 'lift up a banner', because a time for victory has come! Receive all these for your time and season right now! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
A time to stay glued to the Lord
Psalm 63:8 (KJV): My soul followeth hard after Thee; Thy right hand upholdeth me.
The expression 'followeth hard' here is 'dabaq' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to cling to, to cleave (join together), to adhere firmly, to stick to (like glue)'. Very interestingly, the Septuagint (the early Greek translation of Old Testament) renders this verse as 'My soul has been glued to You'. In other words, 'My soul sticks to You like glue'!
This same word 'dabaq' can be found in Genesis 2:24, a verse we often quote for marriage between husband and wife, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave ('dabaq') unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh'.
People of God, what do you do if you feel 'dry', discouraged, or lonely (with no one to turn to)? What do you do if you are hard-pressed in life, and nothing seems to be encouraging around you? Well, that was exactly what David experienced when he was in the wilderness (or desert) of Judah, fleeing from those who sought to destroy his life!
Despite all that, David did the right thing by turning away from his loneliness, discouragement, and 'desert' situation around him, and instead, he turned to the Lord. In other words, he chose to stay glued to the Lord in such a time. In Psalm 63:1-2, he wrote, 'O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory'.
The word 'sanctuary' here is 'qodesh' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'a place that is whole, a place of refuge'. While praying the other day, I saw a vision of a bird sanctuary, where migratory birds (or even endangered species of bird) would gather for food and water. A sanctuary is a place of refuge. A sanctuary is a place of safety and protection. You see, a sanctuary is no sanctuary at all when there is no water. But in the same vision, I saw rivers of water flowing through the sanctuary.
People of God, whatever 'desert' you may be facing right now, come and drink from His rivers in the sanctuary. Let Him refresh you, and let Him fill you with His living waters once again. This is a time of refreshing. This is a time of receiving. And like David, you too will eventually see your deliverance from whatever 'wilderness' (or 'desert') in your life. Amen!
The expression 'followeth hard' here is 'dabaq' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to cling to, to cleave (join together), to adhere firmly, to stick to (like glue)'. Very interestingly, the Septuagint (the early Greek translation of Old Testament) renders this verse as 'My soul has been glued to You'. In other words, 'My soul sticks to You like glue'!
This same word 'dabaq' can be found in Genesis 2:24, a verse we often quote for marriage between husband and wife, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave ('dabaq') unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh'.
People of God, what do you do if you feel 'dry', discouraged, or lonely (with no one to turn to)? What do you do if you are hard-pressed in life, and nothing seems to be encouraging around you? Well, that was exactly what David experienced when he was in the wilderness (or desert) of Judah, fleeing from those who sought to destroy his life!
Despite all that, David did the right thing by turning away from his loneliness, discouragement, and 'desert' situation around him, and instead, he turned to the Lord. In other words, he chose to stay glued to the Lord in such a time. In Psalm 63:1-2, he wrote, 'O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory'.
The word 'sanctuary' here is 'qodesh' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'a place that is whole, a place of refuge'. While praying the other day, I saw a vision of a bird sanctuary, where migratory birds (or even endangered species of bird) would gather for food and water. A sanctuary is a place of refuge. A sanctuary is a place of safety and protection. You see, a sanctuary is no sanctuary at all when there is no water. But in the same vision, I saw rivers of water flowing through the sanctuary.
People of God, whatever 'desert' you may be facing right now, come and drink from His rivers in the sanctuary. Let Him refresh you, and let Him fill you with His living waters once again. This is a time of refreshing. This is a time of receiving. And like David, you too will eventually see your deliverance from whatever 'wilderness' (or 'desert') in your life. Amen!
Monday, April 9, 2018
Let the Lord guide you with His eye
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV): I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
The word 'eye' here is 'ayin' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'eye (to see)', or in picture form, 'like a fountain in a landscape'. A fountain is usually the 'centerpiece' of a garden, and it is where you see water gushing out. This very word 'ayin' interestingly speaks of 'the living water gushing out to water the surrounding area, effectively turning desert into garden'.
And with this 'eye' of the Lord, you will see what He sees, and what He wants you to see! This is therefore a crucial time to let His eyes be upon your eyes, and let the Spirit of the Lord enlighten your spiritual eyes of understanding, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling in your life, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in your life, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward you who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).
The Hebrew number attached to 'ayin' is the number seventy (70), and this number speaks of 'God's Spirit, God's insight'. To have 'insight', by the way, is to have 'a clear, deep understanding of things'. In other words, you will suddenly 'see' the many things (of God) that you couldn't 'see' in the past.
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a season of visions and dreams! Watch how I will guide you, teach you, and speak to you in visions and dreams! Take heed, and you will see good success! For this is the season I am opening your eyes, and you shall see!"
When I heard these words, I knew the Lord wasn't just saying this is a season of visions and dreams in the general sense for the entire end-time, but He was saying God's people are entering a crucial season of seeing visions and dreams, a 'kairos' time, when the window of heaven is opened wide, and His light is shining right into God's people's eyes of understanding in very special ways. There will be new visions birthed. There will be new dreams birthed. There will be new hope birthed. There will be new horizons to be crossed. And when God's people take heed what they 'see', they will begin walking into new authority and fresh anointing given them.
The key psalm to read in this time and season is Psalm 32. This psalm written by David begins with acknowledging one's sins, and knowing that one is forgiven. See Psalm 32:1-5. We can hide our darkest sin from our loved ones, our family, or our friends. But we cannot hide it from Him. Since we cannot hide it from Him, might as well we acknowledge it. David wrote about the joy when one knows he has been forgiven. It begins with you acknowledging your sins. Friends, here holds the key to turn your life from drought to rain, from disappointments into new appointments.
In Psalm 32:9, David wrote further, 'Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you'. A 'harness' is put on the horse to drive it (and control it), a 'bit' is placed on the horse's mouth to assist the rider in communicating with the animal, and a 'bridle' is a piece of headgear used to direct the horse. This verse can be interpreted as 'we should take counsel and advice from the Lord, and be ready to obey and heed (hear and do) whatever His wisdom says, instead of waiting till we get 'chastened' the way the rider does to the horse!
David wrapped this psalm up beautifully in Psalm 32:10-11, 'Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!'
Indeed, let His light visit you now, and let Him shine right into the darkest parts of your life and set you free! Set free to see Him giving you new visions and new dreams! Set free to see yourself walking in new authority and fresh anointing! Set free to walk into good success, and to see many good days ahead of you! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Learning not to be 'reactive' to whatever that provokes you
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a crucial time not to be reactive to whatever that provokes you! This is a crucial time not to be overcome by anger! Because your future is at stake! Don't repeat Moses' mistakes! Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice in anger! Let My Spirit fill you and let My Spirit flow in you! For you shall walk in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control!"
Galatians 5:22-23 says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control', and Ephesians 4:26-27 says, '"In your anger do not sin"; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold'.
What does it mean by 'Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry'?
It can mean:
- not prolonging your anger beyond sunset;
- not bringing your anger into your sleep;
- and of course, not brooding over it, stimulating it, or 'adding fire' to it!
If you notice the verse in Ephesians 4:26, the Scripture never says 'anger is a sin', but it says "In your anger do not sin". It shows to us that 'anger' is a real emotion, a very human emotion. Yet we are not to ignore it, or 'sweep it under the carpet'. Ephesians 4:30-32 says further, 'And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God... Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you'.
So, the question now is 'When does an anger cause us to sin?'
The answer is 'When we lose our temper! Or when we are overcome by that anger!'
People of God, this is one area you've got to guard against in this time and season! Don't be overly-reactive to any 'provocation' against you! Don't go into unnecessary fights and quarrels! Take long, deep breaths often; and let the Holy Spirit fill you and flow through you!
Let us learn from the mistakes of Moses, whose uncontrolled anger eventually led to him being denied access to the promised land. You can see that in Numbers 20:1-13. By that time, the people of Israel had reached the Wilderness of Zin (Wilderness of thorn), but there was no water to drink there. The people then complained and contended bitterly with Moses, and even questioned his leadership. It was a time of great distress and frustration for Moses.
The Lord then gave the answer to the people's water woes, saying to Moses, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So, Moses and Aaron gathered the people together before the rock; and Moses said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses struck the rock twice with his rod, and water did come out.
But the Lord was displeased because Moses did not heed His command exactly, and did not represent His heart of mercy and providence to the people. The Lord then spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."
What caused a great man of God like Moses to be overcome by anger, which in turn led to his disobedience to God's command, and eventually costing him the access to the promised land? It was due to his suppressed frustration. In fact, this frustration has been 'simmering' inside him for some time. Imagine the complaints, the contentions, the murmurings, the questioning of his leadership, the 'Why?', 'Why?' and more 'Whys?'; not just on that day, but for many, many days! All these came together, and it finally boiled over!
Of course, it wasn't easy at all for Moses. Yet, in spite of all these, the glory of the Lord still appeared to Moses in his time of need! (Numbers 20:6) The Lord was actually showing He's still with him, and He had never left him, nor forsaken him! And the Lord would even give him a solution!
People of God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you've been going through similar time of distress and frustration, or you've been tempted to 'react' adversely to a provocation, know that the Lord is still your very present help in time of need. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. And He will give you a solution too! Just do not be overcome by anger. Because by doing that, you are giving the devil a foothold. Instead, keep looking to the Lord, and let Him take over. I pray things are going to get better for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Here are some biblical ways in dealing with whatever the world has to 'throw' against you:
- Pray in the Spirit always (Ephesians 6:18)
- Cast your care/burden/anxiety/frustration to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
- When you pray, forgive, so your prayer is not hindered (Mark 11:25)
- Bless, and not curse; pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28)
- Praise the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1)
"This is a crucial time not to be reactive to whatever that provokes you! This is a crucial time not to be overcome by anger! Because your future is at stake! Don't repeat Moses' mistakes! Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice in anger! Let My Spirit fill you and let My Spirit flow in you! For you shall walk in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control!"
Galatians 5:22-23 says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control', and Ephesians 4:26-27 says, '"In your anger do not sin"; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold'.
What does it mean by 'Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry'?
It can mean:
- not prolonging your anger beyond sunset;
- not bringing your anger into your sleep;
- and of course, not brooding over it, stimulating it, or 'adding fire' to it!
If you notice the verse in Ephesians 4:26, the Scripture never says 'anger is a sin', but it says "In your anger do not sin". It shows to us that 'anger' is a real emotion, a very human emotion. Yet we are not to ignore it, or 'sweep it under the carpet'. Ephesians 4:30-32 says further, 'And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God... Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you'.
So, the question now is 'When does an anger cause us to sin?'
The answer is 'When we lose our temper! Or when we are overcome by that anger!'
People of God, this is one area you've got to guard against in this time and season! Don't be overly-reactive to any 'provocation' against you! Don't go into unnecessary fights and quarrels! Take long, deep breaths often; and let the Holy Spirit fill you and flow through you!
Let us learn from the mistakes of Moses, whose uncontrolled anger eventually led to him being denied access to the promised land. You can see that in Numbers 20:1-13. By that time, the people of Israel had reached the Wilderness of Zin (Wilderness of thorn), but there was no water to drink there. The people then complained and contended bitterly with Moses, and even questioned his leadership. It was a time of great distress and frustration for Moses.
The Lord then gave the answer to the people's water woes, saying to Moses, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So, Moses and Aaron gathered the people together before the rock; and Moses said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses struck the rock twice with his rod, and water did come out.
But the Lord was displeased because Moses did not heed His command exactly, and did not represent His heart of mercy and providence to the people. The Lord then spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."
What caused a great man of God like Moses to be overcome by anger, which in turn led to his disobedience to God's command, and eventually costing him the access to the promised land? It was due to his suppressed frustration. In fact, this frustration has been 'simmering' inside him for some time. Imagine the complaints, the contentions, the murmurings, the questioning of his leadership, the 'Why?', 'Why?' and more 'Whys?'; not just on that day, but for many, many days! All these came together, and it finally boiled over!
Of course, it wasn't easy at all for Moses. Yet, in spite of all these, the glory of the Lord still appeared to Moses in his time of need! (Numbers 20:6) The Lord was actually showing He's still with him, and He had never left him, nor forsaken him! And the Lord would even give him a solution!
People of God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you've been going through similar time of distress and frustration, or you've been tempted to 'react' adversely to a provocation, know that the Lord is still your very present help in time of need. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. And He will give you a solution too! Just do not be overcome by anger. Because by doing that, you are giving the devil a foothold. Instead, keep looking to the Lord, and let Him take over. I pray things are going to get better for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Here are some biblical ways in dealing with whatever the world has to 'throw' against you:
- Pray in the Spirit always (Ephesians 6:18)
- Cast your care/burden/anxiety/frustration to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
- When you pray, forgive, so your prayer is not hindered (Mark 11:25)
- Bless, and not curse; pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28)
- Praise the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)