Increasing, not diminishing!

Proverbs 4:18 (KJV) says, 'But the path of the just (translated as 'righteous' in NIV) is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day'.

Where you see the word 'but' at the beginning of a verse, you'll also most likely see its 'contrast' in the earlier verse (or verses). Notice the word ‘but’ in Proverbs 4:18. Now, compare Proverbs 4:14-17 with this verse, and you'll see the contrast between ‘the way of the world’ and ‘the way of the righteousness of God’. As a believer, you are definitely on Proverbs 4:18's side, because you are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So, in the above context, this verse actually says 'even though the world gets gloomier and gloomier, but the path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter'. Picture it this way: At the beginning of dawn, and the sun begins to come out more and more, increasingly bright till the full light of the day. You see? Increasing, not diminishing! The Bible says that's what your life should be!

The word ‘shining light’ (in NKJV ‘shining sun’) here is ‘nogahh’ in Hebrew, which means ‘illuminate, glitter, lighten up, cause to shine’. So, the path of the righteous 'illuminates, glitters, lightens up, causes to shine'! Wow! Not only that, the Bible says this path 'illuminates, glitters, lightens up, causes to shine' more and more!

And the word ‘shineth’ in this verse is ‘owr’ in Hebrew, which means ‘break of day, glorious, kindle, set on fire, light up’. This is the same word ‘owr’ as in Isaiah 60:1, that says, ‘Arise and shine ('owr'), for your light has come’! In Hebrew, it means, "Arise and shine, for your 'illumination, brightness' has come!" Isaiah 60:2 (NKJV) then says, ‘For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory ('kabowd', i.e. weight, splendor, glory, honor) will be seen upon you’. See the word 'but' again? See another contrast here? This verse contrasts ‘the gloominess of the world’ and ‘the glory on God’s people’. Read Isaiah 60:3-7 for the details on how His glory is seen upon God's people. The time is now!

Some people in the world may say: "gloomy outlook in the coming year", "likelihood of global recession", etc. However, this is only true as far as they are concerned. This is what they think or say, but this is not what Proverbs 4:18 says, or what Isaiah 60:2 says. You are in the world, but Jesus says 'you are not of the world' (John 17:16). So, you don't have to be affected by whatever 'gloominess' that happens in the world! Because you are of His seed! You are His! You belong to Him! And who is He? Genesis 14:19 says He is the Most High God! And your resources come from Him, not from men. The Bible says His path for you is as the shining light! And this path shineth more and more till the 'full light' comes! And when is that? That's when Jesus Himself comes! Because He is the 'full light'!

So, people of God, even though the 'outlook' of this world seems to get gloomier and gloomier, but you, the righteous (i.e. the people of God) will continue to shine brighter and brighter! Unfortunately, some believers got mixed up on this. They thought when 'gloominess' comes on the world, it also comes on them! This is not what God says!

Also, when His path for you shines brighter and brighter, the 'world' will see this glory ('kabowd') that comes upon you. You know what it means? The 'world' will take notice of the glory of God when they see you, and that's when they'll also know that Jesus is Lord!

Genesis 41:55-57 is a ‘picture’ or 'shadow' of what is happening currently (i.e. likelihood of global recession, uncertainties in many economies, etc). The world then was also going through global economic uncertainties and widespread lack. Interestingly, Pharaoh then said these words: “Go to Joseph, and whatever he says to you, do.” The name 'Joseph' ('Yowceph' in Hebrew) literally means ‘YHWH is adding’ or ‘YHWH adds'. Here is a ‘picture’ of Jesus Christ today. He is the One who 'adds'! He is the One who 'gives'! He is the Giver, and He gives every good thing! When the best of human intellect fails, and with no solution in sight, look to Him. Because He is the solution to your every situation! "Go to Jesus, and whatever He says to you, do."

People of God, this is the time to keep feeding from Him and keep drinking from Him. Keep hearing the Word, and of course, never let Proverbs 4:18 get out of your sight! Write it somewhere! Stick it somewhere! Personalize it for yourself! Take it with you wherever you go! Remember it, no matter what others may say! Believe every word in it! This is God's word for you today! 'Chew' it like you 'chew' your best steak! Taste and see how good He is to you! Proclaim this verse over every area of your life! Declare it over all your loved ones! Instead of surviving, you should be thriving! See your health increasing, not diminishing! See your business increasing, not diminishing! See your family relationships increasing, not diminishing! Also, be it in wisdom, in favor, in anointing, or in all that God has for you - increasing, not diminishing! Just as the 'light' that shines 'brighter and brighter', so are you! Believe and receive, and you'll have it! Amen! 

Holy Spirit helps in your weaknesses

Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV): Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The word 'helps' here in Greek is 'sunantilambanomai', which actually means 'to take hold of the opposite together'. Notice the word 'together' here. You know what it means? The Holy Spirit is here 'together' with you, helping you when you do not know what to pray (in words you understand), or when you run out of words to pray.

Another meaning of this word 'helps' is 'to cooperate' (refer Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). It means 'you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit cooperates with you'. It is about 'working together'. So, it's obvious that 'helps' here doesn't mean you do nothing and let Him do everything. No, it doesn't work this way. It takes your participation as well, i.e. to open your mouth & use your own voice, and that's when you allow the Holy Spirit to pray through you!

Have there been times you wonder if you've prayed correct prayers? Or foolish prayers?
Or you wonder how specific your prayer should be?
Or you wonder if it's insulting to God to pray so specifically? (as if He doesn't know your every need/want)
You may even have asked, "Have I been too selfish to pray this way?"
Have you ever faced the dilemma of "What God thinks is best for me" versus "What I think is best for me"?
The above can be in any area of your life, e.g. praying for your future, praying for a life partner, praying for a job, etc.

How many times when you pray, you pray amiss? (and your prayers went unanswered)
And you wonder why someone else always gets his/her prayers answered!

Be anxious not, because I believe Romans 8:26-27 has the answer to all the above. May you begin to pray perfect prayers, i.e. prayers that 'hit the mark'!

Romans 8:26 also says, 'the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us...'. In Greek, it actually means 'the Spirit Himself intercedes on behalf of us'. To 'intercede' is to 'act as intermediary, mediating'. For example, when two parties have differences, 'interceding' is done to settle the differences. You know what it means? This verse says Holy Spirit helps you to 'settle the differences' between 'what God thinks is best' and 'what you think is best'!

You may not know what you are praying when you pray in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14), but you can trust in His goodness (for you) every time you pray in the Spirit. You may ask, "What if I get 'shortchanged' when I pray this way?" No, you'll never get 'shortchanged'. Jeremiah 29:11 says 'His thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace, that give you a future and a hope.' Let's take Him at His word! He always has the best in store for you, even in ways you know not of! (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Romans 8:27 then says, "He makes intercession for the saints (i.e. the believers) according to the will of God". Notice the word 'for' here. It means the Holy Spirit is always working for you, i.e. for your good, and ensuring you have the best, i.e. walking in the perfect will of God! To walk in the perfect will of God is to walk in the fullness of His destiny for your life. And His will & destiny for you is that 'you should prosper and be in perfect health, just as your soul prospers' (3 John 2)

1 John 5:14-15 says, "if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us... And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions (i.e. requests/things we asked for) that we have asked of Him".

Of course, there is also a place for praying with the understanding (i.e. praying in the language you know). See 1 Corinthians 14:14-18. But, sometimes, you know praying this way has a limit, because you don't always know everything. Only the Holy Spirit knows everything. For example, there have been times upon waking up from a dream, I wasn't very sure how to pray with the understanding, and that's when the Holy Spirit 'helps' in my 'weaknesses' when I pray in the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit also 'helps' you whenever you sense a danger, or if you are awaken in the middle of the night (say, from a nightmare). Pray in the Spirit till you have a sense of release/peace, or when the burden is lifted. You may even have prevented a calamity from happening by praying in the Spirit!

In conclusion, and for your references, these are some of the verses on praying in the Spirit (i.e. praying in tongues) found in the Bible:
1 Corinthians 14:4: When you pray in the Spirit, your 'self' (i.e. your spirit, soul, and body - 1 Thessalonians 5:23) is being edified/energized.
1 Corinthians 14:14: When you pray in the Spirit, it is your spirit that prays. Your spirit is activated and it dominates your whole being.
1 Corinthians 14:2: When you pray in the Spirit, you are speaking unto God.
Acts 10:46: When you pray in the Spirit, you are magnifying God.
Jude 20: Praying in the Spirit builds your 'self' (i.e. your spirit, soul, body) up on your most holy faith.
Ephesians 6:18: Praying in the Spirit is part of your spiritual weapon against the devil.
Romans 8:26: Praying in the Spirit helps you in your prayer life.
Romans 8:27: Praying in the Spirit is praying in the perfect will of God.
Ephesians 5:18-19: Praying in the Spirit helps you in your worship life, and as you sing unto the Lord.
Isaiah 28:11-12: Praying in the Spirit brings 'rest and refresh' to your spirit and soul.

Be blessed with this wonderful gift from the Lord!


If you want to be filled in the Holy Spirit, desire and ask for it now (see Luke 11:13). 

Pray this way: "Lord, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit. I receive right now. I fully expect to speak with other tongues as You give me the utterance" (Acts 2:4).

Begin thanking and praising God for filling you with the Holy Spirit. Speak the words/syllables as you receive, not in your own language, but in the language given to you by the Holy Spirit. God will not force you to speak. So, you have to use your own voice. Continue worshiping and praising Him in this heavenly language, i.e. in other tongues.

As you continue with this blessing God has given you and pray in the Spirit each day, I trust your life will never be the same again!

Overcoming strife - The Life & Story of Gideon

Judges 6:14 (NKJV): Then the Lord turned to Gideon and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

‘Gideon’ in Hebrew is ‘Gidown’, which means ‘feller (i.e. warrior), to destroy, to fell, to cut’. ‘To fell’ means ‘to cut down, to knock down (with a blow)’. He was called by the Lord to free Israel from the Midianites. Interestingly, the word ‘Midianites’ comes from the word ‘madown’ (or ‘midyan’) in Hebrew which means ‘brawling, contention, strife, quarrel’. Israel then was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites (Judges 6:6), and whatever they have sown in the land, the Midianites would destroy, leaving no sustenance for them. They cried out to the Lord, and that's when He raised up the man Gideon.

Has there been ‘brawling, contention, strife, or quarrel’ in your land? Your ‘land’ may be your family, your business, an organization, or a ministry God has entrusted to you.  You may have tried every way you knew how to overcome your ‘Midianites’, but to no avail. Without peace, harmony, and unity, whatever you’ve tried to ‘sow’ in your ‘land’ may just come to nothing. No wonder the book of Proverbs has so many verses about strife (or contentions), and why these must be cast out! See Proverbs 22:10 for example.

Nothing in the Bible is written without a reason. As you study Gideon’s life (in Judges 6, 7, & 8), you’ll learn great principles in overcoming strife. You’ll learn God’s way to ‘knock down’ strife in your ‘land’. He is definitely raising the Gideons of today, and there’s an anointing to ‘knock down’ the spirit of strife, in Jesus’ name. Receive.

Upon being called by the Lord to save Israel (Judges 6:14-17), Gideon in his own mind and strength actually did not know how to overcome the Midianites. In fact, he even told God, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15) By the way, ‘Manasseh’ in Hebrew means ‘forgotten, neglected’. So, Gideon was the least among ‘the forgotten and the neglected’! But the Lord sees not as man sees. The Lord saw him ready, and He said, “Surely, I will be with you.”

In spite of his 'weakness', there’s one thing Gideon knew very well. He DID NOT ‘dash’ and go against the Midianites immediately! Instead, He prepared an offering of a young goat and unleavened bread on the rock, and brought them out before the Lord under the terebinth tree (Judges 6:19). Fire then rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. This is a ‘picture’ of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He has become the burnt offering for you. The angel of God then asked Gideon to pour out the broth of the meat (Judges 6:20). This is a ‘picture’ of you pouring out before God by praying in the Spirit. You may not know what to pray (or what to do) in the situation you are facing now, but the Holy Spirit knows. He helps you in this ‘weakness’ of yours, and makes intercession for you with groaning which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). The Spirit also makes intercession for you according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). Praying in the Spirit is therefore praying in the perfect will of God. Your groan will reach the throne (of God), and the good news is He already has the answer to every situation of yours!

When you rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross, and as you begin praying in the Spirit (praying in tongues), specific instructions from the Lord will flow out. Be ready to hear & receive. His ways are always higher than your mind can ever imagine! He gives specific instructions for specific situations. Gideon needed that, because Israel’s situation at that time had no precedent. There was no past method he could count on, and definitely no textbook he could read on ‘how to’ overcome this ‘enemy’ called the Midianites! Even today, no two persons are exactly the same, and therefore, no two families, businesses, organizations, or ministries are the same either. Every situation is unique, and that’s why you and I need the Holy Spirit, who is All-knowing. Praise God, as a believer, you have this all-knowing God who has the solution to every situation! He is not just the source of peace (for He is YHWH Shalom), but He is also the source of all wisdom!

And you know what? On the same night, God began giving Gideon specific instructions (Judges 6:25), and he did as the Lord had said (Judges 6:27). People of God, it's worthwhile to wait on the Lord for His specific instructions first before you make a move. When you rest in all that Christ has done for you on the cross, revelation & every good thing will start to flow. As He moves, you move, and as He stops, you stop. And Gideon did just that. Today, God wants you to know that the ‘battle’ is His, not yours. He is surely with you, and He will lead you. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says so. And that’s how God led Gideon to 'progress' against the ‘enemy’. Notice Gideon also sought confirmation (or sign) from the Lord (see Judges 6:36-40).

After Gideon had destroyed the altar of Baal (see Judges 6:28-32), i.e. upon God’s instructions, God gave further instructions. Progressively. People of God, He will never leave you forsaken halfway through the ‘battle’. What He has begun, rest assured He will also bring them to full completion (Philippians 1:6). Keep hearing and keep receiving. This time, God gave Gideon specific instructions on preparing a team (see Judges 7:1-9), and He chose only 300 men. 

Interestingly, ‘300’ in Hebrew numeric means ‘faithful remnant, character of God, protection of God’. In this ‘faithful remnant’, there’s protection! These were also the people who had the character of God, i.e. Gideon’s kind! And these turned out to be those with ‘one heart, one voice’ (in peace, harmony, and unity) with their leader Gideon (Judges 7:17-18), and eventually, the Midianites were overcome and subdued. Wow! God even gave specific instructions to Gideon to pick his winning team! I asked the Lord for revelation why God chose those 300 who ‘lapped (i.e. drink water with tongue) like a dog’ (Judges 7:5-6), and not those who ‘got down on their knees to drink water’, and the Lord had this to say: “Those who lapped like a dog were those who were hungry for My things, people after My heart, as the deer panteth for the water brooks in Psalm 42:1-2, but those who knelt were people who cared about position and recognition.”  And these 'would-be' followers were ‘tested’ by their leader (Gideon) without even knowing they were being ‘tested’! This is definitely a great leadership principle! Praise the Lord! God is great!

People of God, you may think you are too 'weak' to overcome your 'Midianites' at the moment, but HE IS STRONG! And that's what matters most! So, go in this STRENGTH (for YHWH is in you) of yours, and you shall save your 'land' from the 'Midianites'! Amen.

The Power of Speaking God's Word - Othniel & Ehud

Let's look at the book of Judges. The panorama (view of a wide area or 'picture') of the book of Judges in the Bible is a vicious circle of sin, oppression, repentance, and restoration. When a leader or judge (i.e. ruler, savior, or deliverer) whom God raised up died, the people's faith also died. They would then fall into idolatry again, getting oppressed by the enemy, crying out to God again, and finally God would raise up another 'deliverer' among them. This is what Judges ('Shophetim' in Hebrew, which means 'judges, rulers, deliverers, or saviors) is actually all about.

However, there are also some great principles you can learn from this book. Let's now study the lives of Othniel & Ehud, the first two 'judges' in this book.

Note: Every name and object in the Old Testament has its meaning and significance. This is how you interpret the Old Testament for New Testament times. These names or objects are actually 'pictures', 'typologies', and 'shadows of the things to come', symbolic rather than literal. A bible scholar used to say it very aptly, "The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed".

Othniel:
In Judges 1:11-12, God's people was about to go against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly named 'Kirjath Sepher') when Caleb said, "Whoever attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give my daughter Achsah as wife", and that's when Othniel rose to the occasion. The word 'Debir' in Hebrew means 'oracle, or spoken words', while 'Kirjath Sepher' means 'City of the Book'. Prior to this, the enemy has inhabited this city, and now, God's people was to claim this city for their possession. The above is a 'picture' of God's Word being robbed of (or stolen from) some of the believers' lives today. The enemy ('picture' of the devil) has even stopped some of God's people from speaking the Word, and that's why many are not living in the fullness of their 'inheritance' in Christ today! Instead of declaring, believing, and receiving what God has spoken about them, they chose to listen to what the 'enemy' or 'circumstances' say about them! This eventually spells the defeat in many believers' lives. So, that's when God raised up Othniel. The word 'Othniel' means 'lion of God, or might of God' in Hebrew, and this 'lion of God' has prevailed and claimed the 'city of the Book'! Whenever you open the Bible, read it, and declare God's promises for your life again, you have also become the 'lion' that prevails over the enemy! Jesus is THE Lion of Judah, and you are His 'lions'! In Judges 3:7-11, notice this same 'lion of God', Othniel also prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia (who had oppressed Israel for 8 years). The name 'Cushan-Rishathaim' in Hebrew means 'double wickedness of darkness', and as a result of Othniel's victory over this 'enemy', God's people had rest for 40 years, much longer than those years of oppression. Now, it is the same for you today. The moment you begin declaring and speaking God's Word aloud into your circumstances, all the 'double wickedness of darkness' surrounding you will have to flee! Hallelujah!

Ehud:
In Judges 3:12-30, watch again the power of God's Word. This time, God raised up Ehud among the children of Israel. 'Ehud' in Hebrew means 'joined together (to the Lord), or partner together (with the Lord)'. As believers, you too are the 'Ehuds' of today. See 1 Corinthians 6:17. By the time God raised up Ehud, Eglon (means 'fat, round, bull' in Hebrew), the king of Moab, had oppressed the children of Israel for 18 years. In short, Israel was already in bondage for 18 years by then (cross-refer Luke 13:11). But God was about to set them free! Ehud then made himself a double-edged dagger (Judges 3:16). This is a 'picture' of God's Word (see Hebrews 4:12 & Ephesians 6:17). 'Joined together' to the Lord, Ehud then went to Eglon and said, "I have a message from God for you" (Judges 3:20-21), and he reached with his left hand, took the dagger, and thrust it into Eglon's belly. Wow! It was really an example of 'taking the bull by its horn'! And the rest was history. Read Judges 3:22-30 for details. Victory was declared, Moab was later subdued under the hand of Israel, and the land had rest for 80 years! 18 years of bondage, but 80 years of rest! God's mercy always outweighs God's judgment! Hallelujah! One thing to note is Ehud was actually naturally weak (he was left handed), and especially so, he was also in the tribe of Benjamin (literally means 'sons of the right hand'). In those days, left-handed people were considered weaker (but of course, not at all in our modern days when many champions in sports today are actually left-handed). So, he was like the 'weakling' in his tribe. But, the one thing that made the difference was he 'joined together' to the Lord and he had the 'Sword of the Spirit', which is the Word of God! The 'enemy' wasn't afraid of him actually, but he was defeated by the 'double-edged dagger' in his hand, i.e. the Word of God!

People of God, have there been any 'curse' words spoken against you recently (or even in your younger days) that still affect you? Have you been a subject of certain evil 'chantings' against you or your loved ones? Or you seem to be 'under attack' in some areas of your life recently, yet not knowing why. Someone even told me recently that she has been a subject of certain 'curse words' spoken against her through some demonic 'fortune-telling' she has never asked for. Whatever it is, and despite those circumstances, begin to wield your 'Sword of the Spirit' again! Yes, like Ehud did! You may say, "But I'm so weak! What can I do?" But, so was Ehud. When you are 'joined to the Lord', though you may be weak in the natural, but HE IS STRONG! His Word is strong! Heaven and earth may pass away, but HIS WORD still remains! The Bible says so! The 'enemy' may not be afraid of you, but he's very afraid of the Word! So, just as Ehud was in his days when he said to the 'enemy': "I have a message from God for you", do you also have a 'message from God' for the 'enemy' today? Yes, you do! Even Jesus Himself used this 'Sword of the Spirit' when He was tempted by the 'enemy'! He said, "It is written..." (see Matthew 4) He has showed us the way! After all, HE IS THE WORD! (John 1:1)

Therefore, speak God's Word instead, and not what people say, or circumstances say. Declare God's Word out aloud! Personalize all the promises of God for yourself! As you say what God says, these words will 'expose' the works of the 'enemy', just as the dagger 'exposed' the dirt in Eglon's belly! The 'enemy' will have no way but to be floored! See, he is only like the roaring lion, not the real thing! The real lion is the Lion of Judah, YHWH Himself, and He is already in you. So, not only are you the Ehuds of today, you are also the Othniels of today, the 'lions' who prevail over whatever forces of darkness that comes your way!

So, if there's a certain spirit of fear that comes against you, speak forth God's promises for you in the Word, for example: "For 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) Whatever that comes against you (whether it's sickness, financial problem, marriage problem, oppression, etc) the WORD has the ANSWER. Claim it! Believe it! Declare it! Receive it! And you'll be the Othniels and the Ehuds of today! Amen!