Delighting in the Word of God

Psalm 119:16 (NKJV): I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

The word 'delight' here is pronounced 'shaw-ah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'amuse (oneself) in'. 'To amuse (oneself) in' means 'to keep oneself occupied in a pleasant manner, usually by doing something enjoyable'.

Let's study a little about Psalm 119 now. The whole theme of this psalm is about the excellencies of the Word of God. It is also the longest psalm (and chapter) in the entire Bible, and is literally placed at the central of the whole Bible. It has 22 parts (stanza), from Aleph to Tav (i.e. all the 22 Hebrew alphabets). This is a 'picture' of the Word of God from the beginning till the end, yet it is one Book. If there's any chapter in the Bible that sums up (or summarizes) the whole Bible (i.e. the Word of God), it has to be Psalm 119!

Here are some of the highlights in Psalm 119:
(a) The Word of God is the word of truth that sets you free (see Psalm 119:45)
(b) The Word of God comforts you in times of affliction and gives you life (see Psalm 119:50)
(c) The Word of God brings hope in times of your need (see Psalm 119:81)
(d) The Word of God saves and rescues you from all troubles (see Psalm 119:94)
(e) The Word of God brings you to deeper understanding and spiritual maturity (see Psalm 119:99)
(f) The Word of God brings sweetness and joy to your life (see Psalm 119:103)
(g) The Word of God is your guide and direction in life (see Psalm 119:105)
(h) The Word of God is your shield and your hiding place (see Psalm 119:114)
(i) The Word of God brings light to your life (see Psalm 119:130)
(j) The Word of God gives you peace in life (see Psalm 119:165)

Note: Whether it is mentioned as the statutes, the commandments, the law, the precepts, or the ordinances in this psalm, for a believer in the New Covenant, all these speak about the same thing - the Word of God.

Jesus fulfils all the above (Matthew 5:17). He is also 'the Word became flesh' (see John 1:1-14). Interestingly, the Hebrew translation for the opening words in Psalm 119 goes like this: "Happy are those whose way is perfect." Who is this way? John 14:6 says Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He is also blameless and undefiled in every way, and therefore He is perfect. With this understanding, I can now read the opening words in Psalm 119 as: "Happy are those (the believers) whose Jesus (for He is the way) is perfect (blameless and undefiled in every way)." As a believer, know that you are so blessed because you have a perfect Savior and Lord in Christ Jesus!

To read and to experience the Word of God is like having a fellowship face to face with the Person of Jesus Himself. Why not see it this way - that every time you open the Bible, you are having a divine appointment with Jesus! Watch Him show up strong and real as you read the Word! And that's what makes reading the Word of God so alive and exciting! So, go ahead, look for Him and enjoy Him every time you open the Bible! In fact, He is in every page of the Bible. May the Lord open your eyes to see. He is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed. Involve also the Holy Spirit, who'll always lead you into all truth and into deeper understanding of the Word. Praise God!

Psalm 119 also speaks of you being established in the Word of God (see Psalm 119:38). Allow Him to plant in you a deeper understanding (even things that 'eye has not seen, nor ear heard') by meditating on His Word and immersing yourself in His Word. When you have Him, you have everything (i.e. every good thing flowing in your life). The key is to find room for Him every day, no matter how busy you are in the midst of this fast-paced world! Let us not be like those days in Bethlehem, that even when the Word has already come, yet no one has room for Him to lodge! (see Luke 2:7)

People of God, all of men's ways (and methods) may fail, but His Word will not fail you. Never mind if you have gone astray before (just like the psalmist who wrote about himself in Psalm 119:176). It's never too late yet to start again. His grace is more than enough for you, and He is here to help you. There's a call to return to His Word today, and as you respond and begin to delight yourself in Him and His Word again, know that it is also the beginning of many more good things to come in your life, and for the year ahead. Amen!

He is stronger!

2 Chronicles 20:6 (NKJV): And (Jehoshaphat) said, "O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?"

Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were looking to God for help at a time when a great multitude was coming against them (see 2 Chronicles 20:1-2, 2 Chronicles 20:12). And the Lord gave them this assurance (through Jahaziel), "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15) He (through Jahaziel) then continued, "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation ('yeshuwah') of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!" (2 Chronicles 20:17) The word 'salvation' ('yeshuwah') here can also mean 'victory, deliverance, aid, help, welfare, health (healing), prosperity'.

So (the next day), they rose early in the morning and went out into Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: "Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established..." (2 Chronicles 20:20) The word 'Tekoa' here means 'the blast of the trumpet' (where victory is at hand), and 'be established' here means 'be strengthened, be strong, be assured, be firmed (or affirmed), be built up, be supported'. And what came after was an amazing victory for God's people (read 2 Chronicles 20:21-30). Praise God!

Let's go back now to the word 'stand' in 2 Chronicles 20:17. In cross reference, Ephesians 6:10-11 says, 'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil'. See the word 'stand' again? Here, it is 'histemi' in Greek, which, interestingly, means 'be established'! So, the apostle Paul was actually saying, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may 'be established' against the wiles (schemings) of the devil."

Now, the big question many may ask: "How to be strong in the Lord?"

Not by your own self-effort (to fight the battle yourself) or by forcing yourself to be strong, but by 'putting on' the 'whole armor' of God! (see Ephesians 6:11-17) To 'put on' here is 'enduo' in Greek, which means 'endue with, clothe with, be filled with, fill your thoughts with, or be conscious of'. And who is this 'whole armor' of God? His name is Jesus! The 'whole armor' here also speaks of the 'wholeness, completeness, and fullness of God'! In other words, you become strong in the Lord by 'putting on' the 'whole armor' of God, i.e. by 'filling your thoughts with, or be conscious of' Jesus, who is your 'whole armor'!
Note: Of course, apart from 'putting on' the 'whole armor' of God, the apostle Paul also wrote, 'praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit' (Ephesians 6:18).

The next question: "And you mean Jesus is my 'whole armor'?"

Exactly! Just an illustration here: Imagine yourself now in a bullet-proof armored car, or a military tank (armored vehicle carrying guns), knowing that nothing on earth can come against you (or hit you), and the feeling that you are safe in it! As a matter of fact, this whole armored car is stronger than you are (in the inside). So it is (the same) with you being 'clothed with' the 'whole armor' of God! To be in the 'whole armor' therefore means to be in Christ!

In Ephesians 6:14-17, the belt, the breastplate, the shoe, the shield, the helmet, and the sword are all 'pictures' representing the Person of  Jesus Christ! So, it's not a question of what you do, or what is the 'whole armor' here, but knowing who you have, and who is your 'whole armor'! He is the Truth, He is your Righteousness, He is the Good News (Gospel) and the Prince of Peace, He is the Beginner (& Completor) of your faith, He is your Salvation (Yeshuwah), and of course, He is the Word of God! In short, He is your 'Whole Armor'!

People of God, the truth remains today that the 'enemy' can never withstand Him and His Word, whatsoever. Your God is stronger! In fact, He is stronger than any force of darkness on earth, or even all the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm put together! He is also stronger than any man's plan (or conspiracy) on earth, and infinitely stronger than all your challenges and problems (including health problems) on earth today. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) - in Jehoshaphat's time, in the apostle Paul's time when he wrote about the 'whole armor', now in your time, and even forever more. Know that victory is already yours. He has already won it for you at the cross. Believing, and you shall be established. Amen!

A time to magnify the Lord!

Psalm 34:3 (NKJV): Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

The word 'magnify' here in Hebrew is 'gadal', which means 'to see something (or someone) as exceedingly great, excellent, and large'. Therefore, the words 'magnify the Lord' here means 'to see the Lord as exceedingly great and excellent, bigger than anything (or anyone) else'. He is infinitely bigger than any of your fears (or problems/troubles) on earth, and even all the fears (or problems/troubles) on earth put together! After all, the Bible says He is the Possessor of heaven and earth! (Genesis 14:19)

And as a believer, you are indeed blessed because you have received Him as your Lord and God! In the Book of Genesis, Melchizedek said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." (Genesis 14:19-20)

By the way, 'to exalt His name' in Hebrew means 'to lift up His name (above all else), to raise His name (above all else), to extol Him, or to mount up to Him'.

Now, see what comes right after Psalm 34:3! Psalm 34:4 then says, 'I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears'. In other words, as you magnify the Lord and exalt His name, all your fears will also be gone! See the word 'all' here?

Psalm 34:5-6 then follows, 'They looked to Him and were radiant (i.e. lightened, become cheerful), and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man (i.e. humble man) cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles'. See the word 'all' again?

The more you see Him great and magnified, the less your own fears (or problems/troubles) become! These are correlated.

So, people of God, no matter what happens (in this time and season), keep looking to Him, magnifying Him and exalting His name continually. The psalmist David himself said it this way, 'I will bless (i.e. adore, speak well of) the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth' (Psalm 34:1). Notice the words 'at all times' and 'continually' here?

In Him, you'll also overcome the 'giants' (of fear, trouble, intimidation, etc) around you (in this time and season), just as Caleb did (see Numbers 13:1-33, Numbers 14:1-24).

The name 'Caleb' in Hebrew implies 'to attack (and to overcome) with strength, courage, and vigor', and interestingly, Caleb was from the tribe of Judah! (Numbers 13:6) The word 'Judah' in Hebrew is 'Yehuwdah' (i.e. 'to celebrate'), which comes from the word 'yadah', meaning 'to praise and worship (with extended hands)'. So, when others lifted up their voices to complain against their leader (Moses) and cried in fear and anxiety thinking they would be like grasshoppers (or mere insects) to the 'giants' (Numbers 14:1), Caleb instead lifted up his voice, saying, "The land (Promised Land) we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people ('giants') of the land, for they are our bread..." (Numbers 14:7-9).

See the difference between Caleb and the other spies sent into the land of Canaan? No wonder the Lord then said, "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it." (Numbers 14:24)

In the end, not only did Caleb successfully enter the Promised Land (when many others failed), he also received his inheritance in the land (see Joshua 14:6-15). Praise God! Believe you will too! A year of glory beckons! Receive the Spirit and strength that overcomes, in Jesus' name. Amen!

God can set you up for good things!

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV): The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

The word 'ordered' here is 'kuwn' in Hebrew, which means 'erected, established, set up, directed, appointed'. See the words 'set up' here? The devil may set up traps/snares for you to fall into (like an innocent animal falling into a trap), but on the other hand, God (who is altogether good) wants to set you up for good things! The Bible says, 'His thoughts for you are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope' (see Jeremiah 29:11).

"But, pastor, I don't think I qualify as a good man (or woman)!"

In Christ, you are! As a believer in the New Covenant, you are good because He is good! As He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) In other words, you are made good (made righteous) because the Bible says 'He became sin for you, so that you might become the righteousness of God in Him'! (see 2 Corinthians 5:21)

"Is there any example how God can set a person up for good things?"

Definitely! Let's go to the Book of Ruth now.

Have you ever wondered what is the one quality that made Ruth outstanding among many women in her days? And the fact that though she's a foreigner (from the country of Moab) and a mere ordinary citizen in her own country, but of all women, God made her the great grandmother of King David?

I believe she wasn't just a woman of faithfulness (in a time of national faithlessness), but she's also a woman who had the fear of God (i.e. the willingness to submit to Him and allow Him to take the lead every step of the way, instead of twisting/turning His arms and His words according to one's own creative way). That, my friend, is the key to her steps being 'ordered' (established) by the Lord.

Let me explain.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (human mind). In all your ways acknowledge Him'. Proverbs 3:7-8 then follows, 'Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones'. The Bible also says, 'the fear of the Lord prolongs days' (Proverbs 10:27), and 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10).

And very often, the wisdom of God may initially seem foolishness to men.

By the way, the name 'Ruth' ('Ruwth' in Hebrew) means 'friend'. A 'friend' is also someone who can talk (whether with God, or with another person) as it is, instead of twisting/turning according to his/her own whim and fancy (or creativity).

Even though Ruth's step (i.e. decision/direction) of following her mother-in-law, Naomi (who had nothing left for her) seemed to be a disadvantaged step to human mind/understanding (see Ruth 1:8-17), this step eventually opened the way for greater things to come for her!

As a matter of fact, I'm sure there were people questioning Ruth's decision (of following her mother-in-law) at that time. Some might even have said, "Why don't you be like Orpah your sister-in-law?" or "Isn't it a better idea to stay back and re-marry?"

A good idea may not be God's idea, and a creative idea may not be the Creator's idea!

Ruth 1:22 then reads, 'So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem (House of Bread) at the beginning of barley harvest'. Ruth 2:1-3 follows, 'There was a relative of Naomi's husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech (Naomi's late husband). His name is Boaz (means 'pillar' in Hebrew). So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field, and glean (pick up) heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech'.

People of God, nothing happens by accident, and everything happens for a reason. See how God began to order Ruth's steps here? Speaking of being in the right place, at the right time, and with the right person! Some people call it 'an appointed time', or 'a divine appointment'.

And as things happened, Ruth later found favor in Boaz's eyes (Ruth 2:8-10). Ruth 2:15-16 then reads, 'And when Ruth rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her."' In other words, that was a set up! 'Boaz' is a typology of 'Jesus, your Redeemer'. Today, just as Boaz was to Ruth those days, Jesus wants to do the same to you too! He wants to set you up for many more good things to come! Are you willing?

Here's another instance of Ruth being 'set up' again. Ruth 3:1-4 says, 'Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz, ... is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing (tossing) barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do."' How prophetic! And all these did come to pass just as Naomi had said! (see Ruth 3:8-13)

By the way, the name 'Naomi' means 'pleasant' (from the Hebrew word "no'am", meaning 'delight'). Indeed, Naomi had delight in Ruth (and in her ways). So, if 'Boaz' speaks of 'Jesus', then 'Naomi' represents 'the Holy Spirit'! The Spirit of God is a Spirit of prophecy, and He is definitely a pleasant Spirit as well! The Spirit of God also always leads us (and points us) to Jesus, our Bread!

So, how did Ruth respond to Naomi's words and instructions? Ruth 3:5 says, 'And she (Ruth) said to her (Naomi), "All that you say to me I will do."' And the rest, my friend, was history! You may also wish to read the rest of Ruth's story in the Book of Ruth today.

People of God, as you prepare yourself to be 'ordered' (guided, established, set up) by the Lord in this coming new season of yours, I pray Psalm 37:23 to be with you, wherever He leads you to go, and in every step of the way. In Jesus' name. Amen!

It is He who gives you power to get wealth!

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV): "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

The word 'power' here in Hebrew is 'kowach', which can mean 'ability, able, capacity, vigour, strength, substance, power'. In the New Covenant today, this 'power' that comes from Him is the anointing (i.e. enabling or empowering).

And when He gives, you (the believers) are the ones to receive! Acts 1:8 says, 'But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth'. Note that this power is not just the power to save, to restore, to renew, to heal, to deliver, but this power is also the power to prosper! (see Luke 4:18-19) And the Bible says 'It is He' who gives it to you, not any man, organization, or even government. Look to Him.

Galatians 3:13-14 says, 'Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith'. Notice the word 'receive' again? Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ became a curse for you on the cross (tree), so that you can now receive the blessing (that began when God made a covenant with Abraham). And one of the evidences of this blessing is in the area of prosperity!

"Was Abraham rich?" 

Yes. The Bible says so. Genesis 13:2 says, 'Abram (Abraham's former name) was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold'. Genesis 12:1-3 speaks of God's promises to Abram. It says, 'Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family, and from your father's house to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."'

2 Corinthians 8:9 says, 'For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich'.

So, people of God, from all the verses above, it is clear that God wants you to prosper! (see also 3 John 2). In fact, Psalm 35:27 says 'God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant'.

"What is God's purpose in prospering His people?" 

The answer is found in Deuteronomy 8:18 - 'so that He may establish His covenant' on earth. And He's doing it through you. Prosperity is a good testimony for the good news of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, 'And God is able (i.e. God has the power) to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work'. What is this 'good work'? To establish God's covenant on earth! By sowing the seed of the good news of Jesus Christ! (see 2 Corinthians 9:9-11). So, you see, prosperity is not so much for the purpose of you getting a bigger and bigger mansion on earth, or adding to your collection of glossy cars!

"So, is it wrong to prosper?"

No, if you have His covenant in mind. The Bible never says 'money is evil', but it says the love of money is (see 1 Timothy 6:10). In other words, God is not against you having money, but He is against money having you!

So, people of God, set your mind on establishing His covenant on earth, and you'll be on your way to 'prospering you shall prosper', whatever your vocation may be on earth (as long as it's in line with God's Word). This is the key to prosperity in the Lord.
Point to note: Just don't forget Him after you have prospered!

I have also noticed through history that whenever His people remember and are conscious of His covenant, they'd prosper. But when they forget (or leave) His covenant, they'd begin to lack! That's why Moses reminded the people in Deuteronomy 8:18 - 'And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth'.

For those who are currently going through a time of lack (or hard times), by faith receive this anointing to break the 'old cycle' of lack, and right now, be released into a 'new cycle' of blessing and prosperity. The curse has been broken, and the blessing of Abraham has come upon you. Believing this, and you'll have it. Declare this over your life and your loved ones. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Christ the Beginning, the Head, the Firstfruit

Genesis 1:1 (KJV): In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

The words 'In the beginning' here are 'Be-Reshiyth' in Hebrew, and these are the words that lead the way for all the other words in the Bible! According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the word 'Reshiyth' here in Hebrew means 'first, beginning, head, chief, choice part, best, firstfruit'.

Genesis 1:1 (word for word) sounds like this in Hebrew: Be (In the) reshiyth (beginning) bara (created) Elohim (God) et hashamayim (the heaven) ve'et ha'aretz (and the earth).

Let's look now at the words 'Be-Reshiyth' ('In the beginning'), which consist of the Hebrew alphabets 'Beth' and then 'Resh-Aleph-Shin-Yod-Tav':
The alphabet 'Beth' (בְּ) is a picture of a 'house', and in the context of Genesis 1:1, it means 'housed in'.
The alphabets 'Resh-Aleph-Shin-Yod-Tav' (רֵאשִׁ֖ית) picture this: 'The Head (Resh), being sacrificed (Aleph), the God (Shin/Shaddai), whose hands (Yod), are at the cross (Tav)'.

Note: Hebrew is written right to left, and every Hebrew alphabet (i.e. alefbet) has a picture.

Do you see Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach) now from the very beginning in Genesis 1:1? As a teacher of the Word, I'm here to unveil Christ in the Word of God (for He is in the Old Testament concealed, and He is in the New Testament revealed); and yes, Christ is there even from the very first verse of the whole Bible! Because He is the Word!

Let's now cross-refer to John 1:1. It says, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'. See the words 'In the beginning' again? John 1:2-4 then follows, 'He (The Word) was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him (the Word), and without Him (the Word) nothing was made that was made. In Him (the Word) was life, and the life was the light of men'.

Note: 'The Word' here refers to 'Jesus Christ our Lord' (John 1:14). 

John 1:9-10 continues, 'That (The Word) was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him...' Psalm 119:130 confirms this, 'The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple (i.e. those who lack understanding)'. John 1:12 then says, 'As many as received Him (The Word), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.' Amen.

The book of Colossians explains much about Christ being the Head, the Firstfruit (see Colossians 1:15-18). Here, the apostle Paul wrote clearly to show that Christ is preeminent ('proteuo' in Greek), i.e. first and foremost in everything, and that a believer's life should also reflect this priority: In all that you are and you do, you are in Him (in Christ)...
- alive in Him (Colossians 2:13),
- walking in Him (Colossians 2:6),
- rooted in Him (Colossians 2:7),
- built up in Him (Colossians 2:7),
- hidden in Him (Colossians 2:3),
- established in Him (Colossians 2:7), and
- complete in Him (Colossians 2:10).
Praise the Lord!
Acts 17:28 also says, 'In Him (In Christ), we live, we move, and we have our being'. Amen!

In conclusion, as believers, and together in one body (of Christ), let us continue to 'hold fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments; and grow with the increase that is from God' (Colossians 2:19). In Jesus' name. Amen.

Guard your rest - The Samson story

Judges 16:16 (NKJV): And it came to pass, when she (Delilah) pestered him (Samson) daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death...

There are many things one can learn from Samson's life experiences and mistakes, and I believe nothing is written in the Bible without a purpose (or reason). His story might be a tragic one, but at least he did fulfil his calling in the end (Judges 16:23-31).

Samson was to be a son of rest because His father's name, Manoah (Judges 13:2) means 'man of rest, quietness, being settled' in Hebrew. The word 'Manoah' here is of the same word as 'Noah' ('Nuwach' in Hebrew), which also means 'rest, quietness, being settled'. You see, only a son of rest (like Noah) could build his Father an ark! (Genesis 5:29)

Note: When I write about 'rest' here, I'm referring to one's inner rest, and not so much about one's physical rest (though there is a place for this too). 

'Building an ark' here simply speaks of 'building God's plan/blueprint'. In other words, it takes a son of rest to be able to fulfil God's 'plan/blueprint' effectively. For Samson, God's plan/blueprint for him was to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines (Judges 13:5).

Even though he did have a weakness for women (and he couldn't control his lust for them), I believe the underlying reason for his downfall was due to his inner rest being taken away. This was the real secret of his strength, i.e. he 'being at rest' in the Lord. When one is at rest in the Lord, that's when His strength would also come and take over!

Of course, having said all the above, one also cannot deny that he (Samson) should have restrained himself from being enticed by harlots, and should have fled (from them) in the very first place. The Bible says 'to flee youthful lusts' (2 Timothy 2:22). This 'carelessness' on his part in turn opened a 'loophole' for the enemy to come in and take advantage of him, and it eventually led to his inner rest being robbed away!

Let me explain now from the Bible.

From Judges 16, you'd see that not until Samson's rest was being taken away did he get overpowered by the Philistines. And the woman in the thick of this whole thing was none other than Delilah (Judges 16:4). And the lords of the Philistines then came up to her (Delilah) and said to her, "Entice him, and find out where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and every one of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver." (Judges 16:5) And Delilah did as they said (Judges 16:6-15). By the way, and interestingly, the name 'Delilah' in Hebrew means 'to drain someone of his rest, to exhaust someone of his energy, or to thin something out'!

Judges 16:16-17 then says, 'And it came to pass, when she (Delilah) pestered him (Samson) daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death, that he told her all his heart, and said to her, "No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man."'

The word 'vexed' here simply means 'being drained, distressed, or annoyed'. In other words, Samson was so 'drained' by Delilah that he eventually lost his inner rest. The Bible says he was being pestered daily with Delilah's words, and pressed hard, probably from every angle! And as a consequence, his soul grew so tired even to the point of death! And that's also when he told her all his heart's secret.

Judges 16:19 says, 'Then she (Delilah) lulled him (Samson) to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him'. This speaks of Samson being cut off from his rest in the Lord. The number 'seven' in Hebrew means 'finished, perfect, completed work, or enter into rest'. For example, the Bible says 'six days God worked' (Genesis 1:31), 'on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day' (Genesis 2:2), and 'then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work' (Genesis 2:3).

Now, let's see what happened to Samson when he lost his 'seven locks' (i.e. rest) that eventually caused him to lose his strength (i.e. his authority and power). Judges 16:21 says, 'Then the Philistines took him (Samson) and put out (i.e. bore out) his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza (i.e. 'being treated harshly and roughly in a stronghold'). They bound him with bronze fetters, and he became a grinder in the prison'.

'Put out his eyes' here means 'losing his perspective and vision in life'. In other words, when God's people lose their rest in the Lord, they'll also lose God's perspective and vision for their lives. This may even lead to them being 'bound' and 'imprisoned' (i.e. 'taken captives') in the 'stronghold' of the enemies.

So, people of God, never allow anyone (or anything) to rob you of your rest in the Lord! When your heart (and soul) is at rest in the Lord, you'll be less likely to make any rash decisions that may cause you to regret later in your life. Guard your rest in Him and continue to stay in His rest! Also, when one is at rest, he/she can receive God's wisdom and revelation more clearly and accurately. In contrast, one cannot if he/she is anxious or in distress. The solution is to cast all your cares (and anxieties/worries) to the Lord, for He is the Lord who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, you can find perfect rest in Christ because of all that He has already done for you on the cross. His work on the cross is already finished and completed. The Bible says 'be diligent to enter into this rest' (Hebrews 4:10-11), i.e. resting in the perfect work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Amen.

Note: Having written all the above, I would also like to end with this: Your God is also a God of second chance. Judges 16:22 says, 'However, the hair of his (Samson's) head began to grow again after it had been shaven'. And Samson found strength again (Judges 16:23-31). There's still hope, my friend, no matter what your mistakes may be in the past. Let the bygones be bygones, and begin to look to Him afresh and anew today. He's here for you, and His love (for you) never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Let this day be a new day and a new beginning for you as well, and I pray His strength be released upon you afresh and anew all over again. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A restful heart and soul

1 Chronicles 22:7-9 (NKJV): And David said to Solomon: "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God; but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest ('manuwach'), and I will give him rest ('nuwach') from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.'"

Only a man of rest can build God's house (speaks of God's things, destiny, or calling in one's life) effectively. A man of war (speaks of strife, including worries, anxieties, restlessness, etc) cannot! The Hebrew word 'manuwach' here simply means 'a man of rest, a man of quietness, or a man whose heart is settled'.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word 'nuwach' (meaning 'rest, quietness, settled') here is the same word 'Noah', whom God called to build Him an ark (Genesis 6:14). You see, only a restful man can build God an 'ark' (also speaks of God's things, destiny, or calling in one's life)! 

Note: When I write about rest here, I'm referring to one's inner rest (i.e. a restful heart and soul), and not one's physical rest, though the latter is also important in life. I'm also not implying that one should just laze around all year, doing nothing and waiting for money (or goodies) to fall from the sky!

You see, one can be busy and thriving in life, yet restful in the inside. On the other hand, I've also seen people who are on holiday physically, but yet anxious, restless, or worrisome in the inside!

From the four Gospels, one can see that Jesus was a busy Man during His over three years of ministry on earth, but yet inside of Him, He also had such deep and unshakeable rest and peace. For instance, in the midst of the chaotic wind storm and the waves beating into the boat where He was in, out of the abundance of what's inside of Him, He then spoke, "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39), and the sea became calm again.

When your heart (or soul) is at rest (in spite of whatever happens around you), you'll also then be able to receive His revelation or wisdom more clearly and accurately, which in turn leads to clear and accurate decision-making on your part. However, if your heart (or soul) is always anxious, restless, or worrisome, you can't!

Note: The 'soul' here includes the 'mind, will, and emotion'.

Hebrews 4:9-11 says, 'There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works (i.e. self-effort, striving at work) ... Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, ...'

People of God, Jesus has already given you His rest (Matthew 11:28-29). The Bible also says, 'Peace He leaves with you, His peace He gives to you; not as the world gives, but the peace that comes from Him' (John 14:27). So, let your heart and soul be open to receive it today. And no matter what you see (or hear) outside of you today, or what happens in the world right now, never allow anyone (or anything) to take this inner rest away from you (or even rob you of it)! Instead, keep receiving this rest and peace (that comes only from Him), day by day, every day of your life. And whatever you do (or say), you'll also do it (or say it) out of this rest and peace in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Activating God's Word into Being

Genesis 1:3 (NKJV): Then God said, "Let there be light", and there was light.

You may have studied the Word of God at one time or another, or gone for a Bible-study session before, but exactly how do you activate the Word of God into being for your life?

In Genesis 1:1-3, in spite of the darkness (and everything void), and where there's no evidence of any light yet whatsoever, God said, "Let there be light!" In Hebrew expression, it actually means: "Light, be!" And that's how light came about! Praise God!

See how God's Word releases the power to create? 'Darkness' turned into 'light' just as He has spoken! And when light comes, darkness just have to leave! The same it is with any problem you may be facing right now!

So, again, how do you activate the Word of God into being for your life? By confessing it, i.e. to say the same as what God says in the Word! It means you agree with it, and then you declare it (by speaking it forth)! And after that, continue to hold fast to this confession! (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:23) By the way, the word 'confession' (in King James Version: 'profession') here is 'homologia' in Greek, from the word 'homologeo', meaning 'to agree and to say the same (as God says)'.

For instance, if you find yourself getting a bit forgetful, or even losing your memory, how do you stop the rot?

The world may tell you all kinds of ways or methods (and some are indeed legitimate), but what does the Bible say? It says by saying the same as what God says about you, you'll have what God says! (Mark 11:23-24) The Bible also says 'by your words, you will be justified, and by your words also, you will be condemned' (Matthew 12:37). You see, there's power in the words that you speak! Therefore, choose to speak God's Word instead! God's Word creates! God's Word turns a fact (i.e. what it is now) into a truth (i.e. what God says it to be)!

So, instead of confessing "Oh no! I'm getting forgetful. I'm afraid I'm losing my memory", you say what God says about you: "I have the mind of Christ, and the mind of Christ is always sharp!" (1 Corinthians 2:16).

"But, pastor, you are telling me to run away from reality, and deny the fact that I'm actually losing my memory! Isn't this 'escapism'?"

No, my friend. You've got to know the difference between the fact and the truth? Let me explain. The fact may be that 'you are losing your memory'. But the truth is the Bible says 'you have the mind of Christ'. And indeed, the mind of Christ never gets old!

And His Word is always the truth (John 8:32), and this truth shall also set you free (from whatever problem you may be facing right now)!

So, in spite of your health problem, or your financial problem at the moment, speak like what God speaks, as if it has already happened! Instead of saying the fact, you say the truth: "In Christ, I am already healed, because Jesus has already carried my sins upon the cross, and by His stripes I was healed!" (1 Peter 2:24), or "In Christ, my (financial or career) path shines brighter and brighter day by day! (Proverbs 4:18) Romans 4:17 says, '...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did'. In King James Version, it says, '...God, who... calleth those things which be not as though they were.'

In Numbers 13:30-33, the fact was 'there were really giants in the Promised Land', but the truth was 'God had already given the Israelites the Promised Land'! Joshua and Caleb chose to believe the truth (in spite of the fact). They then declared that 'the land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land' (Numbers 14:7), and 'do not fear these people, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us' (Numbers 14:9)! As a result, both of them have what they'd believed and spoken!

In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus says, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Also, in the midst of a great windstorm and the waves beating into their boat, Jesus then arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:37-39). See the words 'be' again here?

People of God, in Christ, you too have the power and authority to cause things to 'be'! Why? Because you are heir of God and joint-heir with Christ! (Romans 8:16-17) And as heir of God and joint-heir with Christ, you inherit what He has! The Bible also says you are created in God's likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). You are therefore His sons and daughters, a people after His seed! And that's why just as God is, you too are called to turn 'darkness' into 'light' (in whatever situation you may be facing right now)!

So, the next time you pray and declare God's promises upon your life (or the situation around you), know that you are also indeed releasing the power to create 'light' through your spoken words!

The Bible says, 'For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us' (2 Corinthians 1:20). See the words 'through us' here? It means you are the one who activates all that God has promised (for you) into being! How? By declaring it! By speaking it forth! By confessing it! By claiming it! By believing and receiving it! Now, see it this way: If someone has written a will (of say, ten million dollars) for you (as an inheritance), you won't be able to enjoy it till you've signed it and claimed it! To sign it and to claim it here is to activate it!

By the way, the word 'Amen' means "So be it!" Notice the word 'be' again? So, the next time you end a prayer with an "Amen!", mean it and say it with a believing heart to receive! It's definitely not something you say religiously or out of formality, but instead, it is the power to 'create' through your spoken words, just as God said, "Light, be!" Amen! "So be it"!

In Christ, your joy is made complete!

Deuteronomy 16:15 (NKJV): "Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the Lord your God in the place which the Lord chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice (in NIV: your joy will be complete)."

This verse speaks of the celebration of 'Sukkot' (i.e. The Feast of Tabernacles) among the Israelites. Deuteronomy 16:13-14 says, "You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates."

People of God, this is a time to rejoice and to receive the fullness of His joy! This is also a time for renewed fellowship with the Lord, and being conscious of His Presence; enjoying Him and celebrating His blessings and goodness in your life!

Leviticus 23:40-43 says, 'And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. You shall dwell in booths ('sukkah') for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths ('sukkah'), that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths ('sukkah') when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.'

This Hebrew word 'sukkah' (where the word 'Sukkot' comes from) simply means 'tabernacle, tent, or hut', i.e. 'a shelter made of tree branches'. This word 'sukkah' is in turn derived from the word 'sakak', which speaks of 'to be covered (by the Lord), to join together (with the Lord), and to shut out (from the world), as God's people dwell in booths'.

This reminded me of when Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting (Exodus 33:7), just to be alone with God. It was here that the pillar of cloud descended, and the Lord talked with Moses (Exodus 33:9) face to face, as a man speaks to his friend (Exodus 33:11). Moses later experienced God's glory in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:12-23), and he came out totally refreshed and renewed for the things ahead of him! (Exodus 34:1-2)

What do all these mean to you as a believer in the New Covenant?

Like Moses, we all need such time at one time or another, away from the people, and even the materialism or worldliness around us, just to be alone with God, enjoying His Presence, and communing (i.e. communicating and being in union) with Him. His wisdom and revelation would also flow when one connects with Him!

And where His Presence is, there is also His joy! Jesus is indeed the Source of your joy, and this joy is one that money can't buy, or the world can't give! It is also eternal and not short-lived (unlike the one that the world gives). Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely He (Jesus) has borne your griefs and carried your sorrows ..." So that in exchange, you can have His joy! This happened when He died for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago!

His Spirit is also the Spirit of joy, and when His joy comes, sorrow has to leave; just as when the light comes, darkness has to flee! The Bible also says, 'this joy of the Lord shall be your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). In Him, you are also anointed with the oil of joy that breaks every sorrow and heaviness (Isaiah 61:1-3), setting you free from every yoke, burden, or captivity. As a result, your life is now filled with the fullness of joy. Hallelujah! By faith, receive this oil of joy wherever you are right now, and be refreshed and renewed for the things ahead of you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Show me now Your way!"

Exodus 33:13 (NKJV): "Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight ..."

Exodus 33 is to be read and understood from the background of Exodus 32. Here, Moses was at a crucial point in his life and ministry, and in fact, he had come to the point where he didn't know how to go about any more!

So, what actually happened that led to Moses asking "Show me now Your way..."?

Let's now go back to Exodus 32. When the people saw that their leader Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, they gathered together to Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32:1). Aaron gave in, and there a molded calf was made (Exodus 32:4).

Then, the Lord said to Moses, "Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, 'This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!'" (Exodus 32:7-8)

Later on, having seen how his own people were plagued because of what they did with the calf (Exodus 32:35) despite his attempt to intervene, he must have felt rather terrible. And it was at this point of heart-brokenness and helplessness that Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far away from the people, calling it the tabernacle of meeting (Exodus 33:7), to talk with God.

Moses then said, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." (Exodus 33:12-13)

And that's when the Lord answered him, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

I used to wonder what does 'His way' have to do with 'His Presence'? Why did the Lord respond with "My Presence will go with you" when Moses asked for 'His way'? I then found the answer in the Hebrew word for 'Presence' itself, pronounced as 'Paniym', which means 'face, countenance, forefront'. The Lord was actually telling Moses, "From now on, no more your face, but My face; no more your countenance (radiance), but My countenance (radiance) as you go on from here; and from now on, no more are you at the forefront, but I AM now your forefront that leads you on from here!"

Today, as a believer, know that the Lord has also shown you His Presence through His Son, Jesus Christ. In Him, you find your rest (Matthew 11:28), and in Him also, you find your Way, your Truth, and your Life! (John 14:6) As you rest in His Presence, that's when He'll also show you the way!

Moses then said, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here." (Exodus 33:15)

People of God, His Presence in your life is the primary thing. Everything else comes second. When you have His Presence, you have everything, and that includes His way, His power, His wisdom, His favor, His peace, His joy, and the list goes on. As a believer, even though you know that He is already in you, it helps to be conscious of His Presence, to practice His Presence, and to linger (and stay) in His Presence moment by moment, day by day. Amen.

The Faithfulness of God

Psalm 92:2 (NKJV): To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.

Even in the darkest of hours, God's faithfulness to you still stay the same! You may have been taught to be faithful to God, and that's great, but today, God also wants you to know that He is faithful to you, and His faithfulness to you hasn't changed!

The Bible doesn't just say God is good to you (Psalm 34:8), but the Bible also says He is faithful to you (Psalm 92:2). It also means He is faithful towards all His promises for you! And because He is a covenant God, He is also faithful to the covenant He has made with you as a believer.

Not just that, He also doesn't bring you somewhere, or lead you out somewhere to suffer you or to bring you sorrow! (Proverbs 10:22)

Let's now go all the way back to Exodus 15:22-26, and back to Moses' days. Moses had just led the people out of the bondage of Egypt with great signs and wonders not long ago, and the Red Sea even opened up for them to cross over! But here they were in the wilderness, finding themselves three days with no water to drink! And even after they've found a pool of water (at Marah), it was useless, for they couldn't drink it (as it was bitter). You see, one can survive three days without food, but one may not survive three days without water! And that was the fact they had to face!

"What now, Moses? What are we going to drink now? If we don't have water for another day, we'll all die here!"

'Stuck' in the middle of nowhere, and worse still, with no water to drink, they probably have murmured all those words against Moses and even began doubting if all these 'coming-out-of-Egypt-thing' was really that worth it!

But as the people complained, Moses cried out to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). See the difference between Moses and the rest? When everyone else complained, Moses did not, but he learned to cry out to God and seek Him. Moses trusted that his God would not lead them out to suffer them! And at that time, when others thought God is no-where, Moses still believed God is now-here!

Moses also believed God's faithfulness (towards the people whom He had led out of Egypt) hasn't changed! If God could open the Red Sea when they were once at the dead-end, He could open the way for them one more time!

And that's when God showed him a tree (Exodus 15:25), and when he cast it into the (bitter) waters, the waters were made sweet, ready for the people to drink! Today, this tree is a 'picture' of the cross and all that Jesus has done for you on the cross. It's here that God can turn whatever that's 'bitter' and make it 'sweet' for you now. It's also here that He has carried all your curse, so that you can now have your 'well' of blessings.

People of God, whatever situation you are faced with right now, look to Him and trust Him. The God in Moses' days is the same God in you today! He hasn't changed. He is faithful to His words for you, and He will see to it that He will lead you on, so long as you don't give up or walk out on Him. You see, men may walk out on you, but God will not. The Bible says 'He will never leave you, nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). His faithfulness towards His promises and plan for you stays the same, just as He had been in Moses' days.

Note: Throughout Israel's journey in the wilderness those days, He had always shown Himself faithful to His people. And even when many in Moses' days gave up or walked out on Him, His faithfulness towards His covenant and promises for them stayed the same. It was the people who walked out on God, not God who walked out on them! The truth is He has kept His word till the very end, and eventually led Joshua and Caleb into the Promised Land. He is indeed a God of covenant and promises!

That's why the Bible says in Philippians 1:6 that 'He who has begun a good work in you will complete it (i.e. bring it to full completion) until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ'. Today, He wants you to know He is faithful towards all His promises for you, and not just that, He will also be faithful to you till the very end. Receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Blessing of the Lord makes you rich

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV): The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

The word 'rich' here is 'ashar' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to grow in richness, to make rich, or to cause you to be rich'. In other words, God's blessing in your life causes you to be rich! Here, I'm not just talking about being rich in finance. The blessing of the Lord makes you rich in every good thing, and this good thing can be in health, in wisdom, in revelation, in favor, etc!

2 Corinthians 8:9 says 'though He (Jesus) was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich'. Here, you see a great exchange happened when Jesus died for you on the cross. In fact, He literally lost everything there, and He did it with you in mind, and for your sakes!

What then is the opposite of 'blessing'? Curse! Galatians 3:13-14 tells us that 'Christ has become a curse for us, so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon us'. The Bible also says 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'! Someone used to ask, "Is it really necessary for Jesus to die on a tree (i.e. a wooden cross)?" The answer is yes. Why? Because it was from a tree that Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3:1-7), and therefore 'curse' came (Genesis 3:16-19), and so, in order to redeem you and reverse this curse, it was also necessary for Him to die on a tree as well.

When you live in His blessing, Proverbs 10:22 also says 'He adds no sorrow with it'. Praise God! It means 'no sorrow attached'! It also means 'no strings of whatever sorrows attached'! It means when He blesses you, He blesses you. Full stop. Period. No strings attached! For example, if God blesses you with say, an 'open door' to a lucrative career, it need not be 'attached' with you having to sacrifice your health, or even family!

Isaiah 53:4 says, 'Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...' Psalm 127:2 says, 'It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows...' In fact, the word 'sorrow' here (i.e. 'etseb' in Hebrew) in Psalm 127:2 is the same word 'sorrow' in Proverbs 10:22, which can mean 'pain, worry, grief, hurts, bitterness, anguish, burdened, in a sorry state, or toiling/laboring with much pain and difficulty'. The good news is Jesus has carried them all for you at the cross, and therefore today, you can now be set free from all those 'sorrows'!

So, whatever 'sorrow' ('etseb') you may have at the moment, let all these go to Jesus. See all these hung on the cross, and see Jesus in all His love carrying them for you right now. He is here to carry them all, and there's really nothing that He cannot take or carry. After all, He had suffered the worst that the devil could ever hurl against anyone - spirit, soul, and body! In return, receive also the joy of the Lord, which is your strength.

People of God, my prayer for you today is that you are being set free from all those 'sorrows' of yours, and as you move on from here, Proverbs 10:22 shall also go with you every step of the way from now on. In Jesus' name. Amen.

When you are at rest...

Leviticus 23:24 (NKJV): "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.'"

This day is also called the Head of the Year, or Rosh Hashanah, i.e. the Jewish New Year. Notice the Jewish New Year begins in the seventh month (Tishrei), and very interestingly, Leviticus 23:24 says it begins with a sabbath-rest! The word 'sabbath' in Hebrew here actually means 'rest, stillness, quietness, or to desist from exertion'. I like the words 'to desist from exertion' here. Let me explain further.

As a believer in the New Covenant, know that Jesus is the Lord of Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). In Him, you find sabbath (rest, stillness, and quietness for your soul). Notice just before Matthew 12 about Jesus being the Lord of Sabbath, in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Your year begins with a sabbath-rest! I used to wonder why is it so, and 1 Chronicles 22:7-10 came into picture: And David said to Solomon: "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God, but the word of the Lord came to me saying, You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father..." By the way, 'Solomon' in Hebrew comes from the word 'Shalom', meaning 'peace'.

Let me reiterate this: Your year begins with a sabbath-rest! And so it is with a new season (or project) you are walking into! In other words, begin your new season (or project) with the revelation of sabbath-rest! 

You see, only a man of rest can build God's things! When one is striving, restless, or in strife (i.e. not at rest), one cannot make 'pinpoint' or accurate decisions, hence building God's things, or walking in the fullness of God's destiny for him/her. That's why the psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) And when one is at rest (i.e. 'to desist from exertion', which speaks of 'to stop trying hard with one's own strength and self-effort'), God's divine wisdom and revelation also flows. What takes many days for somebody else to 'achieve' with his/her own self-effort or intelligence, with God, it may only take you one day!

In fact, studies have proven that one's inability to handle stress effectively raises his/her heart risk (i.e. the risk of heart attack or having heart-related problems). Also when one is striving and not at rest, his/her body's immune system lowers down, and therefore becomes easily susceptible to all kinds of illnesses!

That's why God wants us to start the year (or a project) with a restful heart. When you have a restful heart, you are in effect allowing God to take charge and take over. You also cast your care to Him, knowing that He cares for you, and will lead you on. Jesus would then become your wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), instead of you relying solely on your own human wisdom. And when His divine wisdom flows, whatever He has called you to do will never be in vain! Psalm 127:1-2 confirms it: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep'. 'To eat the bread of sorrows' here can mean 'to be anxious, restless, and worried about many things'.

So, people of God, begin to look to Jesus as you begin your year (or a project). When you learn to rest in Him, that's when He acts! He is your 'head start'! He is also your all-sufficient Lord and God. Rest in His wisdom and revelation for you (Ephesians 1:17). Rest also in His assurance that He is with you, and will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In Him, you find every good thing flowing to you and through you. His work on the cross has already been completed and finished! (John 19:30) And He is now highly exalted above all else (Philippians 2:9), sitting together with the Heavenly Father. 'To sit' speaks of 'rest'. Today, He is also inviting you to sit together with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and reign with Him (Romans 5:17), as you walk into the fullness of God's destiny and calling for your life. Amen.

The 'ark' opens the way into your new season!

Joshua 3:3 (NKJV): And they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it."

The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.

The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).

What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.

After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.

And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).

A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!

So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!

He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).

Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!

Your drought is ending, and your rain is coming!

1 Kings 18:1 (NKJV): And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth."

'Elijah' here speaks of 'God coming down and presenting Himself to humankind'. Some 2,000 years ago, God came down (John 1:11-14) and presented Himself to humankind, and with Him also came grace and truth (John 1:17). Not only that, victory had also been won for us (those who believe) when He died on the cross!

On the other hand, 'Ahab' here speaks of 'humankind', yet susceptible to influences, whether good or bad. In Ahab's case, he was very much influenced by his wife, Jezebel, worshipping and serving Baal, and provoking the Lord God of Israel (YHWH) to anger more than all other kings of Israel who were before him (1 Kings 16:31-33). This led to God proclaiming a drought in the land (1 Kings 17:1).
Note: 'Baal' speaks of 'other gods'.

Let's now go to the background leading to the rain coming. Elijah then said to Ahab in 1 Kings 18:19, "Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." Interestingly, the word 'Carmel' literally means 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place', derived from the Hebrew word 'kerem', meaning 'vine, vineyard'.

In other words, Elijah called on the people to gather at Carmel, a place of 'fullness of blessing', where they would witness who the real 'Vine' is! (see also John 15:1, John 15:4-5) Today, God is also calling the people to return to the 'Vine', the very source, where the 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place' is! It's a call to stay connected with Him, just like a 'branch' to the 'vine', no matter what happens in this end-time.

That's why Elijah threw a challenge to all the people those days, saying, "How long will you falter (waver) between two opinions? If the Lord (YHWH) is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21) People of God, this is an important time to continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and not waver or doubt, no matter how the 'Baals' of today may try to 'side-track' you.

Elijah then said to the people, "Therefore let them (the prophets of Baal) give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it." (1 Kings 18:23) And to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said, "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord (YHWH); and the God who answers by fire, He is God." (1 Kings 18:24)

The prophets of Baal soon tried to call down fire, but in vain. They even cried aloud and cut themselves with knives until blood gushed out on them! (1 Kings 18:28) Yet, there was still no fire! This speaks of men's 'self-effort' to try to earn the favor of their 'gods'.

When it came to Elijah's turn, he then said to all the people, "Come near to me." So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down (1 Kings 18:30). He then put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, "Fill four water pots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood." (1 Kings 18:33) This indeed is a beautiful 'picture' of the sacrifice of Jesus on the (wooden) cross! At the cross, blood and water also came out from the body of Jesus, as He was being nailed and pierced.

And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah said, "Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and I have done all these things at Your word." (1 Kings 18:36) Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench (1 Kings 18:38). This is a 'picture' of Jesus becoming the burnt offering for you on the cross. And just as fire consumed the burnt sacrifice in Elijah's time, God is also well-pleased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross! And when the work was completed, Jesus said, "It is finished!" (John 19:30) This happened in the ninth hour, at the same time of the evening sacrifice!

Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord (YHWH), He is God! The Lord (YHWH), He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39)

This also marked the ending of drought, and the beginning of rain (speaks of 'blessing') again for Israel (see 1 Kings 18:41-46). It is the same today. As a believer, know that He is here for you too, even if you've failed Him time and time again (just like the people in Elijah's days). Look to Him, draw near to Him, and call on the name of the Lord again, no matter what you are faced with right now. With men, it may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27), just as happened in 1 Kings 18. He can turn things around for you, just as He did through Elijah.

People of God, 'drought' is a curse. It's never meant to be when God created man (and woman) and the Garden of Eden! Today, it's also never meant for you too. Indeed, He has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So, whatever your 'drought' may be at the moment, know that Jesus has already become a 'drought' ('curse') for you on the cross (Galatians 3:13), and in exchange, you now have your 'rain' ('blessing'). Believing this, and you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Seeing visions

Proverbs 29:18a (KJV): Where there is no vision, the people perish ...

The word 'vision' here is pronounced 'khaw-zone' in Hebrew, which comes from the word 'khaw-zaw', meaning 'to gaze at, to perceive (mentally), to see, to behold, to have a vision of'.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1, Paul wrote, "It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, (but) I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord." In Acts 2:17, Peter quoted Joel 2:28, saying "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams." Praise God, in our days (i.e. in the New Covenant), God's Spirit is being poured out on everyone who believes, and not just a selected few! It also means every believer can have dreams and see visions from the Lord! What you need is just to be open to such!

There are many ways God can communicate with you (e.g. through inner witness, still small voice, prophecy, dreams, visions, etc), and He still is in the 'business' of communicating with His beloved today. Of course, one very common way in these 'last days' is through 'seeing visions'. Like dreams, visions from the Lord are never pre-meditated beforehand, and definitely not as a result of watching too much television! Instead, it is a sovereign overtaking from the Lord. When one sees a vision from the Lord, it (be it a 'picture' or 'word/words') supersedes (i.e. take the place of) whatever one sees in the physical realm with his naked eye.

"What are the differences between 'dreams' and 'visions'?"

Basically, 'dreams' are given when one is sleeping, whereas 'visions' are given when one is not sleeping. Another difference is 'dreams' are like a 'drama show', whereas 'visions' are like a 'slide (or static) show'.

Unlike 'dreams', 'visions' generally concern one's calling, ministry, or plans of God. In other words, 'visions' normally concern God's kingdom, whereas 'dreams' may cover a much wider scope, including one's personal situation or circumstances.

'Visions' are also more likely a 'command' from the Lord, while 'dreams' are about a 'solution' from the Lord. However, both 'visions' and 'dreams' need one's spiritual understanding in interpreting it.

'Visions' serve to tell us more about 'what to do' (i.e. the knowledge on what to do), while 'dreams' seem to tell us more about 'how to do' (i.e. the wisdom on how to go about doing it).

This probably explains why the Bible says 'young men see visions', and 'old men dream dreams'. It is a known fact that younger men tend to seek God more on 'what to do' in life (or what they are called for in life, i.e their identity/purpose in life), but as they grow older, and as they grow in wisdom, they would then tend to seek God more on 'how to go about doing it'!

Note: Of course, it also doesn't mean young men can't dream 'dreams', and old men can't see 'visions'! Let's understand Joel 2:28 in the right context, i.e. according to its functions.

However, having written all the differences above, I would also conclude that 'visions' and 'dreams' may sometimes overlap each other in functions as well. One cannot distinctly separate these two like one separates night and day.

Types of vision found in the Bible:
1. Open visions (or 'visions in the heavenly realm'), e.g. Genesis 15:1, Ezekiel 1:1-3, Isaiah 6:1.
2. Trance visions (when one is in semi-conscious state), e.g. Acts 10:9-11.
3. Prophetic visions (can sometimes be symbolic pictures to be interpreted), e.g. Isaiah 2:1.

Purposes of vision found in the Bible:
1. Revealing God's plan, e.g. Isaiah 2:1-4.
2. Calling into ministry/vocation, e.g. Isaiah 6:1-8.
3. God making covenant with His people, e.g. Genesis 15:1-18.
4. Confirming a ministry calling, e.g. Acts 9:10-18.
5. Confirming an open door from the Lord, e.g. Acts 10:9-48, Acts 16:6-10.

How to handle visions?
1. Record it down, act on it, and make it known (if the Lord says so), e.g. Habakkuk 2:2-3.
2. Conceal it until the time is right to release/declare it, e.g. Matthew 17:1-9.

The ministry of angels

Matthew 4:11 (NKJV): Then the devil left Him (Jesus), and behold, angels came and ministered to (KJV: unto) Him.

The word 'angels' here in Greek is 'aggelos', meaning 'messengers that bring tidings', from the word 'aggello', which is made up of two words, i.e. 'ago' meaning 'to bring, to carry, to open the way', and 'agele' meaning 'a herd, a group, a drove'. Notice the plurality of the word 'angels' in Matthew 4:11.

The word 'ministered' here in Greek is 'diakoneo', which means 'to attend to (one's needs), to wait on (like a waiter) as a host or friend, or to serve'. This word 'diakoneo' is from the word 'diakonos' in Greek, where the English word 'deacon' comes from. In other words, angels are spiritual 'deacons' who are here to attend to you, waiting on you as a host or friend, and serving you!

And just as they ministered to Jesus in Matthew 4:11, they are also here to minister to you too! Even now, while I'm writing this article, I believe angels are also here ministering together with me, and while you are currently reading this article, angels are around you too, attending to you! Your natural eyes may not see them, but that doesn't mean they do not exist, or are never at work for you. Of course, there are also times God can open one's eyes to even see angels as they are!

In actual fact, you might even have seen an angel before, without even knowing or realizing it! This happened to a friend of mine who is a minister of God today. Many years ago, early one morning, he had a dream, and in the dream, he saw a bright light shining on him. He then heard a voice telling him that a 'boy' would come knocking at the door and hand him a 'book'. He was to read and believe in that 'book'. The voice also said "all the words written in it are true!" True enough, he woke up from the dream to hear a knock on the door at the entrance of his home. When he opened the door, he saw a 'boy' with a 'book' (just as the voice had said) who then handed him the 'book' before briskly walking away. As he began to read the 'book' (which he later found out to be the Holy Bible), he was so convicted by the Holy Spirit he gave his life to Jesus as his Lord and Savior on that very day! Not bad for someone who used to oppose Christianity for many years! Not long after that, he also answered the call to serve the Lord full-time. Now, the amazing thing was he told me he knew everybody in his village at that time, but yet he had never seen that particular 'boy' before, nor had he seen that 'boy' ever since that 'encounter'! Could that 'boy' be an angel? I believe so.

Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) says, 'Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?' Who are those 'who will inherit salvation'? You and me! Also, know that angels are here not just to minister to you, they are also here to minister for you!

Psalm 91:10-12 (NKJV) says, 'No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their (angels') hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone'.

The word 'angels' here in Hebrew is 'malak', which literally means 'to despatch as a deputy'. As you seek the Lord (i.e. 'connect' with Him) and look to Him (Psalm 34:4-10), He is the One activating and releasing His angels to serve you!

Interestingly, the word 'charge' here (Psalm 91:11) in Hebrew means 'appoint, enjoin, put/set things in order'. You know what? Angels are appointed by God not just for you (or to serve you), but they are also appointed by God to 'join with you' in whatever you are facing in life right now!

Not only that, they are also appointed by God to 'help you put/set things in order' in any area of your life! Hallelujah! God is good, and He alone deserves all our praise and worship. Amen!

Blessings are upon the head of the righteous!

Proverbs 10:6a (NKJV): Blessings are on (KJV: upon) the head of the righteous, ...

The word 'blessings' here is 'berakah' in Hebrew, which means 'prosperity, pool/well/reservoir (of water), freedom'. So, I can now paraphrase Proverbs 10:6a this way: 'Prosperity, pool/well/reservoir (of water), and freedom' are upon the head of the righteous'!

The word 'head' here is 'rosh' in Hebrew, meaning 'the principal thing, forefront, beginning, chief, first, top'. It is from the 'head' that blessings flow down to one's body, just as the anointing oil being poured on the head of Aaron the priest, flowing down to his beard, and then to his garments (Psalm 133:2). As a believer, you too are a priest today, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Not only that, you are also counted righteous through your faith in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:21-24). Therefore, blessings are yours to receive today! Why? Because Galatians 3:13-14 says Jesus has become a curse for you so that you have your blessing!

Proverbs 10:22 then says, 'The blessing ('berakah') of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it'. You know what it means? It means when the Lord bless you, He really bless you good! No sorrow attached! No 'shortchange' attached! No 'suffering' attached! And mind you, He makes you rich not just in finance, but also in every other way, in wisdom, favor, anointing, revelation, open doors, relationships, and even divine health. Amen! It means if you are blessed say, financially, your blessing need not come at the expense of compromising say, your family relationships or your health! Believing it, you'll have it!

The word 'berakah' (from the word 'barak', meaning 'bless, kneel') in Proverbs 10:6a also illustrates a pool (of water) or well (of water) in the desert at which camels kneel to drink, and as a resting place (i.e. a place of 'rest and refresh') in a journey. 'Camels' here speaks of you and me, and our walk with God. In fact, the alphabet 'Gimel' in Hebrew is a 'picture' of 'camel', which also speaks of your 'walk' on this earth. 'Desert' here speaks of us living in this 'fallen' world, because of Adam's sin. To 'kneel' is a sign of 'surrender' (& to humble) before Him, likened to the camel kneeling in order to drink at the well (of water).

The word 'berakah' can also mean 'blessing, praise'. In King Jehoshaphat's time, 'The Valley of Berakah' (or The Valley of Blessing) was also the place where he (and his people) assembled together to bless YHWH after the defeat of the Moabites, Ammonites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). The enemy was so confused (as God's people were instructed to sing praises to the Lord) that they began to utterly destroy one another! (2 Chronicles 20:23) Jehoshaphat and his people then took three days just to carry the abundance of valuables and precious jewelry of the enemy, because there was so much (2 Chronicles 20:25), and therefore, the name of that place was called 'The Valley of Berakah' (2 Chronicles 20:26). Today, God is still the same to His people (Hebrews 13:8). The battle is still His, and not yours (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). In Him also, you have an abundance of every good thing (2 Chronicles 20:25). Amen!

Let Scripture interpret Scripture now. John 19:2 says, 'And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus' head, ...' Notice the word 'head' here? Again, Proverbs 10:6a says, 'Blessings are upon the head of the righteous'! You know what? Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you, so that you don't have to 'wear' it! In other words, He carried your curse on His head, so that you have your 'blessing'!
Note: 'Thorns' here speaks of 'curse because of man's sin'. Genesis 3:18 says, 'Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you (Adam)'.

In another cross-reference, Genesis 22:13 says, 'Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horn. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son (Isaac)'.

This is also a 'shadow' of Jesus Christ (represented by the 'ram') wearing the 'crown of thorns' (instead of you wearing it) before He went up to the cross as a 'burnt offering'.
Note: A 'horn' to a ram is like a 'crown' to a man. It is a sign of power and authority. Adam, the first man, lost his authority to satan, but Jesus regained this lost authority for you and me again.

Just as Jesus wore the 'crown of thorns' on His head, the ram also had his horn caught in the thicket (i.e. thick bushes or branches entwined). 'To be entwined' means 'to be twisted together or around'! This ram's horn 'caught in a thicket' therefore speaks of the crown of thorns twisted and put on Jesus' head! See Jesus in the Old Testament now? He is indeed in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.

Therefore, beloved of God, know who you are in Christ today. Let not the devil 'entwine' you further, but instead let's take God at His Word! Eat of it! Drink from it! Like the camel 'kneeling' down and drinking from the well of water (i.e. blessings)! The Word of God says you are indeed a 'blessing magnet', because wherever you are and wherever you go, blessings are upon your head (Proverbs 10:6a), and therefore following you. Believing this, you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!