Stand fast in the liberty!

Galatians 5:1 (NKJV): Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

The word ‘liberty' here is ‘eleutheria’ in Greek (also meaning ‘freedom’), from the word ‘eleutheros’, which means ‘unrestrained, not a slave, or exempt (from obligation/liability/debt)’. 'To stand fast' here is 'to continue, to insist, to take a firm stand'. In other words, the apostle Paul meant, 'once you are set free (from a certain bondage), never go back to that bondage again'! 

The word ‘yoke’ in this verse means 'burden or obligation', and when I say 'obligation', I mean 'something that is imposed which causes a person (or a society) to be bound, stifled or restricted'. 

Someone asked, "Pastor, how do I know if I am in a bondage?" 

You know you are in a bondage when you are stifled (i.e. suffocated, suppressed, or restrained), and you can't express yourself (or your gifts/talents) as who you are any more! By the way, this word ‘bondage’ simply means 'slavery'. One example in the Bible is when the Israelites were under the control of the Pharaoh in Egypt (before God sent Moses to set them free).

Note: In the context of Paul's writing here in Galatians 5:1, he was contrasting between 'being under law' and 'being under grace'. He stated that 'law' binds us, whereas 'grace' sets us free. He then also wrote 'having been called to liberty (freedom), only do not use liberty (freedom) as an opportunity for the flesh (i.e. taking advantage of one another), but through love serve one another' (see Galatians 5:13). In other words, liberty (freedom) in Christ is never a license to 'take advantage of one another' or to 'sin further', but one that always produces the fruits of righteousness.

This truth above can also be applied in every other area of your life as well. Say, if you are already 'set free' from a financial debt, don’t go back to the 'bondage' of borrowing again! Instead, start 'living within your means', and start allowing God to lead you (and guide you) into prosperity thereon. 

During the trying period of recession (even depression) in Europe in recent years, I've always wanted to find out why the nation of Germany survived in the midst of a troubled European economy (of course, I also can't deny the fact that even a 'big ship' may still 'sink' in the midst of a 'prolonged storm'). Now, I am not promoting Germany here. But there are definitely many things we can learn from one another if we humble ourselves. According to a BBC business news report recently, I then found out one good quality the Germans have is they don’t have a culture of ‘borrowing' unnecessarily. In German language, the word ‘borrow’ shares the same word as ‘guilt’. Yes, the same word! Therefore, they don’t like to ‘borrow’. To them, ‘borrowing’ is something ‘guilty’! Put it this way: They don’t like to be in a 'bondage' (slavery). As a matter of fact, the borrower is in effect a ‘slave’ to the lender! 

Each country is unique and has its own underlying culture/way of living in everyday life. I also notice that, generally, the culture of 'not borrowing' (and 'living within your means', instead of the practice of mortgage and re-mortgage) has been inculcated in many Germans since young. Multiply this many times, and this is then reflected as the character of the whole nation (which in turn influences the nation's decision-making). 

Note: Of course the above is not the only reason. There are many other reasons as well, e.g. an efficient vocational training for their youth (like a 'conveyor belt' that keeps producing highly-skilled workers into the industry), among others.

Now, notice what the Bible says about the blessing of Abraham. One part of this blessing goes like this: 'And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow' (Deuteronomy 28:11-12). Take these two verses and proclaim it over your life! Believing, and you'll have it. Amen!

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'. 

People of God, it is for freedom that Christ has set you free! He has already broken every yoke of yours on the cross! So, stand fast in this freedom, and never allow the devil (or anyone) to bring you back to that place of 'bondage'! This is a time to move on and into the new things. Don’t look back! Say, if you have been set free from sorrows, stand fast therefore, and keep receiving the joy of the Lord as you move on! 

In Philippians 3:13-15, Paul wrote, 'Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you'. See the word 'mature' here? In other words, Paul was saying those who are spiritually mature are those who will look forward till God's destiny is fulfilled in them! 

Don’t be like Lot’s wife who looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). 'Salt' here implies 'something easily dissolved, or something disappearing as dust' in Hebrew. That's what happened to Lot's wife. She literally 'was dissolved', and 'disappeared' in history. Have you noticed the Bible didn't even bother to mention Lot's wife's name? The Bible only says "Lot's wife", but not her actual name! There's also always a tendency for human to stay in the 'old'. Even for Lot himself, the Bible says 'he lingered' and didn't really move, even after the messengers had urged him to hurry! (see Genesis 19:15-16) But God was indeed merciful to him, and the messengers then took hold of him (and his family) and brought him (and his family) out of Sodom and Gomorrah! These two words have meanings. Sodom means ‘to be scorched, to be burnt’, and Gomorrah means ‘a ruined heap, a chastisement’. All these speak of the 'bondage' of our past, and that God wants us to 'burn the bridge behind us' and move on.

Also, the moment the people in Moses’ days looked back and yearned for Egypt (‘Mizraim’ in Hebrew, meaning ‘a place of distress, besieged, bondage’), they soon also became history (see Numbers 14:1-4, Numbers 14:35-37). The lesson learnt here is not to go back to the 'place' of the old 'bondage', but instead give thanks for the new-found freedom that God has given us.

People of God, the devil will want you to remain (or get stuck) in your old way (or old cycle/old season), but His grace and His power is more than enough for you today to move into the new. 

Receive this anointing now and be set free, so that you can get on with what the Lord has called you to be. Yes, God will also surely open a way for you, and when you seek Him, you'll definitely find the answer. Better days are indeed ahead of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Receive the joy of the Lord which is your strength!

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV): Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

What does 'eat the fat, drink the sweet' mean here? As a matter of fact, there's just something about 'eating the fat, drinking the sweet' that makes people happy, literally! For some, just imagining a platter of hot, sizzling steak, and the fat that melts in their mouth is enough to put a smile on their face, and of course, make them salivate!

So, does this statement 'eat the fat, drink the sweet' literally mean what it is? 

I believe there are also spiritual meanings to 'eating the fat, drinking the sweet' here.

1. 'Eat the fat' = Taking in God's portion
Leviticus 3:16 says, 'And the priest shall burn the offering on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the Lord's, i.e. the Lord's portion'.
So, 'eating the fat' here speaks of 'taking in God's portion', i.e. receiving God's heavenly resources (and inheritance) for you as a believer.
2. 'Drink the sweet' = Taking in God's Word & Spirit
Proverbs 16:24 says, 'Pleasant words (a 'picture' of God's Word & Spirit) are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones (a 'picture' of one's physical body)'. This speaks of 'taking in God's Word & Spirit'. Sweetness to the soul (inside) in turn leads to health to the body (outside).

And while you feed yourself with the 'fat' and the 'sweet', Nehemiah 8:10 also says, 'send portions to those whom nothing is prepared'. It means 'to remember those who don't have, and send portions (i.e. give some) to them, so that they have reasons to rejoice too!'

To 'eat the fat, drink the sweet' here also means 'to eat and drink the best that you have', and the truth is 'taking in God's portion' and 'taking in God's Word & Spirit' are the best ‘food’ and ‘drink’ that a believer can ever have! Yes, better than anything else on earth! As you eat and drink the best, you’ll then also acquire the fervour in your soul (i.e. mind, will, and emotions), and the strength in your body to do God’s will effectively, and cheerfully!

A rejoicing heart is also a continuous medicine for you! Proverbs 17:22 says, 'A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones'. The word ‘merry’ here is ‘sameach' in Hebrew, which can mean ‘joyful, rejoicing, gladness, cheerful, gleeful’. You see, a rejoicing heart does not necessarily arise from a life that exists without problems (i.e. free from problems), but even if one is faced with problems (or challenges, or persecution) in life, he/she can still receive His joy, and grow in His joy! This happened in the early church days, and in the lives of the early apostles, like Peter and Paul (see 1 Peter 1:6-8 and 1 Peter 4:12-14). In Nehemiah's case, persecution came from people who tried to shake his faith and his vision (in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem) that God had put in his heart to fulfil.

People of God, this is your time to receive the joy of the Lord anew and afresh again! And this joy that comes from heaven (from Him) will also be your strength, regardless of the circumstances in and around you at the moment.
Note: Heaven is always full of joy and celebration! So, never for a second think that heaven is a dull, monotonous place! How do I know? Jesus Himself says so in the 'Parable of the Lost Coin' (see Luke 15:8-10), that when one soul repents (or returns to the Lord), the whole heaven rejoices and celebrates. And there are currently at least 6 billion people on earth and counting! So, just imagine how busy heaven is in celebration every day! Do you also know that when you were saved (or when you return to Him), all of heaven celebrates and rejoices with you? That’s how precious you are to Him! So, never mind if not many people on earth celebrate you (say, your birthday), because you have the whole heaven celebrating you!

Jesus has indeed borne all your griefs (‘choliy' in Hebrew, 'including all your sicknesses or diseases'), and carried all your sorrows (‘makowb’ in Hebrew, 'including all your pains or afflictions') on the cross for you, so now you can have joy! Isaiah 53:4 says so. As a believer, there's therefore now every reason to rejoice! So, never allow anything (or anyone) to rob away the joy of the Lord in your life!

As you receive this joy that comes from Him, the Bible says you’ll also have the strength (or power) to overcome, abounding in hope as you move on and carry on whatever God has for you in life. Romans 15:13 says, 'He fills you with all joy and peace, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit'.

Notice also when one loses the joy of the Lord in life, everything deteriorates (and that includes health). Say, when a chef loses the joy of serving his trademark cuisine, the quality of his cooking will inevitably (cannot be avoided, sure to happen) deteriorate! Or when someone who serves in ministry loses the joy of serving and blessing others, his (or her) ministry will also inevitably deteriorate. That’s how important receiving (and keep receiving) His joy afresh and anew is! So, when things begin to get a bit 'routine' and monotonous in any area of your life, 'eat the fat, drink the sweet' again (maybe not literally!), and receive His joy afresh and anew again!

Back to Nehemiah 8:10 now. This verse ends with 'for the joy of the Lord is your strength'. The word ‘strength’ here actually has military connotations in Hebrew. In fact, all in all, the book of Nehemiah is effectively a 'defence' manual for God's people today. This word 'strength' is “ma’owz” in Hebrew, which means ‘a fortified place (citadel), a place of defence, a place of safety, a fortress, rock, stronghold’. It is a place of safety (stronghold) where the enemy’s 'fiery darts' cannot touch us! In other words, 'the joy of the Lord' in you is your 'safety place, stronghold, fortress' against any problem, challenge, or persecution you face on earth!

By the way, what are those ‘fiery darts’ in Nehemiah’s days (which we believers today can also identify with)? 
(a) Ridicule and sarcasm (Nehemiah 2:18-19)
(b) Mockery and insults (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
(c)  Conspiracy and confusion (Nehemiah 4:7-8)
(d) Threats and fear tactics (Nehemiah 6:6-9)
All these are also 'joy-robbers' of God's people in our days.

People of God, as you build (and keep building) what God has for you this year (like Nehemiah building the wall of Jerusalem), keep looking to Him and keep receiving the joy that comes from Him (not from the world), so that you can run with His strength this whole year!

As you build (and keep building), also keep meditating and confessing God’s Word (i.e. agreeing with His Word, and not what the world says). Nehemiah 4:18 says, 'Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built'. The ‘sword’ here speaks of 'the Word of God'.

Finally, with Nehemiah 8:10 in your heart and in your mind, I believe you'll also be well on your way to completing all that God has for you this year, just as happened to Nehemiah and the people of God in his days. Amen!

In the Father's love and embrace

Luke 15:20 (NKJV): And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck (i.e. embraced him) and kissed him.

This verse speaks of the father's love for his son who had totally rejected him and 'walked out on him', but yet when this very same son came back to his senses, the father was more than willing to accept him back gladly.

The above illustration also speaks of our Abba Father's love for all of us today. He is a God who'll never 'walk out on us'. And if there's anyone who's ever going to 'walk out', it's never Him, as depicted in this 'parable of the lost son' (see Luke 15:11-32). He is a God who'll never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Not long ago, someone whom I was ministering to said this: "Pastor, I feel like God has walked out on me!" Prior to that, he's had a rather trying time, especially in the area of his health, and he had been wondering if God has forsaken him. However, I also know him enough to be convinced that he still believed in God, and that's what mattered the most. So, I answered him, "No, He loves you too much for Him to ever do that! He is still in you and with you." He was never the same person since that day, not just in health, but in every other area of his life. Praise God!

So, how much exactly does God love you? 

He loves you so much He was willing to give (away) His one and only begotten Son to die for you (John 3:16). Here's an illustration to John 3:16 based on a touching, but true story I heard of: There's once a father who was clinging on to his capsized boat in the midst of a storm, and with only one float within his reach, he had to choose between his own son and his son's friend who were both crying out for help. The father then longingly looked at his own son with tears flowing down his cheek, and said, "Son, you know I love you very much", but threw the float to his son's friend. His son was never to be seen again, while the son's friend was eventually saved. Did it break the father's heart to see his own son drown and disappear from his very sight? I'm sure. Well, it broke the Father's heart too to see His one and only begotten Son dying at the cross! But He was willing because He loves you so.

Beloved of God, today, for this very same reason and because you are precious in His eyes, your Abba Father also wants you to know that He'll never hide His face from you. In fact, Numbers 6:25 even says 'He makes His face shine on you'. This verse then ends with 'And He is gracious to you'. Like in the 'parable of the lost son', even when you think you are 'a great way off', know that His eyes are still longing for you (waiting for you), and He also has great compassion for you.

Psalm 91:1-2 tells us exactly how it is like being in the Father's loving arms. It says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High (El Elyon) shall abide under the shadow (i.e. in the loving arms) of the Almighty (El Shaddai). I will say of Him (Abba Father), "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."' In other words, when you are in the loving arms of your Abba Father, He'll also be your El Shaddai, a God who meets more than enough (all-sufficient) for you.

There's also protection and security when you are in His loving arms and embrace. I remember once my daughter Sophia (nine years old then) was at home by herself when suddenly there was an unusually strong wind and heavy rain. At that time, my wife and I were outside briefly for a ministry work, a short distance away. Sophia then called me on the phone and said, "Daddy, I'm scared. Can you come back now?" My heart melted upon hearing her soft, frightened voice, and I immediately left everything behind and drove back. The moment I saw her, I ran to her and gave her a big warm hug, saying, "Daddy's here. Everything's alright now."

Your Daddy (Abba) is also the same to you today. In fact, this word is the most intimate word one can call his/her Father. It is the deepest cry that comes out from a child, especially in times of need and danger. And He has great pleasure to run to you, love you, and embrace you whenever you call out to Him "Daddy!". You see, He is not a distant God the way the world portrays Him to be! The truth is He is always near you, and His arms are always opened wide for you. The Bible says He is your ever-present God (Psalm 46:1).

Romans 8:15-16 says, 'For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear (i.e. to see God as a distant, unapproachable, 'un-embrace-able' God), but you have received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God'.

Like Sophia to me (as her daddy here on earth), I also have this assurance that I'll always be likewise in my Daddy's eyes, and knowing for sure that He'll always love me and be here for me. I know you are too in His eyes. Men's love may fail sometimes, but His love (for you) never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, no matter what may have happened in your past, I know it's never too late to let Him love you and embrace you again. As you receive His love and embrace today, know that He's also saying to you, "Daddy's here. Everything's alright now." Amen.

After restoration is glory

Joel 2:25a (NKJV): So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust...

'Restoration' means 'something broken (hurt) now made whole again'. For example, a broken heart (or hurt) being mended to a condition like before the hurt happened.

Notice after His restoration (in Joel 2:25), all the verses that follow (till the end of Joel 2) speak about His glory! Joel 2:26 says, 'You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God'. Joel 2:27 follows, 'My people shall never be put to shame'. Joel 2:28 then tells us further, 'And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh'.

The end of something is always the beginning of something else (something new). And so it is, after restoration comes glory!

Let's now go to John 21 for an example (in Peter's life). By this time, Peter must have felt so 'useless' (or even regretful) for denying Jesus (and not standing up for Him), not once, but three times (see John 18:15-27), so much so he gave up ministry and returned back to his old vocation (fishing). Not being able to catch any fish (John 21:3), Jesus then appeared to him and his friends, saying, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were unable to draw the net in because of the great multitude of fish caught! (John 21:6) I don't know about you, but it sounds so strikingly similar to three years back when Jesus first called Peter!

And when Peter realized it was Jesus, he immediately plunged into the sea (John 21:7), maybe out of shame, embarrassment, or awkwardness. But watch what Jesus said after that, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught" (John 21:10), and "Come and eat breakfast" (John 21:12)!

Have you ever made a mistake that's so embarrassing you wished 'the earth would open up and swallow you'? Well, Peter did! But just for a little while, before he re-surfaced again. On a more serious note, how about a mistake (or a bad decision) you've made that cost you so dear, and you're now feeling really regretful about it you wish you could turn back time?

No matter what happened, all is not lost yet, because Jesus still loves you, and He is here to restore you. Today, just as He had said to Peter and his friends, He's also saying to you, "Come and eat breakfast (with Me)". As long as you don't walk out on Him, He'll never walk out on you. Just let not your heart be condemned (Romans 8:1). In fact, He's willing to become condemnation for you, in order for you to have restoration. That's exactly what He did for you on the cross!

Self-condemnation often leads to one's self-inflicted punishment, as happened to Judas Iscariot (see Matthew 27:3-5). Instead of looking unto Jesus who was hung on a tree for us all, he 'took things into his own hands' and hanged himself. As God's beloved, you need not follow Judas Iscariot's way. By the way, the word 'Iysh' (from the word 'Iscariot') in Hebrew means 'act in earthly man's way, or fleshly way'. In contrast, Peter ('Petros' in Greek) means 'rock', who's also after the 'seed' (and the 'way') of Jesus, the 'Rock' of all 'rocks' ('Petra' in Greek). In other words, Peter was after the 'spiritual DNA' of Jesus! As believers, we all are!
Note: Peter himself wrote it (i.e. the believers, as 'living stones', being built up a 'spiritual house') later on in 1 Peter 2:5.

So, how do you respond to a mistake you've made (or a regret you have)? Judas Iscariot's way, or Peter's way? In other words, 'Isyh' way, or 'Petros' way? Both made mistakes, but the difference is one was willing to be restored and to be loved again, but the other was not.

Imperfect as Peter was, at least he was willing. All of us, at one time or another, have made mistakes in life before, but as long as we don't condemn ourselves, we still have hope! And that's when He can also turn your mistakes around for good! Romans 8:28 says, 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose'. Notice the words 'to those who love God' here? In cross-reference, let's go back to John 21 now. After they had all eaten breakfast (and communed) together, for three times, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?", and every time, Peter answered, "You know that I love You." (see John 21:15-17)
Note: Interestingly, the number '3' in Hebrew numeric also means 'restoration'. By the way, it also took Jesus about three years of ministry on earth to restore everything that was lost through Adam's disobedience.

As you would have known, soon after, this very same Peter went on to experience a great (and unprecedented) outpouring of God's glory (see Acts 2), in ways he never knew would happen to him and through him! After restoration is glory!

Today, Jesus is here to embrace you again, no matter what mistakes you've made in the years past. Again, just do not condemn yourself. Are you willing to let go of all those hurts (and regrets) to Him at the cross right now? He's willing to take them all, because He loves you dearly, and calls you His beloved. Will you respond to His love and embrace again? Will you allow Him to restore you (i.e. make you whole) again? Blessed are you if you are willing, and like Peter, all things will also work out for good for you this year.

People of God, as Peter was, a year of glory also beckons for you too! So, take heart. Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). The best has definitely yet to come for you! I release these words to you, in Jesus' name. Believing, you'll have it. Amen.