Let Him lead you into the 'pleasant places'!

Psalm 16:5-6 (NKJV): O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

I believe one of the great secrets to David's rise and success is found in his own 'miktam' (engraving of words from the heart) written in Psalm 16. The word 'portion' in Psalm 16:5 here is pronounced 'maw-naw' in Hebrew, which means 'allotment'. David believed God has given him an allotment (portion), i.e. His inheritance for him, and his cup 'runs over' (see also Psalm 23:5). Not only that, he also believed God has always been maintaining (upholding) his portion (including his destiny in life)!

In Psalm 16:6, David wrote, 'The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance'. The word 'lines' here is 'kheh-bel' in Hebrew, which actually means 'God's measured inheritance (or portion) for him'. Yes, in fact, each of us as God's beloved has also been given a measure of His inheritance. And this 'measured inheritance' has fallen to you in pleasant places! What is the word 'pleasant' here in Hebrew? It is 'naw-eem', which can mean 'delightful, sweet, agreeable'. I like the word 'agreeable' here. It means God always wants to lead you to places where there are people who are 'agreeable to you' and 'agreeable to God's vision/calling for your life'! In other words, people who are sons and daughters of peace toward you!

Recently, I heard these words during a time of worship and prayer:
"The new wind from the Lord has begun blowing. This wind is getting stronger and stronger, and it's blowing on you too! Many of you thought you have lost your time or opportunity, but the Lord says you have not lost your time or opportunity yet. Tap into this new wind that is getting stronger and stronger! Like an eagle, you'll soar with this wind. Don't let anyone or the devil make you think you have lost your time or opportunity. You are still on time. You are still on the right track. And your best opportunity has yet to arrive, and is coming!"

People of God, if you are reading this, these words are for you too. Let this new wind of the Spirit blow and lead you on.

Psalm 16:7 then says, 'I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel'. This word 'counsel' is 'yaw-ats' in Hebrew, which can also mean 'guide, advice, purpose'. Yes, begin to bless the name of the Lord who has given you new purpose. New wind brings new purpose!

Psalm 16:11 confirms this purpose. It says, 'You will show me the path of life', i.e. 'the path that leads to life, and not death or trouble'! See? The path that leads to life! This is His purpose for you in this new season! And as you continue to remain in His presence, there's also the fullness of His joy.

And finally, David wrapped up this 'miktam' (Psalm 16) with 'At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore'. Now, who is at God's right hand today? You (who are in Christ)! Because Christ is at God's right hand (see Ephesians 1:20), as He is, so are you! (1 John 4:17) The word 'pleasures' here is again 'naw-eem' (same as in Psalm 16:6), which can mean 'delightful, sweet, agreeable'.

So, we can now conclude that it is God's pleasure to always lead you to 'pleasant places' or 'agreeable places' while you are still on earth! Let His wind blow and lead you this new season!

What is the definition of 'pleasant places' or 'agreeable places' in God's eyes? 

It is 'a place of favor where there are many sons and daughters of peace toward you'! However, let me qualify my words here - What the world sees may not be what God sees in regard to 'pleasant places'. For example, to most people in Joseph's days, Egypt wasn't a 'pleasant place' at all (with all the oppression from Pharaoh, etc), but to Joseph, it was a 'pleasant place' (where he prospered and received great favor from Pharaoh himself!). To most people in David's days, the Cave of Adullam wasn't a 'pleasant place' at all (where only those in distress, in debt, and discontented were), but to David, it was indeed a 'pleasant place' (where he found favor and started to build an army from scratch!).

You may be going to one of the more 'liveable' cities on earth, but you may still get robbed! You see, as a matter of fact, there's really no completely safe place in this world, because we are all living in a fallen world. The only real safe place is found when you are in His presence (see Psalm 91:1-2). On the other hand, you may be in one of the more 'notorious' cities on earth, but because God has called you there (and to fulfil His purpose there), you'll still be safe and surrounded by sons and daughters of peace! (where no evil can succeed to touch you) No doubt, there may still be some challenges wherever you are, but because His grace is strong enough for you, you will triumph! Some people may still gossip about you or speak against you, but if God is with you, you need not fear.

So, it's not about how nice a place is from the worldly point of view, but where God wants to lead you to. In short, it doesn't mean a 'pleasant place' in God's eyes has to be pleasant in worldly eyes.

And wherever God leads you and orders you to go, He'll also see to it that He'll back you up! That's exactly what happened to David himself!

Here are some of David's 'pleasant places' in his walk with God on earth:

(a) The Valley of Elah (see 1 Samuel 17:17-51) - he happened to be at the right place and at the right time, positioned to defeat Goliath (who represented the Philistines). Here, David pulled down the 'stronghold' of the Philistines. By the way, 'Elah' can also mean 'stronghold' in Hebrew.

(b) The Cave of Adullam (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2) - he escaped to this cave where the people (those in distress, in debt, and discontented) gathered to him. God was with him, and he became captain over them and started to build an army from scratch (i.e. from nothing).

(c) The City of Hebron (see 2 Samuel 2:1-7) - he was anointed king of Judah here. 'Hebron' means 'a place of joining together, or a place of associating together'. When the Lord raises you up or promotes you, He'll also cause people to gather to you. This happened to David when he obeyed God's instruction to go to Hebron.

(d) The City of Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 5:1-10) - 'the wind of the Spirit' then swept him to Jerusalem, where he reigned as king over all of Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 5:10 then put it aptly, 'So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him'.

The secret we can learn from David this day? He believed and lived by all that he has written in Psalm 16, and therefore, he went on to become one of the great kings (if not the greatest) in all of Israel and Judah. He has indeed walked into God's very inheritance for his life.

People of God, you too are the 'Davids' (i.e. God's beloved) of this day. Will you also allow God's Spirit to blow and lead you to the 'pleasant places' meant for you? Indeed, at His right hand are 'pleasant places' forevermore (Psalm 16:11). This, my friend, is your good inheritance (Psalm 16:6) that is meant for you. Amen!

Yes, He does care for you!

Luke 10:33 (NKJV): But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he (a certain man) was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Luke 10:25-37 tells us about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus was answering a lawyer who tested him with questions, and He then shared this parable to him. As a matter of fact, Jesus was actually speaking about Himself here. The Good Samaritan here is therefore a 'picture' of Jesus Himself, who was also despised by the Jews.

Note: Who were the Samaritans? These were people living in Samaria (some 40 miles north of Jerusalem), a race formed when the Jews married the non-Jews. In those days, the Jews intensely hated them and refused to set their feet in the Samaritans' territory. In other words, the Samaritans were avoided (and despised) by the Jews (see John 4:9). In fact, they even had their own place of worship (in Mount Gerizim, near Shechem), when the Jews had their Mount Zion in Jerusalem. However, Jesus came to demonstrate that God loves the Samaritans the same, just as God loves the Jews (see John 4:20-26).

In Luke 10:30, Jesus said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

'Jerusalem' here speaks of 'blessing', while 'Jericho' here speaks of 'curse'. Note that in Joshua 6:26, this city was cursed by Joshua. So, as this man left the place of blessing (i.e. 'God's presence'), he then fell among the thieves, who then stripped him of his clothing (i.e. 'glory') and wounded him. 'The thieves' here speaks of none other than 'the devil', who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10).

Jesus then continued, "Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:31-33)

In cross reference, Matthew 9:36 says, 'But when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd'.

Jesus went on to say, "So he (the Samaritan) went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (Luke 10:34)

This speaks of Him coming to you, bandaging your wounds whenever you are down and out. He also takes your sorrows upon Himself (see Isaiah 53:4), and in exchange, you have His joy. 'Oil and wine' here speaks of 'joy and celebration'.

'He set him on his own animal' here is a 'picture' of Him taking your place of 'discomfort', so that you'll have His 'comfort'. 'Inn' here speaks of 'a place of safety those days, where thieves cannot come in.' In cross-reference, Psalm 91:1-2 says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust"'.

And to culminate it, He also assures you that He is here to take care of you.

Have there been times when you ask some of these questions?

"Do You not care that I've been all alone taking care of the children?"

"Do You not care that I've been suffering financially?"

"Do You not care that I've been having this problem at work?"

"Do You not care that I've been struggling with this illness, and there's still no breakthrough?"

"Do You not care that I'm fighting this battle alone?"

No doubt, these are real questions and concerns to many. But whatever your situation (or concern) may be at the moment, His assurance for you this day is He still does care for you. People of God, never allow the 'enemy' to take this truth away from you, no matter how you may be tempted to think that He doesn't really care.

In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (who neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns)." And in Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Wow! Five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And then two sparrows sold for a copper coin? Did God make a mistake in maths here? Absolutely not! What Jesus meant was sparrows were so easily gotten (and therefore, so cheap) those days! In other words, if you were to buy four sparrows, you'd get one sparrow free! 

And He meant you (whom He calls beloved) are definitely of more value than those little sparrows!

And if He does care for the very number of hairs on your head, what more other areas of your life?

Yes, He does care, no matter what happens, and no matter how big your 'problem' may be at the moment. Well, that's exactly what happened to the disciples when they asked Jesus this same question, “Do You not care?” in the midst of a great windstorm when their boat was about to sink (see Mark 4:35-41). Jesus then arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!". The windstorm then ceased and there was a great calm.

Yes, He cares, and He can also calm the 'windstorm' in your situation too. He is, after all, above all the 'storms' (or 'mountains') of this world, and nothing is impossible to Him (Luke 18:27). He is still your miracle-working God, yesterday, today, and forever. Somehow, someway, I believe He'll see to it that there's going to be a way out for you too. Amen. Only believe and do not doubt.

So, cast all those care of yours (including all your worries and concerns) upon Him (see 1 Peter 5:5-7). Well, it does take humility on your part here. The Bible says God gives grace (i.e. His supply and help) to the humble (those who realise the need to depend on His ability, and not merely their own), but He resists the proud (those who still believe they can do it with their own intelligence and self-effort, and with no need for God). 

Give also your future to Him, and in return, receive His love and peace this day. Let Him take care of your future from now on. In fact, He IS your future! When you have Him, you have everything! And that includes your future! Of course there's nothing wrong in planning for your future, but let Him also take over from here, and worry not (see also Matthew 6:25-34).

Recently, Psalm 16 has been speaking much to me. I therefore pray this whole Psalm 16 for you too, whatever you may be facing at the moment. In Psalm 16:7, the psalmist wrote, 'I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel'. Yes, indeed. Let Him be your wise Counsel in your every situation as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Healing comes when you believe and confess in His presence

Romans 10:10 (NKJV): For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

This verse above speaks about the miracle of salvation. What you need to do is simply to believe and confess it, and you'll have it! And just like a miracle of salvation, every other miracle (including healing) you receive also comes in the same way!

If you are in need of a breakthrough or a miracle at the moment, take some time immersing yourself in the Word of God first till your heart believes. Romans 10:17 says, 'So then faith (i.e. a believing heart) comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God'. It's when your heart believes that you'll begin to say as He says (i.e. confessing the Word that has been speaking to you). The Bible says 'out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks' (Matthew 12:34). Come into His presence in praise and worship, or by praying in the spirit as well! Worship, Word, and Prayer! WWP! These are keys not to be neglected all through your walk as a believer.

Here's an example in the Bible. Mark 5:25-27 says, 'Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment'. 

See the word 'heard' and the words 'came behind Him' here? 

Before her miracle happened, she heard about Jesus first! The Bible says Jesus is Himself the Word of God! (see John 1:14) Faith comes when one hears the Word of God! (see Romans 10:17 again) She then came behind Him amongst the crowd. This speaks of one 'coming into His presence'. It's in His presence that one finds the fullness of joy (see Psalm 16:11). And that includes the joy of healing!

Mark 5:28 then says, 'For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." Again, out of the abundance of her (believing) heart, her mouth spoke it then and there! In other words, believing in her heart that Jesus would heal her, she spoke her faith out loud (see Romans 10:10 again). And that's how her miracle came about! 

Mark 5:29 tells us, 'Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction (suffering)'. In the end, Jesus Himself confirmed it, "Daughter, your faith (i.e. believing heart) has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." (see Mark 5:34)

Another beautiful point to note from this passage is that when you come to Him, He'll never turn away from you. Mark 5:30 says, 'And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"' Mark 5:32 then says, 'And He looked around to see her who had done this thing'. 

Well, I don't know about you, but to me, this is most reassuring. To His eyes, you (i.e. His beloved) are not just a mere face in the crowd. And even if there are billions of people on this earth calling out for His attention, He is (and will always be) here for you, turning His attention to you every time you come to Him. That's how great He is, and that's how much He loves and cares for you too.

So, beloved of God, just as happened to this woman, I believe all is not lost yet for you (whatever situation you may be facing at the moment). This woman came to a point when 'she had spent all that she had' and nothing on earth (and no physician on earth) seemed to be able to help her any more (see Mark 5:26). In short, it was a dead-end road for her. But God did come by! Today, know also that He is coming by you. Come to Him (as this woman did), because there's answer in Him. He is the fullness and the personification of God's grace (i.e. God's supply and ability) for you (see John 1:17), and He can supply you with a miracle too. Only believe, and do not doubt. Let's believe together that He is still the same (miracle-working God) yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) in our lives. Amen.

Authority in His presence

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

The word ‘dominion’ here is ‘radah’ (pronounced ‘raw-daw’) in Hebrew, which means ‘to tread down, to prevail against, to rule, to reign, to have authority over (the creations), to have control of, to have power to give orders’. I like the definition 'to have power to give orders' here. And this verse also says 'over all the earth'! Simply put it, God has given us 'the power to give orders' over all the earth! This speaks of your authority over all creations!

Genesis 1:28 (NKJV) then says, "Then God blessed them (man and woman), and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion ('radah') over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." See the same word 'radah' again? And 'over every living thing'?

In cross reference, let's go now to Ephesians 1:17-21. Here, the Bible says, '... that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come'. 

People of God, may our eyes of understanding be enlightened, so that we may know who we (i.e. the saints) are in Him! And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe! See the words 'who believe'? The irony is that many believers do not believe! 

My wife Sharon released these words prophetically during our recent prayer and prophetic gathering:

“Send Your rain! Send Your rain! Oh, send Your rain! Oh, send Your rain! To wash away things that are not of You, Lord! That the veil be removed, so that the people will see, both believers and non-believers. Wash their eyes, wash their spiritual eyes, that they’ll believe what You have to say. Oh, send Your rain! Oh, pour Your Spirit upon this land.”

Ephesians 1:22 then says, 'And God put all things under His feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be head over all things to the Church'. To whom? To the Church! And that's you and me, His people!

Jesus Himself has paved the way in taking His authority over creation (and of course over all diseases or bodily infirmities). Matthew 4:23 says, 'And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people'. All here means all! 

Knowing that you too have been given the authority and dominion over creation (based on Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28, and Ephesians 1:17-22), you can now therefore speak to, or command any situation (that you may be facing now) to respond and function accordingly! 

Acts 4:29-31 says, '... grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus...' 

People of God, this is also your 'kairos' time (i.e. divinely appointed time) to even tap into the realm of miracles, signs and wonders by your spoken words, as you connect with Him (i.e. in praise and worship, immersing yourself in the Word of God, or praying in the spirit). And as you hear from Him, speak it forth and declare it into being! Only believe, and never doubt. He can do a miracle for you and through you too. Amen! 

Recently, I saw a vision that confirms this authority and dominion for His people today. In this vision, I saw a large pack of wolves being released into the earthly realm. The sheer number of these wolves did cause many hearts to tremble. And as they were moving around the face of the earth, they were also making much noise, causing disturbances all over and harassing the land wherever they go. But it was then that I also saw a male lion in all his glory (I believe this is a 'picture' of the Lion of Judah). And as this lion began to roar, all these wolves got so confused they ran helter skelter back to where they came from!

You see, no matter how many 'wolves' may have been released from the pit of hell into the earthly realm, and no matter how much noise they seem to make, one roar of the Lion of Judah settles it all! Because it's not so much about the numbers or the quantity, but it's about who has the authority! 

People of God, make no mistake about it. As a believer, you too belong to the Lion of the tribe of Judah! Keep praising and worshiping Him like you have never done before! This is your time. And as He is, so are you in this world. Amen!