A time of recovery and a time God re-orders your steps

Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV): The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

The word 'ordered' here comes from the Hebrew word 'kuwn', meaning 'to erect, to set up, to appoint, to prepare, to establish'. With this word 'kuwn' here, I can also read Psalm 37:23 this way: The steps of a good man are erected by the Lord, set up by the Lord, appointed by the Lord, prepared by the Lord, and established by the Lord.

People of God, if you have been going through a tough time or a difficult situation recently (in any area of your life), these verses in Psalm 37:23-24 are for you.

The other day, I heard and released these words to the congregation I was ministering to:

“This month is a month of recovery! Recovery of your strength! Recovery of your health! Recovery of your vision! Recovery of your finance! Recovery of your business! Recovery of your vocation! Even recovery of your marriage!”

Then I heard further:

“The grace for recovery is very strong for My people this month! Tap into this grace! Access this grace! And watch Me supply from heaven!”

According to The Free Dictionary, 'to recover' is 'to find and regain possession of (something stolen or lost)', and 'recovery' can be defined as 'restoration of things (or situation) to a former or better condition'.

Make this declaration for your recovery:

- I declare the enemy who has plundered me is being plundered!

- I declare the enemy's strategies against me be turned back!

- I declare the ending of the power of loss in my life!

- I declare the beginning of the power of victory in my life!

- I declare an amazing turnaround of events in my life!

In Jesus' name. Amen!

Declare the above by faith over every area of your life that has suffered recently and that needs recovery. 

Declare the above as you let God re-order (i.e. ‘re-erect’ or ‘re-establish’) your life, and as you move forward from here.

One good example in the Bible on how God re-ordered one’s steps is found in the book of Ruth. Indeed, Ruth had a great recovery. 

Here’s a background of what Ruth went through. 

Ruth 1:3-5 says, '...Elimelech, Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons (Mahlon and Chillion). Now the two sons took wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chillion also died; so the woman (Naomi) survived her two sons and her husband'. 

Ruth 1:8-9 continues, 'And Naomi said to her daughters-in-law, "Go, return each to her mother's house." The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. "The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband." So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept'.

Ruth 1:12-13 then reads, '"Turn back, my daughters, go - for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, would you wait for them till they were grown?..." Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law (goodbye), but Ruth clung to her’.

By the way, the name 'Orpah' in Hebrew means 'the back of the neck', from the word 'araph' meaning 'to turn back, to cut off', whereas the name ‘Ruth’ in Hebrew means ‘friend’. So, one ‘turned back’, and the other clung on to Naomi, whose name means ‘beauty, splendour, grace’ in Hebrew.

As you can see here, Ruth chose to follow Naomi no matter what (see also Ruth 1:16-17). This is a ‘picture’ of you, a friend of God (see John 15:15-16) who also keeps on looking to the ‘beauty, splendour, and grace’ of the Lord, even when others may ‘turn back’ during difficult times.

People of God, this will also be the key to your recovery this month. If you hang on like Ruth, and hang on to the ‘beauty, splendour, and grace’ of our Lord even when the odds are stacked against you, you will soon see ‘the curtains being opened’ for you.

At this point of writing, I would like to share a vision I saw (as I was praying) recently. In that vision, I was in a dark room, and initially I saw curtains covering the window of that room. There wasn’t any light at all inside the room. Then I saw a pair of shining hands opening the curtains of the window, and as the curtains were being opened more and more, I saw light (rays of light) from outside beginning to shine into the room, lighting up the room. The view in the horizon got broader and broader as the curtains were being opened, and the scenery outside was beautiful.

Let’s continue with Ruth now, and see how 'the curtains were being opened' for her. Ruth 1:22b says, '... Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest', and Ruth 2:1-2 says further, 'There was a relative of Naomi's husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. ... Ruth said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain..." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter.”’

Ruth 2:3 continues, '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’. Notice the word ‘happened’ here? This word is 'miqreh' in Hebrew, which literally means 'something met with chance', from the word 'qarah' in Hebrew, which means 'to light upon, to chance upon, to be divinely set up'.

Boaz then took notice of her, and asked his servant who was in charge of the reapers, saying "Whose young woman is this?" And upon finding out, he then said to Ruth, "You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women." (see Ruth 2:5-8) In fact, later on, Boaz even 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." (see Ruth 2:15-16)

People of God, as you let God ‘re-order’ your life today, I believe He is going to do for you the way Boaz did for Ruth those days. Yes, He can even command His angels to ‘let grain from the bundles fall purposely for you’ too. Just don’t limit Him on how He’s going to do it! Indeed, ‘Boaz’ is a ‘picture’ of your redemption and recovery. Amen!

If you read on (in this book of Ruth), you know the rest is history! One ‘happening’ led to another ‘happening’, all at the right place and at the right time. Surely God’s at work! In time, Boaz then took Ruth as his wife, and a son, 'Obed' was eventually conceived and born (see Ruth 4:13-17). By the way, this name 'Obed' is a very special name, from the Hebrew word 'abad' which means 'to bring to pass'. Indeed, your ‘Obed’ shall come to pass too!

So, no matter how helpless or hopeless your situation may be at the moment, I want to believe together with you for a great recovery on your part. Indeed, Ruth had a great recovery, and I believe you will too. Because He is now here to help you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Resting in Christ in the midst of the storms

Genesis 7:1 (NKJV): Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation."

The name 'Noah' here in Hebrew is 'Noach' or 'Nowach', meaning 'rest, or quiet', from the word 'nuwach' which means 'to rest, to be still, to settle down, to be quiet, to dwell/stay'.

Here, the Bible also says God saw that Noah was a righteous man before Him. Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, you are made righteous through Christ, because 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, 'For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him'.

In Genesis 6:8, the Bible says that 'Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord'. The word 'grace' here is 'chen' (pronounced 'khane') in Hebrew, which means 'favor, beauty, kindness'. As a believer, you too have found grace, because you have found Jesus Christ! John 1:17 says, 'For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'.

"So, what does Noah's ark speaks of here in the context of New Covenant?"

The word 'ark' here is 'tebah' in Hebrew, which simply means 'box'. This 'ark' is a 'picture' of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew. This 'ark' is the 'shadow', and the Lord Jesus Christ is the 'substance'. Today, we don't look to the 'shadow', but we look to the 'substance'. Therefore, to be in the 'ark' is a 'picture' of to be in Christ. As a matter of fact, being in Christ is the safest place you can ever be while on earth, whether you are going through an economic storm, political storm, financial storm, or any other forms of storm on earth!

Genesis 6:13-16 says, 'And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits (about 135 meters), its width fifty cubits (about 22.5 meters), and its height thirty cubits (about 13.5 meters). You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks."

Have you noticed there's only one door for this ark? In John 10:7, Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." Indeed, Jesus is that (singular) door, and He is also the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 says, 'There is no other name given among men by which one must be saved (rescued), but by the name of Jesus ('Yeshuwah')'.

As you can see here, the 'ark' in Noah's days was God's rescue plan (God's redemption plan), which speaks of Jesus Christ Himself, or 'Yeshuwah' in Hebrew, which means 'Salvation' (i.e. to save, to deliver, to rescue, to aid, to help). He is your only hope in this end-time, similar to Noah's ark when God was about to judge the whole earth!

Points to note on 'Noah's ark':
This ark was merely a rescue device afloat in the flood, with no rudder (steering) and propeller.
The 'length to width ratio' for the ark was 6:1 (i.e. 300 cubits to 50 cubits), which has been proven in modern ship technology to be an ideal 'length to width ratio' for huge vessels/ships today.
Amazingly, God's measurement and design (blueprints) for Noah's ark (built about 5,000 years ago) strikes a perfect balance of comfort, strength, and stability, enabling a safe, drifting voyage during very turbulent, stormy times.
You see, longer vessels may have comfort and stability, but no strength (i.e. it can fracture and break into half easily), and wider vessels may have stability and strength, but no comfort (i.e. passengers are more prone to sea sicknesses and injuries). 
The infamous Titanic that sank had a 'length to width ratio' of 10:1, whereas Knock Nevis (one of the largest modern tankers in the world today, and about three times the size of Noah's ark) has a 'length to width ratio' of 6:1, the same ratio as Noah's ark!
Indeed, Jesus is your perfect comfort, strength, and stability. Amen!
Source: Noah's Ark, Hong Kong.

Therefore, people of God, because you are in this perfect 'ark', no matter how stormy or turbulent your situation (or circumstance) around you may be at the moment, He is here saying to you, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Yes, let Him be exalted among the nations, and let Him also be exalted over every aspect of your life as well!

Indeed, Jesus is your perfect rest in the midst of the storms.

If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, He is here inviting you to 'come into the ark' today. The Bible says He is the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew (Matthew 12:8), and in this perfect 'ark', you are safe and well, and staying in the eye of the storm!

Genesis 6:22 then says, 'Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did'.

In spite of the ridicules, mockery, and despise from others in his days, Noah trusted God, obeyed God, and continued to build the 'ark' as God had instructed and specified. He learned to depend on God's knowledge (or blueprint) even if no one else believed him. This speaks of you hanging on strong in what God has spoken to you, in spite of whatever people may say against you. And it is no wonder Hebrews 11:7 says, 'By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith'.

Therefore, people of God, hang on strong and continue to walk with the Lord, as Noah did, even if others may ridicule you, mock at you, despise you, or even threaten you because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Now, there's another 'ark' mentioned in the Old Testament which was (also) so important to God that He (also) gave the Israelites very specific instructions on how it was to be constructed (just as He gave very specific instructions to Noah). It is called the ark of the covenant (read Exodus 25:10-22 for the specific measurement and design of this ark).

Points to note on 'the ark of the covenant':
The box was made of acacia wood, known in Israel as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of the humanity of Jesus, yet there's no sin in Him.
The box was overlaid with gold. This speaks of the divinity of Jesus.
The lid that covered the box was made of a solid slab of gold, and called 'kapporeth' in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat'. Indeed, His mercy triumphs over judgement. Because of all that He has done for you on the cross, He has also covered all your sins and rebellion against God.

Just as Noah's ark, this 'ark' also points you to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ! The word 'ark' here is 'arown' in Hebrew, also meaning 'box'. Interestingly, this word 'arown' comes from the word 'arah', meaning 'to gather'. Notice wherever this ark of the covenant (a 'picture' of Jesus Christ Himself) was carried in a procession, there was also a major in-gathering of God's people together with it! You can see that in David's days (see 1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 1 Chronicles 15:25-28, 1 Chronicles 16:1-2), and you see that again during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-11). Indeed, when He is lifted up, He will draw (gather) all peoples (John 12:32). Hallelujah!

Today, He is calling you to be part of this great procession of the ‘ark’ as well. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, ‘Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (i.e. in a triumphal procession in Christ) and through us diffuses (spreads) the fragrance of His knowledge in every place’. Amen.

Conclusion on both 'Noah's ark' and 'the ark of the covenant':
'Being in Noah's ark' speaks of 'you in Christ';
'The ark of the covenant entering Jerusalem in David's days (as he prepared a place for the 'ark' to enter in)' speaks of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).
You in Christ, and Christ in you! This speaks of the fullness of Christ who dwells (fills) all in all (Ephesians 1:23), and there's really no other safer place to be than this! That's how blessed you are when you have Christ! The Word of God says so, and let not anyone shake you out of it!

A time to birth forth like Hannah!

1 Samuel 1:17-18 (NKJV): Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him." And she (Hannah) said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman (Hannah) went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

The name 'Hannah' here is 'Channah' (pronounced 'khan-naw') in Hebrew, which means 'favored', from the word 'chanan', meaning 'to favor, to grant graciously'. Indeed, in Christ, you too are the 'favored' of God. Ephesians 1:6 says, '...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved'. The word 'accepted' here is 'charitoo' in Greek, which literally means 'be highly favored'.

Now, here's the background leading to Hannah's breakthrough. 1 Samuel 1:1-2 says, 'Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah... And he had two wives, the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children'. 

Elkanah was a good husband to Hannah, and he loved Hannah even though she was barren (1 Samuel 1:5). Interestingly, the name 'Elkanah' is 'El' (meaning 'God') and 'qanah' (meaning 'to obtain, to redeem, to possess, to recover, to procure') in Hebrew. Today, the Lord is also saying to you that He loves you, and He too has 'obtained, redeemed, possessed, recovered, and procured' you from all the provocation and works of the enemy. 'Peninnah' speaks of 'the worldly way of seeing things, the worldly mindset, the outward way, or the flaunting way of this world'.

People of God, if you have been persecuted, mocked or ridiculed by the 'Peninnahs' around you recently (1 Samuel 1:6-7), take heart, because God is about to cause you to birth forth, just as He did for Hannah in those days! Your breakthrough is at hand!

As Hannah cried out and poured out to God, God (through the priest, Eli) answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him." Today, whatever your situation may be, and no matter how 'dark' your situation may be, God is still the same to you as He was to Hannah. He has never changed His ways towards His beloved (Hebrews 13:8).

Hannah then said, "Let your maidservant find favor ('grace' in KJV) in your sight." She then went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad (1 Samuel 1:18). And herein lies a very important key to your breakthrough. Now watch Hannah at this point of time! Has Hannah seen her breakthrough (of asking for a male child) physically yet at this point of time? No! Yet the Bible says, 'she went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad', as if the breakthrough had already happened! 

Many believers make this mistake of remaining bitter and sad (i.e. negative), and some even took Hannah's weeping and crying as the reasons for them to remain in their own 'pity party'. But you see, that really wasn't the case with Hannah herself! The moment she received a prophetic word from the Lord (through Eli), she began to take God at His words, and walked free (from sorrows) as if she already had the breakthrough!

You see, as long as you remain bitter and sad (i.e. negative), God cannot bring you out of your 'barrenness', whatever your 'barrenness' in life may be!

Therefore, people of God, this is a time to rise up from your 'melancholy' (state of being sad or depressed) and eat! Eat of the Word! Drink of His Spirit! Rejoice and be glad! And never allow 'negative' people around you to pull you down any further! Remember you are the 'Hannahs' of today! Hannah rose above, ate, and rejoiced, even before the child Samuel was actually born! This speaks volume of her trust in God’s words (prophetic words), and as 1 Thessalonians 5:20 says, 'never to despise prophecies'. By the way, 'Samuel' here speaks of 'the breakthrough that you've been yearning for'.

See now what happened when Hannah began to rejoice and eat! 1 Samuel 1:19-20 then says, 'They (Elkanah and Hannah) rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house in Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the Lord."' 

And just as God remembered Hannah, He remembers you as well.

'Samuel' in Hebrew is 'Shemuw-El', from two words, 'El' (the name of 'God'), and 'Shama' meaning 'to hear attentively, to give attention carefully, to be obedient'. 'Samuel' speaks of the 'apostolic and prophetic move of God in our days'. God used him for the unprecedented in his days, breaking new grounds by anointing the first kings, and opening the way for God’s people to enter into the new things. 'Samuel' also speaks of ‘the fountain of revelation from heaven being opened’ at a time when the word of the Lord was rare and there was no widespread revelation (1 Samuel 3:1). 

People of God, as you cross into the next one year, you'll also see many people in this world not knowing what to do, or how to go about anymore, but take heart, ‘you will know’. God is going to show you many things that ‘eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Recently, I heard these words from the Lord during a time of worship and prayer:

"The fountain of revelation is being opened! I am raising up a people who hears! I am raising up a people who hears from heaven, revelation upon revelation from My throne! And I am going to thrust those who are ready into greater things! Greater things than they could ever have imagined!"

And I heard further:
"This is a time to return to Me in worship! There is a call for My people to worship! Yes, like they have never done before! Yes, even entering into new dimensions of worship! This is also a time to bring your 'rod' into My Holy of Holies! Like Aaron's rod! Surrender every 'deadwood' of yours in My presence! For I will use you if you are willing, and I will cause your 'deadwood' to sprout, to put forth buds, to produce blossoms, and to yield ripe almonds."

'Rod' speaks of 'your calling in life', and your calling brings with it 'authority'. 

Let the Lord visit (and transform you) as you cross into a new year. 

1 Samuel 2:21 says, 'And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the Lord'. You see, Hannah was meant to be fruitful. That was her destiny in her life, even though she did not start well. In Christ, you too are meant to be fruitful (in every area of your life), no matter how your past has been. Expect the Lord to visit you too right now, as He did to Hannah in those days. You are indeed highly favored in the Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Receive perfect peace from the Lord

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV): You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

The word 'perfect' here is 'shalem' in Hebrew, meaning 'full, whole, complete'. This word 'shalem' comes from the word 'shalam', which means 'to be safe, to be complete'.

How about the word 'peace' here in this verse? This word is 'shalom' in Hebrew, meaning 'safety, wellness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, favor'. Notice the broad meaning of this word 'shalom' here. By the way, this word 'shalom' also comes from the same word 'shalam', which means 'to be safe, to be complete'. 

So, here you go! 'Perfect peace' in Hebrew is 'shalem shalom'! As you can see above, both these words 'perfect' and 'peace' come from this same word 'shalam'. Double 'shalam'! Dual peace! As your mind is stayed on Him (instead of on the world, or on the issues/problems of this world), God will keep you in 'shalem shalom'! That's perfect peace - both internally and externally!

Internally:
In John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The Word of God says Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This word 'prince' here is 'sar' in Hebrew, which can mean 'head, chief, ruler, keeper, lord, master, beginner, source'. Indeed, He is the 'Sar Shalom', the Source of Peace that no one in this world can give! When He gives, it is for you to receive! And when He leaves this peace with you, it is meant to stay in you! This peace stays in your spirit and your soul (i.e. your mind, will, and emotion).

Externally:
And then in Mark 4:39, in the midst of the windstorm and rough seas, Jesus said, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. This peace is also upon your physical body and the circumstances around you.

You see, that's what 'perfect peace' should be! And you have it when your mind is stayed on Him. The word 'stayed' here is pronounced 'saw-mak' in Hebrew, which simply means 'to lean upon'. This 'leaning upon' is an attitude of your mind which trusts God that His thoughts for you are always thoughts of peace ('shalom') that gives you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

People of God, continue to lean upon Him and never give up trusting Him, no matter what. He will help you if you are willing. By God's grace, you can choose to set your mind on Him, instead of the things that trouble you in this world. Colossians 3:2 says to 'set your mind on things above, and not on things on the earth', and Romans 8:5-6 says as you 'set your mind on Him (i.e. being spiritually-minded), you'll have life and peace'.

To trust Him is to put all your confidence in Him, even if there are things that you can never understand or comprehend why these happened.
To trust Him is to know that He is still sovereign and in control, despite some personal tragedies, chaos, or bad news that may have shaken you recently.
To trust Him is to look to Him and be fully dependent on Him, knowing that He is God, and we are not, and that He knows all things, even things ahead of us; 'for in Him we live and move and have our being' (Acts 17:28) and 'that all things will work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose' (Romans 8:28).

The devil will always want to 'steal, kill, and destroy' God's people (John 10:10). The devil will always want to cause doubts among God's people - doubts about God, doubts about God's Word, doubts about God's goodness, and doubts about God's grace. In other words, the devil will always want God's people to question God, God's Word, God's goodness, and God's grace. Because he knows doubts will eventually lead to loss of faith. When there's loss of faith in God, God's people will begin to walk out on Him. That's the devil's ultimate aim. That's what he did to Adam and Eve anyway (see Genesis 3:1-5), and his aim has never changed since then.

The apostle Paul understood this very well, because often times, he could have doubted God. In fact, he had every reason to doubt God or God's calling for his life. But by God's grace, he was able to keep putting his trust on his sovereign God. This is what he wrote: 'in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness' (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), yet his deep concern was only for God's things (2 Corinthians 11:28).

In the next chapter, he then wrote, 'And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities (weaknesses, i.e. dependence on God), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (weaknesses, i.e. dependence on God), in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong' (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

So, whatever you may be going through at the moment, you are not alone through this. We are all in this together, and the citizens of heaven are also cheering us on, as we continue to run towards the finishing line. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin (including fear and unbelief) which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

Ephesians 6:12-13 says, 'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand'.

In the meantime, I pray 'the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord' (Philippians 4:7). This peace in you will hold you together when everything else in this world seems to be in chaos. Receive this peace from Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Let the high praises of God be in your mouth!

Psalm 149:5-6 (NKJV): Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.

The words 'high praises' here is 'tehillah' in Hebrew, which literally means 'laudation', from the word 'haw-lal', which means 'to shine, to boast, to celebrate, to make clear the way'. I like the expression 'to make clear the way' here.

Look now what happens when you let the 'high praises' of the Lord be in your mouth. Psalm 149:7-9 has these amazing answers, '... to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgement - this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!'

See 'this honor have all His saints' here? As a believer, you too are called His saints, brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ, and members together in the household of God! (Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:19)

Indeed, whatever (difficult) situation or circumstance you may be facing at the moment, your 'high praises' of the Lord makes clear the way for you! Hallelujah!

In cross-reference, let's look now at 2 Chronicles 20:22, and in the days of Jehoshaphat. This verse says, 'Now when they (Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah) began to sing and to praise (same word 'tehillah'), the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated'.

What happened next was again, amazing! 2 Chronicles 20:23 says, 'For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another'.

In other words, the Lord 'executed vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples (who came against God's people)'. And the enemies got so confused they 'self-destruct' among themselves!

That, my friend, is the power of praise!

2 Chronicles 20:24-25 then says, 'So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their (enemies') dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much'.

Even though in the New Covenant, we are not fighting flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), know that you too are the 'Jehoshaphats' of today! By the way, the name 'Jehoshaphat' comes from two words in Hebrew, 'Yehow' which is 'Yehovah, the self-existent and eternal God', and 'Shaphat' which means 'to execute judgement, to govern, to rule'. As you keep on praising Him, He is the One who will execute judgement on every work of darkness that comes against you!

And of course you belong to the tribe of the Lion of Judah! Jesus is the Lion of Judah (see Revelation 5:5). The word 'Judah' here is 'Yehuwdah' in Hebrew, from the root word 'yadah', which means 'to praise, or to shoot out (in celebration)'. Indeed, you belong to a people who shall continuously praise Him till the very end, and till eternity!

Recently, I released these words to a congregation I was preaching to:
"A time to praise! A time to praise! This is not a time to give up praising Him! This is a time to rise above and over every situation or circumstance of yours, and keep on praising Him!"

Victory is waiting for those who keep on praising the Lord! Amen!

Let's look at another example of how 'high praises' makes clear the way for God's people, and this time, it's Paul and Silas. Acts 16:22-24 says, 'Then the multitude rose up together against them (Paul and Silas); and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks'.

And look now at Paul and Silas' response. Acts 16:25 says, 'But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them'. These words 'singing hymns to God' are translated in King James Version as 'sang praises unto God'. The word 'praise' here is 'arete' in Greek, which means 'to speak of (His) excellence, (His) greatness, (His) virtue, (His) power'.

When the multitude rose up against them, they did not allow themselves to succumb under the difficult situation or circumstance they were facing. Instead, they rose above and over! They looked away from their own problems, and began speaking of God's excellence and greatness - from being occupied with 'selves' to being occupied with God's excellence and greatness!

When God 'becomes BIG' (i.e. when God is magnified in your life), your problem will 'become small'!

You know what? Acts 16:26 then says, 'Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed'. And the rest is history. For the record, not only their 'arete' led to the prison doors being opened, history has shown that also marked the beginning of the gospel doors being opened to the whole wide continent of Europe! (see Acts 17:1, Acts 17:10, Acts 17:16, Acts 18:1)

Isaiah 61:1-3 says, The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.'

Interestingly, the word 'garment' here comes from the Hebrew word 'ateh', meaning 'to array oneself, to decorate oneself'.

Therefore, people of God, no matter what situation or circumstance you may be facing at the moment, like Jehoshaphat (and the people of Judah), and like Paul (and Silas), may you also continue to put on the garment of praise, 'arraying yourself' with the praises of the Lord, and keep on speaking of His excellence and greatness - till you see your breakthrough, and till you see the 'doors' are being opened for you too. In Jesus' name. Amen!

The final victory is already assured!

Psalm 31:19 (NKJV): Oh, how great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

The word 'goodness' here in Hebrew is 'tuwb', which means 'beauty, gladness, welfare (toward us)', from the word 'towb', that is 'to make well, to make good'. In other words, the psalmist David was declaring the greatness of God's welfare toward His beloved! And yes, He does make good His promises for you too! 

The word 'fear' here is 'yawraw' in Hebrew, which simply means 'revere'. 'To revere Him' is to humble ourselves under His mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6) and to continue learning from Him (John 15:1-7). The truth is what we all know on earth (even collectively) is just a mere 'bucket' of water in the midst of His vast ocean. That's how great He is, even in His infinite wisdom. And the Bible says 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10).

Psalm 31:20 then says, 'You (the Lord) shall hide them (the goodness of the Lord) in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man ('pride of man' in KJV). You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion (shelter) from the strife of tongues'.

The word 'plots' here is translated in Hebrew as 'snares, traps, trickeries, plans, or conspiracies', from the word 'rawkas' which means 'to tie up', which is the opposite of 'to be set free'. Indeed, the plots of man 'ties us up', so that we will not be set free 'to be what God wants us to be', or 'to do what God wants us to do'. 

The word 'strife' here is translated in Hebrew as 'contest, adversary, chiding, or contention', from the word 'ruwb' which means 'to strive against, to hold a controversy, or to lay wait'. The Bible says 'the adversary walks about like a roaring lion, (laying wait) seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8). 

But God! Psalm 31:20 says the Lord shall keep and preserve all His goodness for you (including His plans, His dreams, and His visions He has put in your heart) from such works of the enemy!

Let's look now at the life and ministry of Nehemiah as a good example of the above verses. The name 'Nehemiah' literally means 'the comfort or consolation of the Lord'. In fact, what God did through Nehemiah was actually prophetic of our 'church age' in the dispensation of God's times.

In Nehemiah's days, the Lord put in his heart to build the wall of Jerusalem. 'Wall' here speaks of 'salvation' (see Isaiah 60:18), whereas 'Jerusalem' speaks of 'God's city, or God's people'. And with the comfort of the Lord, and with much perseverance on Nehemiah's part, the 'job' was eventually completed. 

The Old Testament is the 'shadow', and the New Testament is the 'substance'. Today, in the New Testament (the 'church age'), our main call on earth (whatever your vocation or ministry may be) is likewise to build the 'wall' too, that is to 'proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day, declare His glory among the nations, and His wonders among the people' (see Psalm 96:2-3).

Notice that before the successful completion of the wall, Nehemiah had to go through several rounds of 'persecutions'. Here's the chronology of what happened:

1. Ridicule & despise (see Nehemiah 2:19)

2. Mockery & reproach (see Nehemiah 4:1-3)

3. Conspiracy & confusion (see Nehemiah 4:7-8)

4. Threats & fear tactics (see Nehemiah 6:6-9)

Likewise in the 'church age', since the days of the early apostles in the Book of Acts till now, the 'church' (as a whole) has also gone through the above rounds of 'persecutions'. I believe we are currently in the last 'epoch' of 'persecutions' (i.e. 'threats & fear tactics' of the enemy) before the full completion, and culminating in the celebration of Feast of Tabernacles (see Nehemiah 8:14-17, Zechariah 14:16), the end-time assembling and in-gathering of the 'called ones' (i.e. the believers).

Indeed, we are a generation living in the end-time! Take heart, God's people, and ‘keep running the race’ and let's not give up (or grow weary) while doing good (Galatians 6:9). As you build what God is building, and do what God is doing, He will be with you till the end (Matthew 28:18-20). Whatever spiritual gift (or gifts) He has given you (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10), use it (or use them) for the glory of the Lord! And the comfort of Yahweh is with you, just as in the days of Nehemiah! You will see 'the good work that God has begun in you, He will also bring it to full completion' (Philippians 1:6). Amen!

As you can see above, the book of Nehemiah actually speaks of the leading up (building up) towards Jesus' coming again! If chapters 1 to 6 speaks of 'the church age', then chapters 7 and 8 speaks of 'His coming again'!

Watch now what happened upon the completion of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's days. Nehemiah 6:15-16 says, 'So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God'. 

Nehemiah 8:1-2 then says, 'Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month'.

See the words 'one man' here? This speaks of the one Body of Christ (Ephesians 2:15-16). If 'Nehemiah' speaks of 'you and I (i.e. the believers)', 'Ezra' (from the word 'Ezer' meaning 'aid, help') the priest speaks of 'our great High Priest, Jesus, who has fulfilled the Law perfectly (Matthew 5:17)'. Notice Ezra took over there on, and in turn declared to the people 'not to weep nor mourn, but to rejoice' (Nehemiah 8:9-12).

I don't know about you, but it's very comforting to know and be assured of what comes in the end, in spite of the present persecutions suffered by some of our brethren in Christ in some parts of the world, and even in the midst of 'threats and fear tactics' being plotted by the 'adversary'.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, the apostle Paul wrote, 'For the Lord (Jesus Christ) Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words'. 

The word ‘comfort’ here is ‘parakaleo’ in Greek, which means ‘to call near’. By the way, this word ‘parakaleo’ comes from two words - ‘para’ (meaning ‘near’) and ‘kaleo’ (meaning ‘calling, or call a name’). Indeed, you have a God who always calls you near to Him, and a God who knows you by name. Interestingly, this word ‘kaleo’ is the root word where the word ‘ekklesia’ (the Greek word for ‘church’, meaning ‘a calling out, or a gathering of the called ones’) comes from.

I heard these words from the Lord the other day as I was praying:

“No matter what happens, and even in the midst of chaos on earth, look to Me, lean on Me, and learn from Me. This is a time to comfort one another, not to condemn one another, put down one another, or put fear in one another.”

To ‘comfort one another’ is therefore to ‘call near to one another’, i.e. accepting one another, considering one another, encouraging one another, and exhorting one another, so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25).

People of God, wherever you are, together as one man, we’ll get the ‘job’ done, and see the ‘wall’ completed! The final victory is already assured. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Revelation is like rainfall

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

The word 'vision' here is 'chazown' (pronounced 'khaw-zone') in Hebrew, which can mean 'revelation' or 'prophetic vision'. This word comes from the root word 'chazah' (pronounced 'khaw-zaw'), meaning 'to gaze at, to see, to have a vision of, to prophesy'. 

Why is revelation so important? 

As a matter of fact, revelation is like rainfall. Without revelation, God's people perish. Without rainfall, the land perish (i.e. becomes parched), and therefore new crops cannot grow. 

The same it is with prophetic vision (or prophetic words). Either one receives it or resists it. If one receives, he'll see the vision (or words) coming to pass, as he takes heed of it and acts on it. If one resists, the rain cannot fall (not doesn't want to fall), and thus will not grow new crops.

In Israel, every new year (in Hebrew calendar) marks the beginning of rainfall in the land. That's when the farmers would start plowing, and then planting seeds. Hard ground gets wet by the rain beginning this time, and therefore plowing also begins (i.e. preparing the ground for new seeds to be planted). Generally, rainfall in Israel begins around this time (September/October), and increases by winter time (November/December). Even though some say there are four seasons in Israel (i.e. spring, summer, autumn, and winter), there are (in actual fact) two main seasons each year - summer (i.e. dry season) and winter (i.e. wet season).

"But I'm not a Hebrew, and I don't need to know all these!"

As God's people, you are blessed every time you learn to flow in God's divine timing and season.

We have just crossed into the Hebrew new year 5775, and many people asked me what this year 5775 brings (and of course, what the year 2015 in the secular calendar is going to be like). Have you noticed that God's calendar (say, 5775) usually begins about three months ahead of the secular calendar (say, 2015)? Spiritual first, and then physical (natural). Things happen in the spiritual realm first before it happens in the physical (natural) realm. For example, before God spoke "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), this 'light' has already been conceived in God's mind first, before He spoke it into being. That's how 'light' came about in the physical (natural) realm!

These are the prophetic words for the Hebrew year 5775 (which includes a major part of year 2015 in the secular calendar) I received from the Lord during Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year) 5775 recently:

"This is a year the fountain of revelation is being opened for those who receive. Like the rain that falls on you, so will My revelation fall on you. New rain brings new things and fresh new revelation. For those who receive, you'll never run out or run short of revelation this coming year. Many in the world will come to the point when they do not know what to do or how to go about any more, but you will know, because this fountain of revelation is being opened for you."

People of God, this is also a time to declare that your drought season is over, and that God's presence, God's grace and God's revelation has begun falling on you like the rainfall - whether in finding job, finding new home, seeing divine health, or seeing any breakthrough in your life.

On Sunday, I released these words to the congregation of Triumph in Christ (TiC) as well:
"Prepare your ground. This is a time to till it and plow it. Get yourselves ready for His rainfall. He will give you seeds to plant this year. And you'll never run out of seeds. This is also a time to prepare to start planting! Seeds of love! Seeds of forgiveness! Any kind of seeds that He ever gives you!"

As I declared 'drought is over' a few days ago, immediately good reports came flooding in my email and phone from then on, and even by today, good reports are still coming in! Someone got a job after so long, someone's husband got a job contract after many months of waiting, someone got a breakthrough in his search for a new property, someone's brother was miraculously healed of stomach paralysis (and even his doctor acknowledged this as God's miracle!), someone's baby somehow got miraculously healed from a life-threatening disease... one by one just came in! I believe the list will grow from now on as I declare it to you! Just the other day, a lady whom I know called up, asking me to pray for her good friend's ten-year-old daughter who was kidnapped. As I prayed, I heard these words from the Lord and by faith, declared: 'This little girl is still alive and well, and the police already have clue where the kidnappers are, though they wouldn't tell'. You know what? Praise God! Just about three hours later, this same lady was so excited when she told me that the girl has been found alive and well, and the kidnappers have been caught by the police! Glory be to God! God is alive, and God is great!

As you walk into this new year, remember also the one key to getting out of your drought and receiving this fountain of rainfall (revelation) is forgiveness. Walk in forgiveness throughout this coming year. The fountain opens and rain falls on you as you decide to receive forgiveness and to forgive.

The power of forgiveness and the power of healing (and breakthrough) are connected. Forgiveness leads to your healing (and breakthrough). David wrote this very aptly in Psalm 103:1-3: 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases’. You see, forgiveness comes first, and then healing.

In fact, one of your important calling on this earth (like Jesus) is to forgive. Jesus did it in Luke 23:34. When He was crucified at Calvary, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” In Mark 11:25, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him…” If there’s going to be healing in any area of your life, the one thing to do is to forgive.

Matthew 9:1-8 shows that Jesus has the power to forgive. In Him, and as His beloved, you too have the power (i.e. ability) to forgive, because as He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) In other words, you have the power to declare what Jesus declares, in His name, of course. Matthew 9:8 confirms it by saying, ‘Now when the multitude saw it (forgiveness and healing of a paralytic), they marvelled and glorified God who had given such power (to forgive and to heal) to men’. Notice the word ‘men’ here? It’s plural! It means you and me too! Therefore, choose to forgive, and you’ll see heaven opens and the fountain of rain falling on you! It’s not like “If I feel like forgiving, I’ll forgive. But if I don’t feel like forgiving, I won’t forgive.” The truth is forgiveness is not an option, but is the key that opens heaven.

Psalm 32 written by David is a psalm of forgiveness. Verses 1-2 say, 'Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit'. In the same psalm, and in verses 4-5, David wrote, 'My vitality was turned into the drought of summer (because of sin). I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden'. Again, watch how forgiveness opens the fountain of rainfall (revelation) to fall! In verse 8, God responded to David, "I will (therefore) instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." By the way, the word 'eye' here is 'ayin' in Hebrew, and 'eye' speaks of 'vision' (or 'revelation'). In other words, God told David He would guide him with His vision (revelation)!

People of God, in the spiritual realm, God is most attracted to genuine and sincere acts of love and forgiveness from one’s heart, and He will surely bless you and help you. Love and forgiveness are connected. You can’t have one without another. You can’t love without forgiving, and you can’t forgive without love.

As His dearly beloved, know that God’s Spirit dwells in you (Romans 8:9). That makes all the difference, and that’s what make you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He will surely teach you and help you this coming year. Amen. Let us therefore humble ourselves under His mighty hand, and continue learning from Him. Have a blessed new year 5775!

Being filled with all the fullness of God

Ephesians 3:18-19 (NKJV): ... that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The word 'passes' here is 'huperballo' in Greek, which means 'to throw beyond the usual mark, to surpass, to exceed'. See the word 'all' here? God wants you to be filled with all the fullness of Him, not 'some' or 'part'.

'Fullness' here is 'pleroma' in Greek, which means 'completion, filled up (to the full)', from the word 'pleroo' meaning 'to satisfy, to complete, to supply, to fulfil'. In other words, to be filled with all the fullness of God is to be satisfied, completed, supplied, and fulfilled with all the fullness of God!

God has satisfied every 'thirst' (or 'lack') of yours at the cross some 2,000 years ago, and therefore as a believer, your 'cup' runs over (Psalm 23:5). David understood this fullness of God very well, and that's why he wrote "I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1). This fullness of God is the fullness of heaven - where there's no lack, no sickness, and no pain. In Matthew 6:10, Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." You see, heaven on earth! And the good news is you don't have to reach heaven (yet) to live in heaven! You can have heaven even right now on earth!

"Sounds too good to be true!"

But this is what the Word of God says!

Let me explain further. John 19:28-31 says, 'After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop (a kind of bitter herb), and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit'.

By the way, 'sour wine' here is like acid, and imagine this acid 'burning' through Jesus' dry lips, tongue, throat, esophagus, lung, and through all the internal organs of His body! As you can see, it wasn't just outwardly that He was disfigured and wounded, but also inwardly! It was a whole, complete sacrifice! This acid 'burning' through is like fire burning through, a 'picture' of God's holy anger against sin being fully satisfied on Jesus' body at the cross.

And that's how Jesus became the 'burnt offering' for you. God's holy judgement and punishment against your sins consumed like fire on (and in) Jesus' body at the cross! Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In cross-reference, Exodus 12:7-9 says, 'And they shall take some of the blood (of the lamb) and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat. Then they shall eat the flesh on that night (of Passover); roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire - its head with its leg and its entrails (i.e. internal organs)'. See the word 'entrails' here? The lamb was to be roasted in fire not just outwardly, but also inwardly!

Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, see all your sins, diseases, or problems 'burnt' with this fire on Jesus' body as well! He got 'dried up' so you'll never 'thirst' or lack any good thing from heaven!

Ephesians 2:18-22 says, 'For through Him (Christ) we have access by One Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit'. See the word 'access' here? Through Him, you have access to the Father who gives you every good thing! (see Matthew 7:11)

Let's go to the Old Testament now for cross-reference. Genesis 28:11-12 says, 'So he (Jacob) came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God ascending and descending on it'. 

Genesis 28:16-17 then says, 'Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"'

'House of God' here is 'Beyth El' or 'Bethel', which also means 'habitation of God, dwelling place of God'. The word 'gate' here is 'sha ar' in Hebrew, meaning 'an opening, access'. Therefore, the term 'gate of heaven' here means 'access to and from heaven'! See the word 'access' again?

As a believer, know that you too are the 'house of God' (where He dwells), and the 'gate of heaven' (where you have access to every good thing that heaven supplies)! 

And because there's no lack, no sickness, no pain, no work of darkness in heaven, so should you be on earth!

Genesis 28:18-19 says further, 'Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he (Jacob) called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously'. 

Notice 'stone' here is actually a 'picture' of you and I, the living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5), and 'oil' here speaks of the Holy Spirit. In the New Covenant, you and I are that living stones filled with the Holy Spirit!

Interestingly, one meaning of 'Luz' in Hebrew is 'be perverse, be turned aside from the truth'. As you behold Him as in a mirror (see 2 Corinthians 3:18), allow Him to transform you from 'Luz' to 'Bethel', and of course, from glory to glory!

Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. By the way, the word 'prove' here is 'dokimazo' in Greek, which can be translated as 'to allow it to happen'. 

People of God, this is the time to allow God to renew and transform your mind, so that 'His kingdom come, His will be done (in your life) on earth as it is in heaven'. Start seeing yourself as the 'house of God' and the 'gate of heaven' from now on, where angels are ascending and descending - ministering for you (Hebrews 1:14) and bringing all the 'goodies' of heaven on earth to you and through you. Amen!

The power of God is now present to heal you!

Luke 5:17 (NKJV): Now it happened on a certain day, as Jesus was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

The word 'power' here is 'dunamis' in Greek, which means 'miraculous power, or mighty work', from the word 'dunamai', meaning 'to be able or possible'. Yes, indeed, He is the Lord who is able, and all things are possible to Him!

In a time of worship and prayer, I heard these words from the Lord for this time and season:

"These coming four months are months of recovery. Many of you have been asking for more of Me and the manifestation of My power, and I have heard it. Know that My power is present, not absent. There's an anointing flowing and coming very strongly beginning this month, especially in the areas of restoration and healing. Take it with you and be blessed. I will bless your hands. Yes, I will put My hand upon your hands. I will put My anointing upon your hands. There's power for healing. There's power for miracles. There's power to prosper. And there's so much more that I want to put upon your hands. Receive it with your hands."

Acts 10:38 says, '... how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power ('dunamis'), who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him'. 

And this same power is now here to break every yoke in your life! By the way, a 'yoke' is anything that oppresses or hinders you from living (or moving) effectively in life. For example, 'sickness' is a form of 'yoke', because 'sickness' oppresses and hinders you from living (or moving) effectively in life! You can't do many things, or enjoy God's blessings to the fullest when you are sick!

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

As a Spirit-filled believer, this very same power has already come upon you, because Acts 1:8 says, 'But you shall receive power ('dunamis') 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'.

"How do I activate this power that's in me?"

By believing and agreeing with Him!

Hebrews 11:6 says, 'But without faith (i.e. believing) it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to Him must believe that He is (i.e. present now), and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him'. 

Notice the word 'please' here is 'euaresteo' in Greek, from the word 'euarestos', which means 'to be fully agreeable with'. Therefore, 'to please Him' here is 'to be fully agreeable with Him'! 

The Bible says Jesus is the Word! (John 1:1-2, John 1:14). 'To be fully agreeable with Him' is 'to obey and to act on His Word'! 

When Peter believed that He is and agreed with Jesus' one word for him "Come", he began walking on water! (see Matthew 14:28-29) 'Walking on water' here speaks of you triumphing over your natural condition, situation, or circumstance. 

When the group of men believed and agreed that the power of the Lord was present to heal (make whole) their paralyzed friend, they did not allow the crowd (or even the roof!) to stop them from bringing this man into the midst before Jesus. They eventually saw their reward! (see Luke 5:17-26)

When the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years believed and agreed that if she could touch Jesus' garment in the midst of the crowd, she would be healed of her affliction. And of course, she too saw her reward! (see Mark 5:25-34)

Indeed, He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 'To diligently seek Him' is 'to keep and keep on looking to Him, no matter what'.

Declare upon any area of your body (or your situation) that needs healing or miracle right now:

"The power of God is now present in my .............. , and is now working mightily to heal me. In Jesus' name. Amen."

People of God, keep believing, keep agreeing with what God says (not what the 'crowd' says), and you'll be on your way to your complete healing and wholeness. Amen!