Watch Him supply for you this year!

Galatians 3:5-6 (NKJV): Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? - just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

The word 'supplies' here (or 'ministereth' in KJV) is from the Greek word 'choregeo', meaning 'to fully supply, to constantly supply, to lavish, to supply in bountiful measure'. And the apostle Paul wrote this 'supply' is to be received by faith (i.e. a believing heart), and not by the works of the law.

Another time this word 'choregeo' appears in the Bible is found in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 that says, 'Now may He who supplies (or 'ministereth' in KJV) seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God'.

The other day, in a time of prayer, the Lord spoke these words:
"Watch Me supply for you this year! Don't be afraid to receive My supply, and don't be shy to receive My supply!"

People of God, whatever you have been lacking in 'supply', whether in health, in wisdom, in providence, or in any other area of life, I want to believe these words for you as well.

In Philippians 4:19 (NKJV), the apostle Paul wrote, 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. See the word 'all' here? 'All' your need! And according to His riches in glory, not according to the 'scarcity of resources' in this world! The word 'supply' here is from the word 'pleroo' in Greek, meaning 'to furnish, to satisfy, to complete, to accomplish, to fulfil'. I can now therefore personalize and declare Philippians 4:19 this way: "And my God shall furnish, satisfy, complete, accomplish, and fulfil all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Amen!

Some of you might say, "But I don't think I deserve such supply from God, after all those mistakes I've made in life, and after all those sins I've committed!" 

Well, look at Jacob in the Bible then! He deserved nothing, but he got everything! And you know why? Simply because of the grace of God! And I believe if God could help him, God can help you and deliver you too, whatever 'struggle' (or 'mess', and even 'repercussions') you may be facing at the moment. Indeed, God's heart is very near His people this year, if they return to Him (and His ways).

The name 'Jacob' is 'Yaaqob' in Hebrew, meaning 'heel-catcher, supplanter', from the word 'aqab' which literally means 'to seize by the heel, to take by the heel, to restrain (as in holding by the heel)'. As you can see, even from the time of his birth, his life was about supplanting others! Genesis 25:24-26 says, 'So when her (Rebekah) days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob...'

As long as his name remained Jacob, from beginning till the end (before God changed his name to Israel), his life was filled with fleshly struggles and much self-effort (to obtain things). First, struggling with men (see Genesis 25:29-34, Genesis 27:41-45, Genesis 29:18-27), and finally, just before his 'name change', struggling with God (see Genesis 32:24-25).

And not until he met God face to face did his destiny actually change! That's how important an encounter with God is! Allow God to visit you this year!

Genesis 32:24-30 says, 'Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (i.e. 'face of God'); "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."'

In Genesis 35:10-12, God then affirmed and said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land."

A name change always brings with it a character change.

'Jacob' speaks of fleshly struggles and much self-effort.
'Israel' speaks of God's grace (God's supply, God's ability).

You see, no more struggles, but walking in His grace (His supply, His ability). In other words, it's supernatural! It's about walking in the supply of God, not man; and the ability of God, not man!

A few weeks ago, a friend who moves in the prophetic gift said this to me: "This year, many will have no choice but to walk in the supernatural!" I agree and resonate with these words. The time has come when many cannot just rely on their own strength, knowledge, intelligence, and logics any further, but to look to God and totally rely on Him (even for His wisdom).

By the way, this new name Israel, or 'Yisra El' in Hebrew means 'he will rule ('Yisra') with God ('El')'. This word 'Yisra' shares the same root word as 'Sarah' (from the Hebrew alphabets 'Shin' and 'Rosh') which means 'to rule, to reign, to have power (as a prince)'. Hence, 'Yisra El' can also be translated 'prince with God'.

As believers in the New Covenant, know that you are the spiritual 'Israels' (princes with God) of today (see Ephesians 2:11-13, Hebrews 8:7-13). Romans 5:17 says, 'For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ'.

Today, God can turn you from Jacob to Israel too. It's like there's a 'name change' for God's people in this time and season, if they look to Him, return to Him, and seek Him. He is here to meet you face to face, and He can turn things around for you too. In short, no more shall you be a 'supplanter' (i.e. struggling in this 'dog-eat-dog' world), but you are ruling and reigning with Him as heirs according to the promise, supernaturally.

Galatians 3:26-29 says, 'For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'. Believing, you will receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Receive the anointing to be rebuilt and renewed

Isaiah 61:4 (NIV): They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

The word 'rebuild' here (from the word 'banah' in Hebrew) is defined as 'to set up (again), or to obtain children/offspring (again)'. It speaks of one's life (or any area of one's life) being re-built, i.e. 'to be built from ruins again', or 'to be set up from ruins again'. 

Though Isaiah 61:4 is about 'broken or ruined cities', I believe this verse also speaks of 'the souls of men'. A broken soul is very much like a city that has been broken down and with no walls (of protection), or like a house in ruins.

The word 'renew' here is 'chadash' in Hebrew, which means 'to be new, to be fresh'. This word speaks of 'a new beginning', as you 'look not behind you, but look ahead' for a much better new year. It is from this word 'chadash' that 'Rosh Chodesh' (meaning 'Head of the Month') comes from. 
Note: 'Rosh Chodesh' is a joyful celebration to the Lord, held on the first day of every Hebrew month. It is a time to gather together to seek the Lord (and His direction) for the month ahead. This celebration is also called New Moon Festival - a new, fresh month (to look forward to).

The other day, I heard these words from the Lord in a time of prayer:
"This is a time to be rebuilt and renewed for many of My people!"

People of God, if you have gone through a difficult time (even a crisis or tragedy) in the previous year, God wants you to know that His heart is very near you this year, and He is here to rebuild and renew you in any area that you may have suffered 'devastation'. 

He is able (no matter what you've gone through), and His anointing is here.

One key chapter you can meditate on as you cross the threshold of year 2015 is Isaiah 61. This chapter begins with these first two verses: '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...'

This anointing (or enabling/empowering) opens the way to a time of rebuilding and renewing, as written in Isaiah 61:4, and is now here for you to receive.

By the way, the word 'renew' ('chadash') here is also translated as 'repair' (in NKJV). See the words 'Re - pair' here? In other words, 'to have a new pair of wings (again)' or 'to give you a new pair of wings (again)'! And that's what He is going to do for you this month, if you look to Him! It's a new start! A new beginning, so that the 'eagle' can soar again, renewed and refreshed for the many months ahead!

People of God, are there areas in your life that need a 'Re -pair' at the moment? How about your health, stamina, or strength? Or maybe in your career, business, or ministry life?

This is your time for the Lord to 'Re -pair' and mend your broken 'wings', and make them 'new, fresh again'. As a matter of fact, you need a pair of wings to fly! One wing won't make it! And this is the time and season for 'Re - pair' for many of you in the Body of Christ!

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV) says, 'He gives power (now, that's the anointing!) to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint'.

Mount up (and soar), then run, and finally walk. Do you see a 'cycle' here! And if the 'eagle' never gets replenished, it will eventually faint! 

As believers, you too are like the 'eagles' who (by His grace) are able to rise above and over every storm that the enemy conjures up against you!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there is a time (i.e. due season) for everything (every purpose), and I believe for many of you, this is a time to wait on the Lord and be renewed in your strength.

By the way, the word 'wait' here in Isaiah 40:31 is never 'passive', but is the word 'qavah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to collect, to gather, to look patiently to'. In this context, I can phrase it this way: 'Those who collect from the Lord, gather from the Lord, and look patiently to the Lord shall renew their strength'. How? Worship the Lord, dig into (and meditate on) the Word, and of course, pray in the spirit as often as you can this month!

And as you 'qavah' on the Lord, I believe you'll begin to see 'your evening is past, and your morning has come'. It's like you feel so rejuvenated in the morning after a good night’s sleep! Lamentations 3:22-24 says, 'Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They (the Lord's mercies) are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion", says my soul, therefore I hope in Him'. Amen.

Get ready for your double portion!

1 Kings 19:19 (NKJV): So he (Elijah) departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.

The Lord has been speaking to me about Elijah-Elisha relationship as I was preparing for the year 2015. The chapters to read as you cross the threshold of 2015 are 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2. These are crucial chapters for the year 2015.

The word 'mantle' (or 'coat') here is 'addereth' (i.e. something ample, like a wide garment/robe) in Hebrew, from the word 'eder' meaning 'amplitude (i.e. greatness, largeness, abundance), glorious, splendor'. This throwing of Elijah's mantle on Elisha here speaks of the adoption in a spiritual father-son relationship between Elijah and Elisha.

'Elijah' ('Eliyah' in Hebrew) comes from two words, i.e. 'El' meaning 'God, the Almighty, the Strength', and 'Yah', the name of the Lord God, the YHWH (Yehowah), the Self-Existent and Eternal God. 

'Elisha' ('Eliysha' or 'Eliyshuwa' in Hebrew) comes from two words as well, i.e. 'El' meaning 'God, the Almighty, the Strength', and 'Shuwa', which means 'riches, in abundance'.

If 'Elijah' speaks of 'the Spirit of God', then 'Elisha' speaks of you and I! Romans 8:14-15 says, 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."' 

People of God, keep following the God of YHWH no matter what this year, like Elisha following Elijah! This is the key for you in the year 2015. And if you do so, this shall be a year of ‘double portion’ and ‘double honor’ for you. Isaiah 61:7 says, 'Instead of your shame you shall have double honor (double portion), and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double...'

As I was seeking the Lord for what the year 2015 brings, He gave a deep assurance with these words:

"My grace is enough for you for the year ahead, if you will look to Me."

By the way, His grace here speaks of His supply and His ability. Not by might (of men) nor by power (of men), but by the Spirit of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6-7).

Then, I heard further for this year 2015:

"This is going to be a year of pleasant surprises and a year the fountain of revelation is being opened for those who seek Me."

Notice the words “if you will look to Me”, and then “for those who seek Me” above? There’s a double emphasis here, and I believe the Lord wants us to know this is not for everyone, but for those who look to Him and seek Him.

For those who will, 'pleasant surprises' are waiting for you, even in the midst of gloominess in the world. Just never limit God - on what He can do for you, or how He’s going to do it! This is a year of endless possibilities. Like Elisha, not only did he receive a double portion and pleasant surprises, watch how he also walked in the fountain of revelation that’s being opened for him!

Elisha is a 'picture' of riches and abundance. To plow with twelve yoke (pairs) of oxen in the field at the same time is rather extraordinary, and he was with the twelfth when the mantle fell on him. He never looked back since then (1 Kings 19:21), and followed Elijah till the very end (2 Kings 2:11-15). That was the key to his double portion of anointing. By the way, the number 'twelve' doesn't just mean 'divine government or authority' in Hebrew numeric, but this number is also the number for 'divine power (or ability)'. In other words, the number 'twelve' speaks of the anointing!

Note: What is the anointing? It is ‘mish-chah’ in Hebrew, meaning 'unction', from the Hebrew word ‘mashach’, i.e. 'to rub with oil, to consecrate, to anoint'. ‘Oil’ here speaks of 'the anointing, enabling, or empowering of the Holy Spirit'. Jesus the Christ (the Anointed) Himself quoted Isaiah 61:1-2 (that opens the way to Isaiah 61:7), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me..." as He began His earthly ministry (see Luke 4:18-19). 

Indeed, this is a year to receive the anointing like that of Elisha!

Look now how Elisha kept following Elijah no matter what.

2 Kings 2:1-2 (NKJV) says, ‘And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel'.

From Gilgal, meaning ‘wheel, rolling thing (like a whirlwind)’, Elisha kept following Elijah - to Bethel (i.e. house of God), then to Jericho (i.e. the fragrance/breath of God), and finally to Jordan, where he received the double portion (see 2 Kings 2:2-8).

May you also have the tenacity and perseverance to follow the Lord no matter what, throughout this year 2015. And that’s how you’ll eventually reach your ‘Jordan’ as well!

Interestingly, the name ‘Jordan’ (‘Yarden’ in Hebrew) means ‘descender’, from the word ‘yarad’, which can mean ‘to descend, to come down, to light upon’. In cross-reference, John 1:32 says, 'And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him (Jesus)."' And guess what? This too happened at Jordan! Let Scripture interpret Scripture!

The above speaks of the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit falling upon His people in a very special way this year 2015, such as happened in the life and ministry of Elisha those days!

2 Kings 2:8-9 (NKJV) then says, 'Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”’

2 Kings 2:11 (NKJV) continues, ‘Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven’.

The word ‘whirlwind’ (i.e. a sudden gush of wind that moves in circular motion) here comes from the Hebrew word ‘saw-ar’, meaning ‘to rush upon’. Many things will happen suddenly this year. Indeed, we have already entered a time and season of many suddenlies. This is the end-time. But fear not, because for those who look to Him and seek Him (with humility and the fear of the Lord), you’ll also be in for many ‘pleasant surprises’ that also come suddenly! Receive this by faith for your life and ministry. Amen!

Not only Elisha had pleasant surprises (1 Kings 19:19, 2 Kings 2:9), the fountain of revelation was also being opened for him, such that 'no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him' (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Here are the examples of miracles, signs and wonders performed through Elisha upon him receiving his ‘double portion’:

- Healing of water with salt (2 Kings 2:19-22)

- Widow’s jar of oil, and the oil multiplied (2 Kings 4:1-7)

- Raising the Shunammite woman’s son from death (2 Kings 4:32-35)

- Naaman’s leprosy healed as he dipped in Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:10-14)

- The iron ax head floated when he threw in a stick (2 Kings 6:5-7)

And many more! Speaking about double portion!

Watch how Elisha moved by the revelation of the Lord each time! For each miracle, notice how he received afresh from the Lord, even in unprecedented ways - never being done by others before!

You see, the fountain of revelation was being opened for him in many interesting ways! Elisha just knew what to do. For example, one may ask, “Why not ask Naaman dip in another river instead of Jordan?” or “Why not ask Naaman dip eight times instead of seven times?” 

And I want to believe the same for you this year. When many do not know what to do, or how to go about anymore, like Elisha, ‘you will know’! In other words, the fountain of revelation is being opened for you! This year 2015 is going to be like that - for those who look to Him and seek Him (the way Elisha followed Elijah). 

See yourself like 'Elisha', and see the Lord like the 'Elijah'! 

Here are the ways to receive the anointing for double portion and double honor:

- Keep looking/seeking/following Him no matter what (even in difficult situations)

- Partaking through someone God has anointed (like Elisha to Elijah).