While praying in the Spirit the other day, I saw a vision of someone holding a large, empty, oblong-shaped plate with his hands. Then, I saw another person using a ladle to scoop rice (putting more and more rice) onto the large, empty, oblong-shaped plate, until it's full.
I asked the Lord for the interpretation, and that's when I heard these words: "Surrender your hands to the Lord, and let Him anoint, touch, bless, and prosper what are in your hands, as you prepare yourself for the many supernatural manifestations, events, and healings in the year ahead!"
Indeed, people of God, your hands are in effect the extension of God's hands. Let His hands be with your hands as you get ready for a year of many supernatural manifestations, events, and healings in the year 2018!
The year 2018 is a year for you to believe 'all that you touch shall prosper', whatever your vocation or profession may be. There is every reason for you to look ahead with much anticipation and hope! The key is to allow His hands and flow with His hands, instead of going against His hands.
In Genesis 24:1-4, the Scripture says, 'Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, "Please, put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac."'
See the word 'hand' here?
In the modern culture that we live in today, taking oath of office may involve 'raising the right hand', 'placing the hand over the heart', or 'placing the hand on the Bible'. But in ancient Hebrew culture, one way of taking oath involved 'putting one's hand under someone's thigh'. Rabbi Ibn Ezra, a Jewish philosopher and biblical commentator, interpreted 'under the thigh' as 'submission to authority'. For someone to allow his hand to be sat on is a sign of submission to authority. Here, 'Abraham' speaks of 'the Lord, our Master', whereas the 'servant' speaks of 'you and I, who serve the Lord, our Master'.
This servant then went on his way to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor in obedience to his master's instructions. In Genesis 24:12-14, the Scripture says, 'Then the servant said, "O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, 'Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink' - let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master."'
The expression 'give me success' here is the word 'qarah' in Hebrew, which means 'to bring about, to light upon'. In other words, the servant was looking to the Lord to bring about a divine appointment for him. To his understanding, nothing would happen 'by accident', but instead, it's the hand of the Lord that would bring about a divine appointment!
True enough, it happened that even before he had finished speaking, behold, a young, beautiful woman went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. And it happened that she's Rebekah, whom the servant would soon find out her grand-uncle was Abraham! Just as his master Abraham had wanted - someone from his family and in his country to be Isaac's wife! The rest, my friend, is history.
People of God, just as this servant 'put his hand under his master's thigh' as a sign of submission to the master, you can surrender your hands to the Lord, your Master today, and you too shall find good success in all that He has called you to be (and do), as you look ahead to a great new year 2018. Amen!
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
In your worship, the Lord will stand up for you!
John 12:3 (NKJV): Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
In recent weeks, I have been preaching on the heart of worship, like that of Mary when she took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. The very word 'spikenard' here comes from the Hebrew word 'nayrd', which means 'aroma', a 'picture' of our sweet aroma of worship unto the Lord.
In cross-reference, Song of Solomon 1:12 says, 'While the king is at the table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance'. This was sung by the Shulamite (a 'picture' of 'you and I') for the king (a 'picture' of 'the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, i.e. Jesus Himself').
To worship is to surrender. It is the word 'proskuneo' in Greek, which can mean 'to prostrate oneself in total reverence and adoration towards the Lord'. To worship is to lay down your crowns before Him, no matter what other people may think or say about you. And Mary did just that by wiping the feet of Jesus with her hair. 'Hair' to a woman speaks of 'one's glory or crown'. 1 Corinthians 11:15 says, 'But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering'.
John 12:4-6 then says, 'But one of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it'.
'Three hundred denarii' was equivalent to about one year's wages for a worker those days, and that's a lot of money! It may sum up to tens of thousands of dollars today! As women rarely had inheritance those days, this jar of very expensive oil was probably Mary's only valuable thing that she had, and quite likely, her dowry. But she did not reserve any, because her focus was only on the Lord. This speaks of an 'unreserved worship', a sweet aroma of worship that pleases the Lord.
'Judas Iscariot' here speaks of 'the way and the mind of the world', i.e. 'the unrenewed mind', very much like Michal (the daughter of Saul) who despised David when she saw him leaping and dancing before the Lord as the ark entered the city of David (2 Samuel 6:16).
Watch now what John 12:7-8 says, 'But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."'
Instead of agreeing with Judas Iscariot, Jesus stood up and spoke up for Mary! And He said, "Leave her alone"! Not only that, He even went on to justify, explain, and defend what Mary had just done!
People of God, your total surrender and unreserved worship touches the heart of your Father in heaven, even if others in the world may mock at you or despise you, and see you as foolish.
And the wonderful part is, just like Mary, you too will see how the Lord is going to stand up and speak up for you, even at the most unexpected of times or circumstances!
In recent weeks, I have been preaching on the heart of worship, like that of Mary when she took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. The very word 'spikenard' here comes from the Hebrew word 'nayrd', which means 'aroma', a 'picture' of our sweet aroma of worship unto the Lord.
In cross-reference, Song of Solomon 1:12 says, 'While the king is at the table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance'. This was sung by the Shulamite (a 'picture' of 'you and I') for the king (a 'picture' of 'the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, i.e. Jesus Himself').
To worship is to surrender. It is the word 'proskuneo' in Greek, which can mean 'to prostrate oneself in total reverence and adoration towards the Lord'. To worship is to lay down your crowns before Him, no matter what other people may think or say about you. And Mary did just that by wiping the feet of Jesus with her hair. 'Hair' to a woman speaks of 'one's glory or crown'. 1 Corinthians 11:15 says, 'But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering'.
John 12:4-6 then says, 'But one of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it'.
'Three hundred denarii' was equivalent to about one year's wages for a worker those days, and that's a lot of money! It may sum up to tens of thousands of dollars today! As women rarely had inheritance those days, this jar of very expensive oil was probably Mary's only valuable thing that she had, and quite likely, her dowry. But she did not reserve any, because her focus was only on the Lord. This speaks of an 'unreserved worship', a sweet aroma of worship that pleases the Lord.
'Judas Iscariot' here speaks of 'the way and the mind of the world', i.e. 'the unrenewed mind', very much like Michal (the daughter of Saul) who despised David when she saw him leaping and dancing before the Lord as the ark entered the city of David (2 Samuel 6:16).
Watch now what John 12:7-8 says, 'But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."'
Instead of agreeing with Judas Iscariot, Jesus stood up and spoke up for Mary! And He said, "Leave her alone"! Not only that, He even went on to justify, explain, and defend what Mary had just done!
People of God, your total surrender and unreserved worship touches the heart of your Father in heaven, even if others in the world may mock at you or despise you, and see you as foolish.
And the wonderful part is, just like Mary, you too will see how the Lord is going to stand up and speak up for you, even at the most unexpected of times or circumstances!
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Now is the time for your restoration and redemption!
I heard and released these prophetic words for November and December 2017:
"This is a time and season for the Lord to restore and redeem your lost time or opportunities, especially if you have 'run off the track' in the past season! Don't look back and don't hang on to those lost time or opportunities, but look to the Lord instead! For now is the time for your restoration and redemption! For now is the time for Him to touch you and embrace you anew again! And you shall rise up stronger, and you shall receive double for all that you have lost!"
Joel 2:25-27 says, 'So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust... You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel. I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame'.
Notice the expression 'My people shall never be put to shame' has been emphasized here, and it was mentioned not once, but twice. The word 'shame' here, by the way, is 'buwsh' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to be shamed, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, to be delayed'.
So, people of God, if you have been 'shamed', 'ashamed', 'disappointed', or even 'delayed' in your past season, do not lose heart, because the Lord is bringing you into a time of restoration and redemption right now. Your part, of course, is not to look back and regret (or brood) over those 'missed time or opportunities', but to look to the Lord and receive from Him afresh (and anew). Don't miss this time and season. Like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times and knew what ought to be done (1 Chronicles 12:32), let us also ask the Lord to teach us likewise.
The word 'restore' here is 'shalam' in Hebrew (from the word 'shalowm' meaning 'peace'), and it is defined in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as 'to make complete, to be (made) at peace again'. Like a vase that is broken into pieces, though it may be impossible for human to mend it completely and make it new again, it is possible with the Lord. After all, He is the Lord who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).
Will you let go of those 'broken pieces' in your life to the Lord right now? For some of you, it may be a broken career, a broken vocation, or even a broken (and failed) relationship; and for some others, it may be a broken finance, or a broken health. Whatever those 'broken pieces' may be, receive His touch and His embrace in those areas (situations), and let Him make you whole again!
Like Job who eventually came to the understanding that 'the Lord is a God who can do everything, and no purpose of the Lord can be withheld from Him' (Job 42:2), he looked to the Lord and prayed for his friends (i.e. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - who have not spoken what is right), and the Lord restored to him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).
The Lord also brought to my attention the color 'red' for these two months (November and December 2017). There are biblical meanings for every color; and 'red', first and foremost, speaks of 'the blood of Jesus', i.e. the atoning and redeeming blood of Jesus for all who believe.
- 'atoning' because He has restored us back to be 'at one' with the Father again;
- 'redeeming' because He has bought back for us what has been lost!
The color 'red' is also the color in Hebrew for 'life', 'wisdom', 'power', 'honor', and 'courage'. People of God, if any of these have been 'stolen away' from you in the past season, I have a good news for you, because the Lord is also restoring unto you a greater manifestation of His 'life', 'wisdom', 'power', 'honor', and 'courage' in your life right now. Receive by faith, and just as the Lord has spoken for this time and season, I also pray that 'you shall rise up stronger, and you shall receive double for all that you have lost'! In Jesus' name. Amen!
"This is a time and season for the Lord to restore and redeem your lost time or opportunities, especially if you have 'run off the track' in the past season! Don't look back and don't hang on to those lost time or opportunities, but look to the Lord instead! For now is the time for your restoration and redemption! For now is the time for Him to touch you and embrace you anew again! And you shall rise up stronger, and you shall receive double for all that you have lost!"
Joel 2:25-27 says, 'So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust... You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel. I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame'.
Notice the expression 'My people shall never be put to shame' has been emphasized here, and it was mentioned not once, but twice. The word 'shame' here, by the way, is 'buwsh' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to be shamed, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, to be delayed'.
So, people of God, if you have been 'shamed', 'ashamed', 'disappointed', or even 'delayed' in your past season, do not lose heart, because the Lord is bringing you into a time of restoration and redemption right now. Your part, of course, is not to look back and regret (or brood) over those 'missed time or opportunities', but to look to the Lord and receive from Him afresh (and anew). Don't miss this time and season. Like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times and knew what ought to be done (1 Chronicles 12:32), let us also ask the Lord to teach us likewise.
The word 'restore' here is 'shalam' in Hebrew (from the word 'shalowm' meaning 'peace'), and it is defined in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as 'to make complete, to be (made) at peace again'. Like a vase that is broken into pieces, though it may be impossible for human to mend it completely and make it new again, it is possible with the Lord. After all, He is the Lord who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).
Will you let go of those 'broken pieces' in your life to the Lord right now? For some of you, it may be a broken career, a broken vocation, or even a broken (and failed) relationship; and for some others, it may be a broken finance, or a broken health. Whatever those 'broken pieces' may be, receive His touch and His embrace in those areas (situations), and let Him make you whole again!
Like Job who eventually came to the understanding that 'the Lord is a God who can do everything, and no purpose of the Lord can be withheld from Him' (Job 42:2), he looked to the Lord and prayed for his friends (i.e. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - who have not spoken what is right), and the Lord restored to him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).
The Lord also brought to my attention the color 'red' for these two months (November and December 2017). There are biblical meanings for every color; and 'red', first and foremost, speaks of 'the blood of Jesus', i.e. the atoning and redeeming blood of Jesus for all who believe.
- 'atoning' because He has restored us back to be 'at one' with the Father again;
- 'redeeming' because He has bought back for us what has been lost!
The color 'red' is also the color in Hebrew for 'life', 'wisdom', 'power', 'honor', and 'courage'. People of God, if any of these have been 'stolen away' from you in the past season, I have a good news for you, because the Lord is also restoring unto you a greater manifestation of His 'life', 'wisdom', 'power', 'honor', and 'courage' in your life right now. Receive by faith, and just as the Lord has spoken for this time and season, I also pray that 'you shall rise up stronger, and you shall receive double for all that you have lost'! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Receive the life and the breath of God!
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"When the enemy puts death in you, I put life in you! This is a time to receive the breath of My life in you, especially in those areas that seem dead in your life."
Prior to these words that I heard, I had a dream in the night where I saw someone having a chronic disease (even though in reality, this person has no such disease!) and he seemed to be shunned, ignored, and isolated in the confine of a house, while the people in the house passed him by, going about their own businesses. As I woke up, I began praying in the Spirit for the Lord's divine protection and health for that person. I was also led by the Spirit to take authority and bind the spirit of death and disease that tried to 'invade' that person.
People of God, this is an important time to guard your heart against every form of lies, negativity, discouragement, or even despair sown by the enemy against you. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word 'despair' as 'to lose all hope or confidence'. For some of you, the enemy has been trying very hard to put such 'despair' in you recently. Take authority and bind it in Jesus' name! And fill yourselves with the Word of God, because the words that He speaks to you are spirit, and they are life! (John 6:63)
In the days after Jesus' death, the disciples were rather discouraged and downcast, and they certainly felt like failures, hopeless in every sense of the word! Some had even thought of quitting ministry altogether and walk right back to their former jobs.
But God! When everything seemed 'hopeless' and 'dead', Jesus showed up!
Let's go to the Scripture now.
John 20:19-22 says, 'Then, the same day (of Jesus' resurrection) at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."'
See the word 'breathed' here?
This word 'breathed' is 'emphusao' in Greek (from the word 'phuo' meaning 'to blow'), and it literally means 'to cause to spring up'! In other words, Jesus came to re-commission them and give them a new lease of life! It was a time of imparting new hope in them! And it was a time of releasing them to be of use again!
People of God, no matter how 'hopeless' and 'dead' your situation may be at the moment (be it in your health, finance, family relationships, career, business, or ministry), do not lose heart, because the Lord is also here to breathe His Spirit and His life in your situation right now! This is a time to receive by faith, and declare boldly that when the enemy puts death in you, the Lord is here to put life in you!
Let's go all the way to the Old Testament now.
2 Kings 4:32-36 says, 'When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. He went in therefore, shut the door, and prayed to the Lord. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And Elisha called Gehazi his servant and said, "Call this Shunammite woman." So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, "Pick up your son."'
The name 'Elisha' ('Eliysha' in Hebrew) is a 'picture' of 'God who is rich in all His supplies', the One who can even breathe 'life' into every dead (or impossible) situation. The son of the Shunammite woman was already dead on his bed, and 2 Kings 4:27 says the woman's soul was in 'deep distress'. But in the midst of all these, Elisha showed up!
Having entered the house of this woman, and shutting the door behind him, Elisha then breathed into the mouth of the boy. Notice he wasn't satisfied with the flesh of the boy becoming warm, but he continued till the boy 'sneezed seven times' and 'opened his eyes'! You see, Elisha would not give up until he saw 'clear evidence of a perfectly (and completely) restored life'! The number 'seven' in Hebrew speaks of 'perfection, completion'.
People of God, the Lord your God will also not give up on you, even when everyone else on earth has given up on you! Like a vase that is broken and crushed, let Him mend what is broken and crushed in your life right now. To man, it is impossible, but with God, nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37). And like the woman who was asked by Elisha to 'pick up her son', you too will 'pick up your God-given dreams again'. Amen!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
A time to clear the clutter and put your house in order!
I heard and released these prophetic words from the Lord recently:
"Clear the clutter! Put your house in order! This is a time to go into deeper life of worship, deeper life of the Word, and deeper life in prayer! For you shall watch how I am going to call things into being swiftly, deftly, and suddenly! For there will be new surprises! And I am going to bring upon you unexpected blessings!"
Indeed, this is a key time to 'clear the clutter'! In other words, a 'house-cleaning' time! A time to weed out the excess, and a time to weed out the mess! As a verb, the word 'clutter' means 'to crowd (something) untidily'; and as a noun, it means 'a collection of things lying untidily, a mess'.
This is also a time to clear 'whatever has become your idol that takes away the first place of God in your life'. It can be the love of money, fame, a certain lust, or even a certain excess of entertainment (e.g. excessive online games). As you can see here, it does not necessarily mean a spiritual idol which is worshiped by people.
I don't believe the Lord is here to expose you or condemn you (Romans 8:1). But I believe the Lord wants you to get ready for the many new surprises and unexpected blessings that He's going to bring upon your life in the coming months! Your part is to be open to the Holy Spirit, and let the Holy Spirit help you and show you the areas in your life that need 'house-cleaning'!
In Isaiah 46:1-2, the Lord says, 'Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; Their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavily loaded, a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together; They could not deliver the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity'.
The word 'carriages' here speaks of 'your vocation, your business, your God-given ministry, or even your life'. 'Bel' and 'Nebo' were the names of specific idols (i.e. the fake 'gods') that put a heavy burden on the house of Israel those days. Here in Isaiah 46, the Lord has become very personal and specific, even naming names of those idols! And He is doing the same even now for His people, because He wants to set His people free from any specific 'idol' in life!
At this point of your life, are your 'carriages' heavily loaded with 'idols' too? And you find yourself stuck in a 'mess' at the moment. Take heart, because it is never too late for the Lord to help you and deliver you! Allow Him. In Isaiah 46:3-4, the Lord says, "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb. Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."
In Isaiah 46:8-9, the Lord then says, "Remember this, and show yourselves men... For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me." As you let go of those 'idols' in life, will you also respond to His call to go into a deeper life of worship, Word, and prayer?
Because in Isaiah 46:10-11, the Lord promises these (for you who remember Him, look to Him, and go deeper in Him), "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure', calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it."
The expression 'bird of prey from the east' here refers to King Cyrus (see Isaiah 45), a pagan king from Persia whom God used as His instrument to set God's people free from the captivity of Babylon. This 'bird of prey' (or 'ravenous bird') is 'ayit' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'a hawk that is swift, deft, and has the ability to swoop suddenly to catch its prey'.
People of God, as you 'clear the clutter' and 'put your house in order' in this time and season of the Lord, watch how your unexpected blessings will come just as swiftly, deftly, and suddenly in the months ahead of you! Indeed, He can even use unexpected people (or situation), i.e. the 'Cyrus-es' of today, to bring it forth, and fulfill His purposes in your life! He has spoken it, and He will also bring it to pass! Amen!
"Clear the clutter! Put your house in order! This is a time to go into deeper life of worship, deeper life of the Word, and deeper life in prayer! For you shall watch how I am going to call things into being swiftly, deftly, and suddenly! For there will be new surprises! And I am going to bring upon you unexpected blessings!"
Indeed, this is a key time to 'clear the clutter'! In other words, a 'house-cleaning' time! A time to weed out the excess, and a time to weed out the mess! As a verb, the word 'clutter' means 'to crowd (something) untidily'; and as a noun, it means 'a collection of things lying untidily, a mess'.
This is also a time to clear 'whatever has become your idol that takes away the first place of God in your life'. It can be the love of money, fame, a certain lust, or even a certain excess of entertainment (e.g. excessive online games). As you can see here, it does not necessarily mean a spiritual idol which is worshiped by people.
I don't believe the Lord is here to expose you or condemn you (Romans 8:1). But I believe the Lord wants you to get ready for the many new surprises and unexpected blessings that He's going to bring upon your life in the coming months! Your part is to be open to the Holy Spirit, and let the Holy Spirit help you and show you the areas in your life that need 'house-cleaning'!
In Isaiah 46:1-2, the Lord says, 'Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; Their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavily loaded, a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together; They could not deliver the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity'.
The word 'carriages' here speaks of 'your vocation, your business, your God-given ministry, or even your life'. 'Bel' and 'Nebo' were the names of specific idols (i.e. the fake 'gods') that put a heavy burden on the house of Israel those days. Here in Isaiah 46, the Lord has become very personal and specific, even naming names of those idols! And He is doing the same even now for His people, because He wants to set His people free from any specific 'idol' in life!
At this point of your life, are your 'carriages' heavily loaded with 'idols' too? And you find yourself stuck in a 'mess' at the moment. Take heart, because it is never too late for the Lord to help you and deliver you! Allow Him. In Isaiah 46:3-4, the Lord says, "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb. Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."
In Isaiah 46:8-9, the Lord then says, "Remember this, and show yourselves men... For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me." As you let go of those 'idols' in life, will you also respond to His call to go into a deeper life of worship, Word, and prayer?
Because in Isaiah 46:10-11, the Lord promises these (for you who remember Him, look to Him, and go deeper in Him), "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure', calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it."
The expression 'bird of prey from the east' here refers to King Cyrus (see Isaiah 45), a pagan king from Persia whom God used as His instrument to set God's people free from the captivity of Babylon. This 'bird of prey' (or 'ravenous bird') is 'ayit' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'a hawk that is swift, deft, and has the ability to swoop suddenly to catch its prey'.
People of God, as you 'clear the clutter' and 'put your house in order' in this time and season of the Lord, watch how your unexpected blessings will come just as swiftly, deftly, and suddenly in the months ahead of you! Indeed, He can even use unexpected people (or situation), i.e. the 'Cyrus-es' of today, to bring it forth, and fulfill His purposes in your life! He has spoken it, and He will also bring it to pass! Amen!
Monday, October 16, 2017
In a time of delay, the Lord is busy working behind the scene!
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NKJV): For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
If you are having a sense of dissatisfaction or restlessness due to things stagnating in some areas of your life, know that He hasn't forgotten you! So, take heart. And while you are waiting for your breakthrough, Galatians 6:9 says, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart'.
People of God, this is a time to keep looking to Him, and keep doing what the Lord had spoken for you to do currently! In due season, you shall surely reap, if you do not lose heart!
Hebrews 6:13-15 then continues with how God made a promise to Abraham, and after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he eventually obtained the promise.
In Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come..."
It is interesting to notice right after Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord says further in Habakkuk 2:4, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith." This verse contrasts the 'proud' (i.e. those who take matters into their own hands, instead of trusting in God's timing), and the 'just' (i.e. those who live by faith and patiently wait for the Lord).
The Bible says, 'So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God' (Romans 10:17). In other words, to live by faith is to keep hearing (and heeding) what the Lord says (through the Word), and not what man says (through their opinions)!
A.W. Tozer, a man of God, used to write, 'The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us'.
How true!
In this era of 'quick fixes', we can see many of God's people 'jumping the gun' because they can't wait to see the results they want (whether in ministry, in business, in career, etc). And they would begin to act on their own accord, instead of waiting for the Lord's timing and 'go ahead'! As a consequence, many find themselves having to 'back-pedal' soon after!
Proverbs 14:29 says, 'Whatever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered (impulsive) displays folly'. And Psalm 37:7 says, 'Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes'.
As you can see here, patience has its virtue!
Let us learn from Moses, whom the Lord had called to be a deliverer of the Israelites from the bondage of the Pharaoh. Having gone out to his brethren and looked at their burdens, he took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12). Upon hearing this, the Pharaoh sought to kill him, and Moses had to flee (Exodus 2:15). He ended up in the desert of Midian, and stayed there for forty years (Acts 7:30).
Forty years in the desert of Midian, when nothing seemed to be happening! It was as though the Lord had forgotten Moses! But the truth is, throughout those forty years, the Lord was indeed busy working behind the scene in Moses' life! It wasn't until he came to the end of himself that the Lord began to speak to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4). There was no looking back since then. Moses went on to fulfill his God-given destiny as a deliverer of the Israelites!
Let us look at David now, whom the Lord had destined for him to be the new king reigning over Judah and Israel. Having been anointed by the prophet Samuel at the tender age of fifteen, it wasn't until fifteen years later that David finally became the king over Judah; and another seven years and six months later, when he became king over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 5:1-5).
Through those 'waiting' years, the Lord was also busy working behind the scene in David's life! You see, preparation time is never a wasted time, though nothing promising seems to be happening during that time! Through those years, David had to escape several times from Saul who sought to kill him. But in the end, what the Lord had spoken eventually came to pass. There was no looking back since then. David went on to become the greatest king in the entire history of Israel!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"Though some things may seem monotonous and dead at the moment, know that I am in the midst of working behind the scene in your lives. Let Me do My part, and you will begin to see some good surprises. Though some things may seem to tarry for now, it is worth the wait. By faith and by patience, you will inherit the promises."
Receive by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
If you are having a sense of dissatisfaction or restlessness due to things stagnating in some areas of your life, know that He hasn't forgotten you! So, take heart. And while you are waiting for your breakthrough, Galatians 6:9 says, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart'.
People of God, this is a time to keep looking to Him, and keep doing what the Lord had spoken for you to do currently! In due season, you shall surely reap, if you do not lose heart!
Hebrews 6:13-15 then continues with how God made a promise to Abraham, and after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he eventually obtained the promise.
In Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come..."
It is interesting to notice right after Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord says further in Habakkuk 2:4, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith." This verse contrasts the 'proud' (i.e. those who take matters into their own hands, instead of trusting in God's timing), and the 'just' (i.e. those who live by faith and patiently wait for the Lord).
The Bible says, 'So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God' (Romans 10:17). In other words, to live by faith is to keep hearing (and heeding) what the Lord says (through the Word), and not what man says (through their opinions)!
A.W. Tozer, a man of God, used to write, 'The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us'.
How true!
In this era of 'quick fixes', we can see many of God's people 'jumping the gun' because they can't wait to see the results they want (whether in ministry, in business, in career, etc). And they would begin to act on their own accord, instead of waiting for the Lord's timing and 'go ahead'! As a consequence, many find themselves having to 'back-pedal' soon after!
Proverbs 14:29 says, 'Whatever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered (impulsive) displays folly'. And Psalm 37:7 says, 'Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes'.
As you can see here, patience has its virtue!
Let us learn from Moses, whom the Lord had called to be a deliverer of the Israelites from the bondage of the Pharaoh. Having gone out to his brethren and looked at their burdens, he took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12). Upon hearing this, the Pharaoh sought to kill him, and Moses had to flee (Exodus 2:15). He ended up in the desert of Midian, and stayed there for forty years (Acts 7:30).
Forty years in the desert of Midian, when nothing seemed to be happening! It was as though the Lord had forgotten Moses! But the truth is, throughout those forty years, the Lord was indeed busy working behind the scene in Moses' life! It wasn't until he came to the end of himself that the Lord began to speak to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4). There was no looking back since then. Moses went on to fulfill his God-given destiny as a deliverer of the Israelites!
Let us look at David now, whom the Lord had destined for him to be the new king reigning over Judah and Israel. Having been anointed by the prophet Samuel at the tender age of fifteen, it wasn't until fifteen years later that David finally became the king over Judah; and another seven years and six months later, when he became king over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 5:1-5).
Through those 'waiting' years, the Lord was also busy working behind the scene in David's life! You see, preparation time is never a wasted time, though nothing promising seems to be happening during that time! Through those years, David had to escape several times from Saul who sought to kill him. But in the end, what the Lord had spoken eventually came to pass. There was no looking back since then. David went on to become the greatest king in the entire history of Israel!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"Though some things may seem monotonous and dead at the moment, know that I am in the midst of working behind the scene in your lives. Let Me do My part, and you will begin to see some good surprises. Though some things may seem to tarry for now, it is worth the wait. By faith and by patience, you will inherit the promises."
Receive by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, October 2, 2017
This is a key time to advance!
I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"I am enlightening the spiritual eyes of many in this new time and season! Many things you couldn't see, you'll begin to see! Many things you couldn't understand, you'll begin to understand! Many things you didn't realize, you'll begin to realize!"
The word 'enlighten' in the context here means 'to receive deeper insight and understanding of who the Lord is, and what the Lord is currently doing (in each of our lives)'. In Ephesians 1:17-19a, the apostle Paul wrote, '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...'
I then heard further:
"This is a key time to advance! As you receive the enlightening of your spiritual eyes, I will cause you to advance, both in My kingdom and in your lives! I am the Potter, and you are the clay! I will put My Spirit in you, and you will be My vessels! I will do miracles and wonders through you, and I will cause many to be enlightened because of you!"
People of God, this is the time and season for the Lord to enlighten your spiritual eyes to 'see' and understand many things that you couldn't 'see' and understand in the past! As you allow Him to do so, He will show you many keys to advance from where you are at the moment. Some of you have been 'stagnant' in your life for a season (and even seasons), but take heart, because if you are reading this, your time to advance has come!
Your part is to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6), just as the clay is being shaped (and re-shaped) by the potter. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) says, 'Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand', and Jeremiah 18:1-4 (ERV) says, 'This is the message that came from the Lord: "Jeremiah, go down to the potter's house. I will give you my message there." So I went down to the potter's house and saw him working with clay at the wheel. He was making a pot from clay. But there was something wrong with the pot. So the potter used that clay to make another pot. With his hands he shaped the pot the way he wanted it to be'.
Indeed, He is the Potter, and you are the clay. Allow Him to shape (and even re-shape) you the way He wants it to be.
As you are being enlightened, and as you advance in all that He has purposed for you to be, the Lord will also begin to use you as 'vessels' through whom many others will be 'enlightened'!
In John 9, the Scripture tells us that Jesus passed by and He saw a man born blind, and His disciples asked Him who had sinned - the blind man or his parents - that he was born blind. Jesus answered them, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:3-5).
John 9:6-7 then says, 'When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. Then He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing'.
This passage is prophetic of our time and season now, and 'blindness' being written about here is symbolic of 'blindness in the spiritual eyes' of many in this world.
The 'ground' here speaks of 'you and I', as the 'ground' consists of 'dust and soil'. The Bible says '...for dust you are, and to dust you shall return' (Genesis 3:19). The 'saliva' here speaks of 'water of the Word and the Spirit'. You see, Jesus could have put the saliva straight on the blind man's eyes, but He chose to use the clay instead! And who is that 'clay' here? You and I, the 'clay' that is being wet by the 'water of the Word and the Spirit'! (Ephesians 5:26, John 7:37-39)
What then is the symbolic meaning of 'Siloam' here? Why did Jesus point that blind man to 'Siloam'? This word is 'Shiloach' in Hebrew, which means 'sent, sword, a shoot (from the plant), a branch (from the tree)'. Notice all these meanings point to none other but Jesus Himself - the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! (John 6:29, Ephesians 6:17, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5-6)
People of God, just as Jesus pointed the blind man to 'Siloam', and the wonders of God manifested, so will you see the same as you begin to point others to the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! Because He has put His Spirit in you; and as He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) Amen!
"I am enlightening the spiritual eyes of many in this new time and season! Many things you couldn't see, you'll begin to see! Many things you couldn't understand, you'll begin to understand! Many things you didn't realize, you'll begin to realize!"
The word 'enlighten' in the context here means 'to receive deeper insight and understanding of who the Lord is, and what the Lord is currently doing (in each of our lives)'. In Ephesians 1:17-19a, the apostle Paul wrote, '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...'
I then heard further:
"This is a key time to advance! As you receive the enlightening of your spiritual eyes, I will cause you to advance, both in My kingdom and in your lives! I am the Potter, and you are the clay! I will put My Spirit in you, and you will be My vessels! I will do miracles and wonders through you, and I will cause many to be enlightened because of you!"
People of God, this is the time and season for the Lord to enlighten your spiritual eyes to 'see' and understand many things that you couldn't 'see' and understand in the past! As you allow Him to do so, He will show you many keys to advance from where you are at the moment. Some of you have been 'stagnant' in your life for a season (and even seasons), but take heart, because if you are reading this, your time to advance has come!
Your part is to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6), just as the clay is being shaped (and re-shaped) by the potter. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) says, 'Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand', and Jeremiah 18:1-4 (ERV) says, 'This is the message that came from the Lord: "Jeremiah, go down to the potter's house. I will give you my message there." So I went down to the potter's house and saw him working with clay at the wheel. He was making a pot from clay. But there was something wrong with the pot. So the potter used that clay to make another pot. With his hands he shaped the pot the way he wanted it to be'.
Indeed, He is the Potter, and you are the clay. Allow Him to shape (and even re-shape) you the way He wants it to be.
As you are being enlightened, and as you advance in all that He has purposed for you to be, the Lord will also begin to use you as 'vessels' through whom many others will be 'enlightened'!
In John 9, the Scripture tells us that Jesus passed by and He saw a man born blind, and His disciples asked Him who had sinned - the blind man or his parents - that he was born blind. Jesus answered them, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:3-5).
John 9:6-7 then says, 'When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. Then He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing'.
This passage is prophetic of our time and season now, and 'blindness' being written about here is symbolic of 'blindness in the spiritual eyes' of many in this world.
The 'ground' here speaks of 'you and I', as the 'ground' consists of 'dust and soil'. The Bible says '...for dust you are, and to dust you shall return' (Genesis 3:19). The 'saliva' here speaks of 'water of the Word and the Spirit'. You see, Jesus could have put the saliva straight on the blind man's eyes, but He chose to use the clay instead! And who is that 'clay' here? You and I, the 'clay' that is being wet by the 'water of the Word and the Spirit'! (Ephesians 5:26, John 7:37-39)
What then is the symbolic meaning of 'Siloam' here? Why did Jesus point that blind man to 'Siloam'? This word is 'Shiloach' in Hebrew, which means 'sent, sword, a shoot (from the plant), a branch (from the tree)'. Notice all these meanings point to none other but Jesus Himself - the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! (John 6:29, Ephesians 6:17, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5-6)
People of God, just as Jesus pointed the blind man to 'Siloam', and the wonders of God manifested, so will you see the same as you begin to point others to the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! Because He has put His Spirit in you; and as He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) Amen!
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Walking in your true identity
I heard and released these words from the Lord (as we enter the Hebrew New Year 5778):
"Come to Me! Draw near to Me! And you will know who you are in Me, not what people think or say you are! Even before you were born, I already knew you! I know your true identity! I know My plans and purposes in your life, from beginning till the end! This is the time to walk in that true identity! It doesn't matter what people think or say you are, but what I think or say you are!"
People may have a certain 'stereotype' or opinion regarding you. They may say this or that about who you are. But what does God say you are? Because that's what matters the most! Indeed, the time has come for you to walk in that true identity God has intended for you! Not what the world thinks or says you are!
Let's look at the Scripture now.
Luke 8:43 says, 'Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any'. There is a symbolic meaning here. This 'woman' speaks of 'you and I', i.e. the 'church', who is the 'bride of Christ' (see Ephesians 5:25). But for twelve years, she had a physical condition that wasn't supposed to be, and had never been intended for her to be! The Bible says she had tried every physical means (or methods) on earth to be healed, but to no avail!
But the time came when Jesus was passing by, and she knew her opportune time for healing had come. In the midst of the multitudes, she came from behind and touched the border of Jesus' garment (Luke 8:44). Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she was healed!
What does Jesus' garment symbolize here?
The kingdom and the righteousness of God!
Isaiah 61:10 says, 'I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels'.
Matthew 6:33 says, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you'.
Jesus perceived power going out from Him, and asked who touched Him? (Luke 8:45-46) When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, falling down before Him, and declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately (Luke 8:47). And Jesus said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." (Luke 8:48)
You know what? After twelve years, this woman could finally be who she's supposed to be! By the way, the number 'twelve' in Hebrew is the number for 'divine government, divine power, divine authority'. She had finally regained whatever she had lacked as a woman all these while, and she could now be fruitful in her life! If this woman is a 'picture' of 'you and I', or the 'church', then the time has also come for 'you and I', or the 'church' to walk in 'divine government, divine power, divine authority' again!
Interestingly, the Greek translation for 'Go in peace' here is 'por eis eirene', not 'por en eirene'. And the word 'eis' means 'into', not 'in'. Therefore, Jesus was in effect saying to this woman, "Go into peace", or "Enter into the peace of the Lord". This peace ('eirene' in Greek) is none other than the shalom peace of the Lord - the unshakeable, 'nothing broken, nothing missing' peace of the Lord that He has given you! (see John 14:27)
People of God, as an individual and as the 'church', this is the time to look away from the means (or methods) of this world, but instead, look to Him, your Righteousness! (Matthew 6:33) He is your Source, your Answer, and your Solution that the world cannot give! Like the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, the time has also come for you to walk into who God has intended for you to be - Blessed! Healthy! Rejoicing! Victorious! Powerful! You can, because of all that Jesus has done for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago!
When you begin walking in that true identity (i.e. who God has intended for you to be), you also enter into the peace of the Lord, and in turn, peace with yourself! You will begin to rejoice in who you are in Him, and you will begin to walk in the fullness of God's plan in your life. Amen!
"Come to Me! Draw near to Me! And you will know who you are in Me, not what people think or say you are! Even before you were born, I already knew you! I know your true identity! I know My plans and purposes in your life, from beginning till the end! This is the time to walk in that true identity! It doesn't matter what people think or say you are, but what I think or say you are!"
People may have a certain 'stereotype' or opinion regarding you. They may say this or that about who you are. But what does God say you are? Because that's what matters the most! Indeed, the time has come for you to walk in that true identity God has intended for you! Not what the world thinks or says you are!
Let's look at the Scripture now.
Luke 8:43 says, 'Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any'. There is a symbolic meaning here. This 'woman' speaks of 'you and I', i.e. the 'church', who is the 'bride of Christ' (see Ephesians 5:25). But for twelve years, she had a physical condition that wasn't supposed to be, and had never been intended for her to be! The Bible says she had tried every physical means (or methods) on earth to be healed, but to no avail!
But the time came when Jesus was passing by, and she knew her opportune time for healing had come. In the midst of the multitudes, she came from behind and touched the border of Jesus' garment (Luke 8:44). Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she was healed!
What does Jesus' garment symbolize here?
The kingdom and the righteousness of God!
Isaiah 61:10 says, 'I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels'.
Matthew 6:33 says, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you'.
Jesus perceived power going out from Him, and asked who touched Him? (Luke 8:45-46) When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, falling down before Him, and declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately (Luke 8:47). And Jesus said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." (Luke 8:48)
You know what? After twelve years, this woman could finally be who she's supposed to be! By the way, the number 'twelve' in Hebrew is the number for 'divine government, divine power, divine authority'. She had finally regained whatever she had lacked as a woman all these while, and she could now be fruitful in her life! If this woman is a 'picture' of 'you and I', or the 'church', then the time has also come for 'you and I', or the 'church' to walk in 'divine government, divine power, divine authority' again!
Interestingly, the Greek translation for 'Go in peace' here is 'por eis eirene', not 'por en eirene'. And the word 'eis' means 'into', not 'in'. Therefore, Jesus was in effect saying to this woman, "Go into peace", or "Enter into the peace of the Lord". This peace ('eirene' in Greek) is none other than the shalom peace of the Lord - the unshakeable, 'nothing broken, nothing missing' peace of the Lord that He has given you! (see John 14:27)
People of God, as an individual and as the 'church', this is the time to look away from the means (or methods) of this world, but instead, look to Him, your Righteousness! (Matthew 6:33) He is your Source, your Answer, and your Solution that the world cannot give! Like the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, the time has also come for you to walk into who God has intended for you to be - Blessed! Healthy! Rejoicing! Victorious! Powerful! You can, because of all that Jesus has done for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago!
When you begin walking in that true identity (i.e. who God has intended for you to be), you also enter into the peace of the Lord, and in turn, peace with yourself! You will begin to rejoice in who you are in Him, and you will begin to walk in the fullness of God's plan in your life. Amen!
Friday, September 15, 2017
Fear not the 'adversity'! Your 'promotion' time is coming!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"Fear not! Even when you are faced with opposition, persecution, or 'storms' in life! Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil! Because I am with you, and My grace is sufficient for you! When you are weak, that's when I am strong! I have been there for you, and I will still be with you! Those 'storms' will pass away, and your promotion time is coming!"
In Psalm 23:4, David wrote, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me'. The expression 'the valley of the shadow of death' here speaks of 'the darkness (or challenges) one walks through in life at times', and the word 'evil' here is 'rah' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'adversity, trouble'.
People of God, if you are faced with any 'adversity' or 'trouble' in the world right now, fear not, because the Lord your God is with you; and His rod and His staff, they comfort you. He uses His rod to chase away your 'predators', and His staff to lead (and guide) you to the right direction. Like sheep to the shepherd, keep looking to Him and trusting in Him, your Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3), no matter what happens around you. He has been there for you, and He will still be with you! Be rest assured. David knew this very well, and no wonder he wrote at the beginning of this psalm, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want' (Psalm 23:1).
By the time David wrote Psalm 23, he must have already seen much in life. He was no more a youngster. How do I know? In Psalm 23:5, he wrote, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' This means he's old enough to have enemies. I mean, real enemies in this world! In the same verse, he also wrote, 'You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over'. This means he's old enough to have experienced abundance in providence. In Psalm 23:6, he wrote, 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. This means he's old enough to have tasted much of the Lord's goodness and mercy for him to write this way!
He must have also reminisced how the Lord had been there for him in his earlier days, even as far back as the time when he faced Goliath! He was still in his youth when Goliath came out from the camp of the Philistines and challenged Israel to choose a man to fight him (1 Samuel 17:8). However, all the men of Israel fled from him (Goliath) and were dreadfully afraid (1 Samuel 17:24), for he was a giant, and his height was 'six cubits and a span', equivalent to 'nine feet and six inches' in modern-day measurement!
But David 'stepped up to the plate', even though Goliath was about twice his size, and as 'intimidating' as can be! David knew the battle wasn't his, but the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47), and he prevailed (1 Samuel 17:50-51). When king Saul heard about it, he sent Abner, the commander of the army of Israel, to inquire about him (1 Samuel 17:56-58).
You see, what the enemy meant as an 'opposition' against Israel, the Lord turned it around as a 'promotion' time for His beloved, David!
The name 'Goliath' comes from the Hebrew word 'galah', meaning 'to shame, to strip (in a disgraceful sense), to remove'. So, if your 'Goliath' comes against you in order to shame you, strip you (in a disgraceful sense), and remove you (from God's plan and purposes in your life), fear not, because just as He was with David those days, the Lord is now here with you, fighting the battles for you. In fact, the Lord has a good news for you: "Your 'promotion' time is coming!"
In Psalm 23:4, David wrote, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me'. The expression 'the valley of the shadow of death' here speaks of 'the darkness (or challenges) one walks through in life at times', and the word 'evil' here is 'rah' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'adversity, trouble'.
People of God, if you are faced with any 'adversity' or 'trouble' in the world right now, fear not, because the Lord your God is with you; and His rod and His staff, they comfort you. He uses His rod to chase away your 'predators', and His staff to lead (and guide) you to the right direction. Like sheep to the shepherd, keep looking to Him and trusting in Him, your Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3), no matter what happens around you. He has been there for you, and He will still be with you! Be rest assured. David knew this very well, and no wonder he wrote at the beginning of this psalm, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want' (Psalm 23:1).
By the time David wrote Psalm 23, he must have already seen much in life. He was no more a youngster. How do I know? In Psalm 23:5, he wrote, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' This means he's old enough to have enemies. I mean, real enemies in this world! In the same verse, he also wrote, 'You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over'. This means he's old enough to have experienced abundance in providence. In Psalm 23:6, he wrote, 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. This means he's old enough to have tasted much of the Lord's goodness and mercy for him to write this way!
He must have also reminisced how the Lord had been there for him in his earlier days, even as far back as the time when he faced Goliath! He was still in his youth when Goliath came out from the camp of the Philistines and challenged Israel to choose a man to fight him (1 Samuel 17:8). However, all the men of Israel fled from him (Goliath) and were dreadfully afraid (1 Samuel 17:24), for he was a giant, and his height was 'six cubits and a span', equivalent to 'nine feet and six inches' in modern-day measurement!
But David 'stepped up to the plate', even though Goliath was about twice his size, and as 'intimidating' as can be! David knew the battle wasn't his, but the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47), and he prevailed (1 Samuel 17:50-51). When king Saul heard about it, he sent Abner, the commander of the army of Israel, to inquire about him (1 Samuel 17:56-58).
You see, what the enemy meant as an 'opposition' against Israel, the Lord turned it around as a 'promotion' time for His beloved, David!
The name 'Goliath' comes from the Hebrew word 'galah', meaning 'to shame, to strip (in a disgraceful sense), to remove'. So, if your 'Goliath' comes against you in order to shame you, strip you (in a disgraceful sense), and remove you (from God's plan and purposes in your life), fear not, because just as He was with David those days, the Lord is now here with you, fighting the battles for you. In fact, the Lord has a good news for you: "Your 'promotion' time is coming!"
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
New wine into new wineskins
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"New wine has been released! But My people need to have a new wineskin, lest the old wineskin bursts! The new wineskin is the new mindset! Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may allow what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God!"
In Matthew 9:17, Jesus says, "Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
People use wineskins to contain wine, and to drink from them. Wineskins are made of leather (animal skin), e.g. goatskin, sheepskin, or cowskin. As the wineskins get older, they would eventually get 'stretched to the limit' and become brittle (i.e. hard, easily breakable). Using old wineskins therefore risk bursting them! New wineskins, on the other hand, won't burst, because they are soft and tender!
If 'new wineskin' speaks of 'new mindset', then 'new wine' speaks of 'the new thing that God has for you'! This may be 'a new idea' or 'a new way of doing things' in a new time and season. In cross-reference, Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert'.
In order to walk into the new thing that God has for you, there needs a renewal of the mind. It is like a new vision being given to a nation moving forward, but if the nation does not seek to revamp an outdated education system to facilitate the new vision, it just won't work! The 'old wineskin' bursts! And the new wine spills! And it will only lead to frustration all round!
Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. The word 'prove' here is 'dokimazo' in Greek, and it also means 'allow'. In other words, it is only when your mind is renewed (to see what God wants you to see) that you will allow what is that 'good and acceptable and perfect will of God' to happen in your life!
As a matter of fact, people generally resist change. The reason is simple. Because change is never comfortable. People tend to fall back on the things (even systems or structures) they are familiar with, even though God has moved on to the new. After the people in Moses' generation were set free from Egypt (which is a 'picture' of 'bondage' and 'slavery'), they still had 'slave' mentality in them. They were still bound in their old mindsets (i.e. 'old wineskins'). The Lord had already started to do a new thing (i.e. 'new wine'), but they didn't have the new mindsets (i.e. 'new wineskins') to 'contain' it!
When Moses sent men to spy out the land promised to them, instead of a good report, they brought back a bad report! They didn't believe they could take the land, even though they did see the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey! Here's what they said, "The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:32-33) The words 'in our own sight' here means 'in our own way of seeing things' or 'in our own mindsets'. But that's not how the Lord had wanted them to see it!
The people then complained against Moses, and they said, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in the wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" (Numbers 14:2-3)
No! They were wrong! The Lord did not take them out from Egypt to destroy them! Why would He do that? These people were destroyed due to their own old mindsets! When the Lord was doing a new thing, they just couldn't see it! They'd rather fall back on the 'slave' mindset (mentality) that they knew. They failed to see that they were now 'sons', not 'slaves'! They failed to see that as 'sons', they were now 'heirs', and the land had been given to them as their inheritance! They failed to see that the Lord would be with them, even if they were to face the giants! In the end, they had what they said and wished: "...if only we had died in the wilderness!" How tragic!
But God! In the midst of it all, there was a man named Caleb, and he had a different spirit. He was one of those spies sent by Moses to survey the land. In Numbers 14:24, the Lord said, "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it." The word 'different spirit' here comes from the Hebrew word 'aw-khar', and it speaks of 'having a different way of seeing things from others'.
Indeed, Caleb saw something that others could not see. Instead of agreeing with the bad report, he brought back a good report. Now, here's what he said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30) Caleb saw what the Lord had wanted the people to see! In other words, he had a 'new wineskin' to contain the 'new wine'! In the end, he successfully walked into all that the Lord had promised him!
People of God, in a time of change and transition into the new, be careful what you allow in your mind (see Philippians 4:8). Take authority over the spirit of discouragement and the spirit of self-destruction (i.e. speaking damning words to yourself). Instead of allowing the bad report to infiltrate your mind, fill your mind with thoughts of good report! Think what God thinks, and say what God says! Leave no vacancy for negative thoughts to have any place in your mind! And just as Caleb was, you too will be well on your way to the good things that await you in this new time and season. Amen!
"New wine has been released! But My people need to have a new wineskin, lest the old wineskin bursts! The new wineskin is the new mindset! Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may allow what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God!"
In Matthew 9:17, Jesus says, "Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
People use wineskins to contain wine, and to drink from them. Wineskins are made of leather (animal skin), e.g. goatskin, sheepskin, or cowskin. As the wineskins get older, they would eventually get 'stretched to the limit' and become brittle (i.e. hard, easily breakable). Using old wineskins therefore risk bursting them! New wineskins, on the other hand, won't burst, because they are soft and tender!
If 'new wineskin' speaks of 'new mindset', then 'new wine' speaks of 'the new thing that God has for you'! This may be 'a new idea' or 'a new way of doing things' in a new time and season. In cross-reference, Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert'.
In order to walk into the new thing that God has for you, there needs a renewal of the mind. It is like a new vision being given to a nation moving forward, but if the nation does not seek to revamp an outdated education system to facilitate the new vision, it just won't work! The 'old wineskin' bursts! And the new wine spills! And it will only lead to frustration all round!
Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. The word 'prove' here is 'dokimazo' in Greek, and it also means 'allow'. In other words, it is only when your mind is renewed (to see what God wants you to see) that you will allow what is that 'good and acceptable and perfect will of God' to happen in your life!
As a matter of fact, people generally resist change. The reason is simple. Because change is never comfortable. People tend to fall back on the things (even systems or structures) they are familiar with, even though God has moved on to the new. After the people in Moses' generation were set free from Egypt (which is a 'picture' of 'bondage' and 'slavery'), they still had 'slave' mentality in them. They were still bound in their old mindsets (i.e. 'old wineskins'). The Lord had already started to do a new thing (i.e. 'new wine'), but they didn't have the new mindsets (i.e. 'new wineskins') to 'contain' it!
When Moses sent men to spy out the land promised to them, instead of a good report, they brought back a bad report! They didn't believe they could take the land, even though they did see the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey! Here's what they said, "The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:32-33) The words 'in our own sight' here means 'in our own way of seeing things' or 'in our own mindsets'. But that's not how the Lord had wanted them to see it!
The people then complained against Moses, and they said, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in the wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" (Numbers 14:2-3)
No! They were wrong! The Lord did not take them out from Egypt to destroy them! Why would He do that? These people were destroyed due to their own old mindsets! When the Lord was doing a new thing, they just couldn't see it! They'd rather fall back on the 'slave' mindset (mentality) that they knew. They failed to see that they were now 'sons', not 'slaves'! They failed to see that as 'sons', they were now 'heirs', and the land had been given to them as their inheritance! They failed to see that the Lord would be with them, even if they were to face the giants! In the end, they had what they said and wished: "...if only we had died in the wilderness!" How tragic!
But God! In the midst of it all, there was a man named Caleb, and he had a different spirit. He was one of those spies sent by Moses to survey the land. In Numbers 14:24, the Lord said, "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it." The word 'different spirit' here comes from the Hebrew word 'aw-khar', and it speaks of 'having a different way of seeing things from others'.
Indeed, Caleb saw something that others could not see. Instead of agreeing with the bad report, he brought back a good report. Now, here's what he said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30) Caleb saw what the Lord had wanted the people to see! In other words, he had a 'new wineskin' to contain the 'new wine'! In the end, he successfully walked into all that the Lord had promised him!
People of God, in a time of change and transition into the new, be careful what you allow in your mind (see Philippians 4:8). Take authority over the spirit of discouragement and the spirit of self-destruction (i.e. speaking damning words to yourself). Instead of allowing the bad report to infiltrate your mind, fill your mind with thoughts of good report! Think what God thinks, and say what God says! Leave no vacancy for negative thoughts to have any place in your mind! And just as Caleb was, you too will be well on your way to the good things that await you in this new time and season. Amen!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Don't be afraid to use your talents and giftings!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a time and season when I am unleashing your talents and giftings, even creativity, and you shall be a blessing in great many ways! Don't be afraid to use what I have given you! And more will be given to you! Receive My anointing for such in this time and season!"
The word 'unleashing' here means 'setting free from any form of leash, restraint, or limitation'. Indeed, this is your time to be set free from any form of leash, restraint, or limitation put on you by men or by the world! And as you enter this new season in your life, watch how the Lord is going to unearth and unleash the talents, giftings, and even creativity that has been hidden in you all these while!
Before we go further, let me first explain the meaning of 'talents and giftings'. These are abilities bestowed upon you by the Lord, without you taking particular effort to earn it. For example, everyone can draw, but there are people who are specially talented in drawing! And everyone can teach, but there are people who are specially gifted to teach!
In Matthew 25:14-18 (NKJV), Jesus says, "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money."
The word 'talent' here is 'talanton' in Greek, where the English word 'talent' originates. But in actual fact, this word 'talanton' refers to 'a monetary unit that is worth about twenty years' worth of wages for a person's labor'. So, for the person given five talents, it's hundred years' worth of wages for a person's labor! That's a lot! It goes to show that the master was a very rich man, and this master is a 'picture' of none other than the Lord God Himself!
As you can see in this parable, everyone has at least one talent or gifting. There's no one who has no talent at all. Of course, a talent is useless unless it is used. And it doesn't matter if you have more talents or less talents than others. We are not to compare with others. What matters most is your faithfulness and stewardship in using the talent (or talents) given to you. The Lord will know how to enable you, and reward you.
In Matthew 25:19-23 (NKJV), Jesus says, "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"
But as for the third servant, in Matthew 25:24-25 (NKJV), here's what Jesus says, "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"
The master, of course, wasn't pleased, and told the third servant he ought to have at least deposited the money with the bankers, and earn some interest. By the way, the 'bankers' here in Greek refers to the 'exchangers', i.e. those who borrow money at a lower rate of interest, and in turn, the money is loaned to others at a higher rate of interest. These 'exchangers' would commonly sit by the tables at the temple, with money ready to exchange or loan out (see Matthew 21:12). However, in the context of this parable, the money given by the master was entrusted to the servant for the purpose of industry, and not for the purpose of 'exchange'. But since this third servant was too afraid to use it for the right purpose, he ought to have at least loaned it to the 'exchangers', and his master would have at least received some interest!
Notice the words 'hard man' here, or 'skleros' in Greek, meaning 'someone who is parched (dry), lean in generosity, stingy, unwilling to spend'. That is to say this third servant saw his master as 'parched (dry), lean in generosity, stingy, and unwilling to spend'! In short, 'small in mind and heart'! Hence, he was afraid to use the talent given to him. This third servant obviously did not have the revelation of who his master actually is!
How do you see your Master today?
'Hard'? or 'Generous'?
'Small in mind and heart'? or 'Big in mind and heart?'
Do you have the revelation that He loves to give you good things (Romans 8:32), and He loves to multiply whatever He gives to you (Luke 9:13-17)? You are blessed if you do, and more will be given to you!
Don't be afraid to use your talents and giftings!
In 2 Timothy 1:6, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands'. And he followed it up with 2 Timothy 1:7, 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind'.
You see, 2 Timothy 1:7 was written in the context of 2 Timothy 1:6, which talks about 'the gift of God' which is in you!
How do you 'stir up the gift of God' which is in you? By using it! And of course, don't be afraid to use it! For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!
People of God, as you use the talents and giftings given to you, the Lord will see to it that He will also give you:
- Power: The enabling and anointing to accomplish it.
- Love: The assurance that He is with you, and will not fail you.
- Sound mind: The mind of Christ, a renewed mind to see the many things that He wants you to see!
My prayer is that you will grow and develop into all that He has destined for you to be (or do). Watch Him open the doors of opportunity and the floodgates of creativity for you! And you shall be a blessing in great many ways! Believe, and you will receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
"This is a time and season when I am unleashing your talents and giftings, even creativity, and you shall be a blessing in great many ways! Don't be afraid to use what I have given you! And more will be given to you! Receive My anointing for such in this time and season!"
The word 'unleashing' here means 'setting free from any form of leash, restraint, or limitation'. Indeed, this is your time to be set free from any form of leash, restraint, or limitation put on you by men or by the world! And as you enter this new season in your life, watch how the Lord is going to unearth and unleash the talents, giftings, and even creativity that has been hidden in you all these while!
Before we go further, let me first explain the meaning of 'talents and giftings'. These are abilities bestowed upon you by the Lord, without you taking particular effort to earn it. For example, everyone can draw, but there are people who are specially talented in drawing! And everyone can teach, but there are people who are specially gifted to teach!
In Matthew 25:14-18 (NKJV), Jesus says, "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money."
The word 'talent' here is 'talanton' in Greek, where the English word 'talent' originates. But in actual fact, this word 'talanton' refers to 'a monetary unit that is worth about twenty years' worth of wages for a person's labor'. So, for the person given five talents, it's hundred years' worth of wages for a person's labor! That's a lot! It goes to show that the master was a very rich man, and this master is a 'picture' of none other than the Lord God Himself!
As you can see in this parable, everyone has at least one talent or gifting. There's no one who has no talent at all. Of course, a talent is useless unless it is used. And it doesn't matter if you have more talents or less talents than others. We are not to compare with others. What matters most is your faithfulness and stewardship in using the talent (or talents) given to you. The Lord will know how to enable you, and reward you.
In Matthew 25:19-23 (NKJV), Jesus says, "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"
But as for the third servant, in Matthew 25:24-25 (NKJV), here's what Jesus says, "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"
The master, of course, wasn't pleased, and told the third servant he ought to have at least deposited the money with the bankers, and earn some interest. By the way, the 'bankers' here in Greek refers to the 'exchangers', i.e. those who borrow money at a lower rate of interest, and in turn, the money is loaned to others at a higher rate of interest. These 'exchangers' would commonly sit by the tables at the temple, with money ready to exchange or loan out (see Matthew 21:12). However, in the context of this parable, the money given by the master was entrusted to the servant for the purpose of industry, and not for the purpose of 'exchange'. But since this third servant was too afraid to use it for the right purpose, he ought to have at least loaned it to the 'exchangers', and his master would have at least received some interest!
Notice the words 'hard man' here, or 'skleros' in Greek, meaning 'someone who is parched (dry), lean in generosity, stingy, unwilling to spend'. That is to say this third servant saw his master as 'parched (dry), lean in generosity, stingy, and unwilling to spend'! In short, 'small in mind and heart'! Hence, he was afraid to use the talent given to him. This third servant obviously did not have the revelation of who his master actually is!
How do you see your Master today?
'Hard'? or 'Generous'?
'Small in mind and heart'? or 'Big in mind and heart?'
Do you have the revelation that He loves to give you good things (Romans 8:32), and He loves to multiply whatever He gives to you (Luke 9:13-17)? You are blessed if you do, and more will be given to you!
Don't be afraid to use your talents and giftings!
In 2 Timothy 1:6, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands'. And he followed it up with 2 Timothy 1:7, 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind'.
You see, 2 Timothy 1:7 was written in the context of 2 Timothy 1:6, which talks about 'the gift of God' which is in you!
How do you 'stir up the gift of God' which is in you? By using it! And of course, don't be afraid to use it! For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!
People of God, as you use the talents and giftings given to you, the Lord will see to it that He will also give you:
- Power: The enabling and anointing to accomplish it.
- Love: The assurance that He is with you, and will not fail you.
- Sound mind: The mind of Christ, a renewed mind to see the many things that He wants you to see!
My prayer is that you will grow and develop into all that He has destined for you to be (or do). Watch Him open the doors of opportunity and the floodgates of creativity for you! And you shall be a blessing in great many ways! Believe, and you will receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Saturday, August 19, 2017
A time to let Him break the 'ceiling above you'!
I saw a vision during a time of prayer recently. In the vision, I saw myself in a room, and all of a sudden, the ceiling above me was ripped off by a strong wave of water blown by the wind. I was actually wondering how could such a strong wave of water sweep through above the room, yet the room wasn't damaged at all! I then began to see the sky and the stars above. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and there were many new stars, stars that I have never seen before.
The Lord then spoke these words:
"This is a time to let Me break the 'ceiling above you', and you shall begin to fulfill your God-given potentials. Be set free from the limitations put on you by men, and look up! For each new star you see is a new opportunity birthed forth for you!"
I asked the Lord for the interpretation of the vision that I saw, and He began to show me one by one.
The 'room' speaks of 'a person's current situation or condition in life'. There are some of you who may be 'confined' or 'restricted' by the limitations put on you by men, or by the standards (or traditions) set by men on you. But this is a time to look up, and see the Lord setting you free from such 'confines' or 'restrictions'.
The 'strong wave of water' (that ripped off the 'ceiling') speaks of 'the work of the Lord that is beyond the imagination of men'.
The 'sky and the stars above' speaks of 'the unlimited and infinite work of the Lord', and those who behold and believe shall begin to see many 'new stars', which speaks of 'the many new opportunities' being set out for them.
As I was pondering over what the Lord has just spoken, I was immediately reminded of what the Lord had spoken to Abram (his name was not yet Abraham at that time) in Genesis 15:5, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them... So shall your descendants be." And in Genesis 15:6, the Scripture says Abram believed. As you can see later in the Scriptures, these words of the Lord eventually came to pass.
The word 'descendants' here is 'zera' in Hebrew, which can mean 'seed, conception, posterity, offspring, fruitfulness', and it implies 'the good things that are to come in the future'. And because Abram believed, he was in turn set free from all the limitations (even physical limitations) put on him in this world! (Genesis 17:1-21, Genesis 21:1-7)
By the way, have you wondered why Abram was ready to receive such great promises from the Lord? Let's roll back a few verses, and look now at Genesis 14:21-23, 'Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the souls, and take the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich...'"'
Do you see it now? Abram was ready to receive such great promises from the Lord because 'he did not sell his soul to the king of Sodom', but instead, he looked to the Lord! The word 'Sodom' in Hebrew means 'scorched, burnt', and it speaks of 'the worldly way of seeing things (or doing things) that will not pass the test of fire, and will eventually be scorched or burnt'.
People of God, just as Abram those days, this is not a time to look to the left or to the right, but this is a time to look up! Look not at man's hand, but look to God's hand! He is your real provider, and He is your greater paymaster! He will know how to open the right doors for you, and He will know how to open up new opportunities for you! Put all your trust in Him, and you too shall see many stars, even new stars that you have never imagined you could see! Hallelujah!
The Lord then spoke these words:
"This is a time to let Me break the 'ceiling above you', and you shall begin to fulfill your God-given potentials. Be set free from the limitations put on you by men, and look up! For each new star you see is a new opportunity birthed forth for you!"
I asked the Lord for the interpretation of the vision that I saw, and He began to show me one by one.
The 'room' speaks of 'a person's current situation or condition in life'. There are some of you who may be 'confined' or 'restricted' by the limitations put on you by men, or by the standards (or traditions) set by men on you. But this is a time to look up, and see the Lord setting you free from such 'confines' or 'restrictions'.
The 'strong wave of water' (that ripped off the 'ceiling') speaks of 'the work of the Lord that is beyond the imagination of men'.
The 'sky and the stars above' speaks of 'the unlimited and infinite work of the Lord', and those who behold and believe shall begin to see many 'new stars', which speaks of 'the many new opportunities' being set out for them.
As I was pondering over what the Lord has just spoken, I was immediately reminded of what the Lord had spoken to Abram (his name was not yet Abraham at that time) in Genesis 15:5, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them... So shall your descendants be." And in Genesis 15:6, the Scripture says Abram believed. As you can see later in the Scriptures, these words of the Lord eventually came to pass.
The word 'descendants' here is 'zera' in Hebrew, which can mean 'seed, conception, posterity, offspring, fruitfulness', and it implies 'the good things that are to come in the future'. And because Abram believed, he was in turn set free from all the limitations (even physical limitations) put on him in this world! (Genesis 17:1-21, Genesis 21:1-7)
By the way, have you wondered why Abram was ready to receive such great promises from the Lord? Let's roll back a few verses, and look now at Genesis 14:21-23, 'Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the souls, and take the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich...'"'
Do you see it now? Abram was ready to receive such great promises from the Lord because 'he did not sell his soul to the king of Sodom', but instead, he looked to the Lord! The word 'Sodom' in Hebrew means 'scorched, burnt', and it speaks of 'the worldly way of seeing things (or doing things) that will not pass the test of fire, and will eventually be scorched or burnt'.
People of God, just as Abram those days, this is not a time to look to the left or to the right, but this is a time to look up! Look not at man's hand, but look to God's hand! He is your real provider, and He is your greater paymaster! He will know how to open the right doors for you, and He will know how to open up new opportunities for you! Put all your trust in Him, and you too shall see many stars, even new stars that you have never imagined you could see! Hallelujah!
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
There remains a rest for God's people
Hebrews 4:1-3 (NKJV): Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest...
The word 'rest' here is 'katapausis' in Greek. We shall break this word into two parts now. The preposition 'kata' means 'with reference to'; and the word 'pausis' means 'to settle down, to cease (from striving or struggling)'. By the way, this word 'pausis' is where the English word 'pause' originates.
The expression 'let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it' means 'this place of rest (i.e. 'katapausis') is so glorious that it should concern us when we (or others) seem to come short of it'.
And the word 'Therefore' at the beginning of Hebrews 4:1 shows this verse was written in the context of the previous verse in Hebrews 3:19 that says, 'So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief'.
In other words, it was 'unbelief' that has kept those who escaped Egypt from entering the Promised Land! For the record, they ended up wandering in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have reached the Promised Land within weeks!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"In the midst of the striving and struggling in this world, there remains a rest for My people. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For I have promised rest for those who believe."
People of God, whatever the striving and struggling may be in this world, the Lord wants you to know that His promise of rest remains for you even now. Enter into this rest!
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Interestingly, the word 'rest' here is 'anapausis' in Greek, from the same word 'pausis' you find in Hebrews 4:1, but with the preposition 'ana', meaning 'moment by moment'. Do you see what I see here? The Lord wants to give you 'moment by moment' rest! That is to say, a 'present time, continual' rest! Not just a 'one time' or 'once in a long time' rest!
So, even in the midst of the striving and struggling that you see in this world, or no matter how busy you may be today, the good news is this 'anapausis' that comes from Him is available for you right now! In fact, all the time! Receive by faith! It's yours! And never allow anyone (or anything) to rob you of this rest! In Jesus' name. Amen!
The word 'rest' here is 'katapausis' in Greek. We shall break this word into two parts now. The preposition 'kata' means 'with reference to'; and the word 'pausis' means 'to settle down, to cease (from striving or struggling)'. By the way, this word 'pausis' is where the English word 'pause' originates.
The expression 'let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it' means 'this place of rest (i.e. 'katapausis') is so glorious that it should concern us when we (or others) seem to come short of it'.
And the word 'Therefore' at the beginning of Hebrews 4:1 shows this verse was written in the context of the previous verse in Hebrews 3:19 that says, 'So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief'.
In other words, it was 'unbelief' that has kept those who escaped Egypt from entering the Promised Land! For the record, they ended up wandering in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have reached the Promised Land within weeks!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"In the midst of the striving and struggling in this world, there remains a rest for My people. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For I have promised rest for those who believe."
People of God, whatever the striving and struggling may be in this world, the Lord wants you to know that His promise of rest remains for you even now. Enter into this rest!
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Interestingly, the word 'rest' here is 'anapausis' in Greek, from the same word 'pausis' you find in Hebrews 4:1, but with the preposition 'ana', meaning 'moment by moment'. Do you see what I see here? The Lord wants to give you 'moment by moment' rest! That is to say, a 'present time, continual' rest! Not just a 'one time' or 'once in a long time' rest!
So, even in the midst of the striving and struggling that you see in this world, or no matter how busy you may be today, the good news is this 'anapausis' that comes from Him is available for you right now! In fact, all the time! Receive by faith! It's yours! And never allow anyone (or anything) to rob you of this rest! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Don't buy the lies of the enemy!
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV): Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
The word 'steadfast' here comes from the Greek word 'hezomai', meaning 'to be resolutely firm and unwavering, no matter what'. Notice this verse comes right after 1 Corinthians 15:57 that says, 'But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ'. In other words, it is on the very foundation of Christ's victory that you can now be 'steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord', no matter what the devil throws at you!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a time to stay steadfast and immovable on the Rock. For I am the Lord, your Rock. Do not be shaken, whatever the enemy throws at you, for he is the father of lies. Keep looking to Me, and you'll see your victory for sure!"
Your enemy, the devil, is the father of lies (John 8:44), and just as a serpent spits poison at the prey, the devil spews lies about you all the same! At every opportune time, he would spew lies after lies about you - that your God doesn't care, that you will never be forgiven of your past sins, that you will succumb to ill-health, that you will suffer financial lack, that you have reached your 'ceiling' in life, that you cannot advance any further, and whole load more! But these are all lies! Because the truth is God's will is that 'you should prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers'! (3 John 2)
Your enemy, the devil, is an 'opportunist', 'walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8). And if the devil cannot get you to sin, then he'll try to make you feel down and discouraged. And his modus operandi? To spread lies about you!
For some of you, the devil wants you to believe that you are living on borrowed time. That's a lie! Because the truth is, as a beloved of God, you are on time! You are now living in the victory that Christ has already given you! (1 Corinthians 15:57) In other words, it's your victory time! Not borrowed time! It is the devil who is living on borrowed time! Why do I say so? Because he has already been long defeated some 2,000 years ago!
For some others, the devil wants you to believe that you are too weak for him, and you are at his mercy. That's a lie too! Because the truth is you have already been given 'the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall be able to harm you'! (Luke 10:19) It is the devil who is too weak for you, and it is him who is at your mercy!
Do you see now how the 'father of lies' works? A truth is being twisted into a lie, and a lie is being twisted into a truth. And his aim has always been the same - to steal, kill, and destroy your life! (John 10:10) Don't buy his lies!
Your part, as God's people, is to wield 'the sword of the Spirit' (Ephesians 6:17), i.e. to say what God says in the Word! Because the Word of God is truth, and this truth shall set you free! (John 8:32) Yes, free indeed from even the lies that the enemy wants you to believe! Amen!
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Be overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer!
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"I am calling you to persevere in prayer! I am calling you to endure in prayer! There is a call for such right now! Just as Solomon's temple was overlaid with gold, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit! And the time has come for you to be overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer!"
'Solomon's temple being overlaid with gold' here speaks of 'you (the temple of the Holy Spirit) being overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer'. Why do I say that? Because in Hebrew, the word 'gold' is 'zawhawb', and this word is described as 'something gold-colored, as oil'. As you can see here, 'gold' is synonymous with 'oil'. 'Gold' also speaks of 'the glory of the Lord', and just as the temple those days was filled with the glory of the Lord, so are you today, the temple of the Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Let's go to Exodus 17:8-11 now, 'Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed'.
What is the meaning of 'held up his hand' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In 1 Timothy 2:8, the apostle Paul wrote, 'I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting'. See the word 'pray' here? And see the words 'lifting up holy hands' here? So, obviously, the Lord is speaking to us about prayer here!
Interestingly, the word 'Amalek' comes from the word 'amel' in Hebrew, which means 'toiling, suffering, laboring with much sorrow', and these are exactly what the enemy want to see happening in God's people! But thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! And the key to receive that victory is through prayer!
Do not give up praying!
And what is the will of God for you? 3 John 2 says, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers'. And that's exactly what happened to Moses and Joshua those days! Exodus 17:14-15 continues, 'Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek (i.e. toiling, suffering, laboring with much sorrow) from under heaven." And Moses built an altar and called its name, 'The-Lord-Is-My-Banner' (YHWH Nissi)'. Hallelujah!
"I am calling you to persevere in prayer! I am calling you to endure in prayer! There is a call for such right now! Just as Solomon's temple was overlaid with gold, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit! And the time has come for you to be overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer!"
'Solomon's temple being overlaid with gold' here speaks of 'you (the temple of the Holy Spirit) being overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer'. Why do I say that? Because in Hebrew, the word 'gold' is 'zawhawb', and this word is described as 'something gold-colored, as oil'. As you can see here, 'gold' is synonymous with 'oil'. 'Gold' also speaks of 'the glory of the Lord', and just as the temple those days was filled with the glory of the Lord, so are you today, the temple of the Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Let's go to Exodus 17:8-11 now, 'Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed'.
What is the meaning of 'held up his hand' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In 1 Timothy 2:8, the apostle Paul wrote, 'I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting'. See the word 'pray' here? And see the words 'lifting up holy hands' here? So, obviously, the Lord is speaking to us about prayer here!
Interestingly, the word 'Amalek' comes from the word 'amel' in Hebrew, which means 'toiling, suffering, laboring with much sorrow', and these are exactly what the enemy want to see happening in God's people! But thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! And the key to receive that victory is through prayer!
Do not give up praying!
Let's go to Exodus 17:12-13 now, 'But Moses' hands became heavy (i.e. weary/tired of being held up); so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword'.
How do you interpret the above verses? Is there any help for you who have grown weary in praying? The good news is yes, help is at hand! And who is this help? Let Scripture interpret Scripture again, and we shall go to Romans 8:26 now, 'Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered'.
You see? The answer is the Spirit Himself! The Holy Spirit, who is your Helper! (John 16:7, John 16:13)
You see? The answer is the Spirit Himself! The Holy Spirit, who is your Helper! (John 16:7, John 16:13)
And as you pray in the Spirit, things will begin to work out! Romans 8:27-28 then says, 'Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints (that's you and I!) according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose'.
So, people of God, if you have grown weary in praying in the language you know (you have even exhausted all the words that you know, and you're not seeing much results), let go of your own limited ways, and let God! He is unlimited and infinite in all His ways! And that's when God takes what is in His mind, and put it into yours! And as you declare it out with your mouth (though your mind cannot understand what you say), things will soon begin to happen! And that's how the will of God is being done in your life!
And what is the will of God for you? 3 John 2 says, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers'. And that's exactly what happened to Moses and Joshua those days! Exodus 17:14-15 continues, 'Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek (i.e. toiling, suffering, laboring with much sorrow) from under heaven." And Moses built an altar and called its name, 'The-Lord-Is-My-Banner' (YHWH Nissi)'. Hallelujah!
Today, the Lord has also become your Banner, your Victory, your YHWH Nissi; just as in Moses and Joshua's days! This is a time to be overlaid with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer, and you shall begin to walk in greater and greater victories! Receive this oil from heaven right now, and let it overflow in every area of your life! Amen!
Monday, July 3, 2017
He is a God of justice and compassion
I released these words from the Lord as we crossed into the 2nd half of year 2017:
The Lord then directed me to a key chapter in this time and season, which is Ezekiel 34. This chapter begins with the Lord's very strong words against 'the shepherds/leaders who feed only themselves, but oppress the weak' (Ezekiel 34:1-4). Though these words were spoken specifically against 'the shepherds of Israel', these also apply to all the shepherds/leaders, both in the house of God, and even in the nations today. The Scripture says as the consequence of such oppression and injustice, the 'sheep' were scattered, and became 'food' for all the 'beasts' (Ezekiel 34:5-6).
"This is a year of freedom, but you are entering months of freedom like no other! For I am setting free those who are being oppressed, and I am setting free those who are victims of injustice! The time and season for such has begun! You will begin to see justice being done in very real ways, and you will begin to see how I turn things around for those who are weak, bullied, and downcast. For such a time has begun in the spiritual realm, in the house of God, and you shall see this reflected in the physical realm, in the nations of the world."
I then saw a vision of 'hands being washed under the flow of clear water'. This speaks of 'washing hands' from any form of iniquities and hypocrisy. This, of course, has to begin with the shepherds and leaders in the house of God (i.e. the body of Christ). Psalm 24:3-4 says, 'Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully'.
And the Lord spoke further:
"And I say the word for the now is 'purify'. For I am showing My faithfulness and justice to those who are willing to 'wash their hands'. This is a time to let Me change you, and wash you clean! For those who let Me, blessed are you, because your time of promotion and deliverance is coming!"
The Lord then directed me to a key chapter in this time and season, which is Ezekiel 34. This chapter begins with the Lord's very strong words against 'the shepherds/leaders who feed only themselves, but oppress the weak' (Ezekiel 34:1-4). Though these words were spoken specifically against 'the shepherds of Israel', these also apply to all the shepherds/leaders, both in the house of God, and even in the nations today. The Scripture says as the consequence of such oppression and injustice, the 'sheep' were scattered, and became 'food' for all the 'beasts' (Ezekiel 34:5-6).
But thanks be to God, because all is not lost yet! In Ezekiel 34:11-12, the Lord then says, "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day."
People of God, if you too have been 'oppressed', or became 'victims of injustice', there's hope for you. This is a time to watch Him turn things around for you. Look to Him and cry out to Him. Put all your trust in Him. Because He is your Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-6), and He has great compassion for those who are weak, bullied, and downcast.
In Ezekiel 34:20-23, the Lord says further, "Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep. Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad, therefore I will save My flock and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them - My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd."
Fat sheep and lean sheep? Let me explain. Within a sheepfold, there can be competition. The stronger (fatter) sheep are those who bully the weaker (thinner) sheep. They would fight for the best grass, and the best positions to eat in the pasture. The stronger (fatter) ones will fight for access to the best feeding ground, whereas the weaker (thinner) ones are being abused, dominated, played out, excluded, ostracized, and pushed out (in a power play). What happens in a sheepfold is very much like what happens to us human beings. In every social environment, there is competition for dominance (and the fleshly desire to pull down others in order to reach the top).
But take heart, because God is on the side of those who are humble and meek (Matthew 5:5). He is a God of justice and compassion. For some of you out there, you have tasted and seen His goodness and His faithfulness before in times past. Today, He wants you to know that He will be ever more faithful to you, even now and in the future. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Never let anyone take this truth away from you. Your time of promotion and deliverance is coming! Amen.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
He is visiting you and turning your situation around!
I released these words from the Lord during a time of ministry recently:
"I am the Lord of mercy and compassion. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. Look to Me, and let Me show you My mercy and My compassion. The time of My visitation is at hand! Open your gates to Me, and open your doors to Me! Sorrow not and weep not! For I am visiting you and I am turning your situation around!"
Let's go to Luke 7:11-13 now, and see what happens when Jesus comes by, 'Now it happened... He (Jesus) went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."'
It was a double blow for this woman, who had already lost her husband, and now her only son. It was a great tragedy for her, especially in the cultural context she was living in those days. And here she was, left with no more hope or future in sight!
And yet the word 'Nain' (or 'Naah' in Hebrew) means 'a pleasant place, a pleasant pasture, or a pleasant habitation'. You see, it was supposed to be 'a pleasant place', but it became 'a place of sorrow and weeping' for her!
And that's when Jesus came by.
Let's go to Luke 7:14-16 now, 'Then He (Jesus) came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."'
It was a good ending to this passage, and the name of the Lord was greatly glorified!
People of God, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Whatever 'dead end' or 'hopelessness' you are facing at the moment, the same Jesus who walked on earth some 2,000 years ago is the same Jesus walking right into your life now. And just as He had turned the woman's situation around, He is now here to turn your situation around!
Let's keep trusting and keep looking to Him, no matter how the enemy tries to sow doubt and unbelief in you. I was praying the other day when I suddenly saw a vision of thick, dark clouds swarming over many of God's people. I immediately knew what it was. It's the spirit of discouragement that's trying to 'blanket' God's people, and with the aim of causing them to give up on their Lord God. I quickly took authority in Jesus' name, and commanded those clouds to disperse!
So, if for no reason you've been feeling 'down and out' or discouraged recently, Jesus is saying to you, "Arise!", just as He had spoken to that young man in Nain! Receive the supernatural strength from heaven right now, and begin to speak as Jesus (the Word of God) speaks!
Let's go to Mark 1:40-42 now, 'Now a leper came to Him (Jesus), imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched Him, and said to Him, "I am willing; be cleansed." As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed'.
Leprosy was a greatly feared disease those days, because it greatly disfigured and destroyed human bodies. Lepers were practically 'outcasts' of the society, and in biblical times, it was believed that no man could heal this disease. Only God could.
And here was Jesus again, coming by, and the leper came to Him, imploring Him and kneeling down to Him, saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus was moved with compassion upon seeing him, and He stretched out His hand and healed him then and there!
People of God, He is saying the same to you today, "I am willing", no matter how 'disfigured' or 'destroyed' your situation may be at the moment. So, take heart. Nothing is too difficult for Him. To man, it may seem impossible; but to God, all things are possible. As He had done for the leper those days, let Him also stretch out His hand and heal your situation right now (be it your health, your finance, or any other area of your life). Believing, you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"I am the Lord of mercy and compassion. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. Look to Me, and let Me show you My mercy and My compassion. The time of My visitation is at hand! Open your gates to Me, and open your doors to Me! Sorrow not and weep not! For I am visiting you and I am turning your situation around!"
Let's go to Luke 7:11-13 now, and see what happens when Jesus comes by, 'Now it happened... He (Jesus) went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."'
It was a double blow for this woman, who had already lost her husband, and now her only son. It was a great tragedy for her, especially in the cultural context she was living in those days. And here she was, left with no more hope or future in sight!
And yet the word 'Nain' (or 'Naah' in Hebrew) means 'a pleasant place, a pleasant pasture, or a pleasant habitation'. You see, it was supposed to be 'a pleasant place', but it became 'a place of sorrow and weeping' for her!
And that's when Jesus came by.
Let's go to Luke 7:14-16 now, 'Then He (Jesus) came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."'
It was a good ending to this passage, and the name of the Lord was greatly glorified!
People of God, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Whatever 'dead end' or 'hopelessness' you are facing at the moment, the same Jesus who walked on earth some 2,000 years ago is the same Jesus walking right into your life now. And just as He had turned the woman's situation around, He is now here to turn your situation around!
Let's keep trusting and keep looking to Him, no matter how the enemy tries to sow doubt and unbelief in you. I was praying the other day when I suddenly saw a vision of thick, dark clouds swarming over many of God's people. I immediately knew what it was. It's the spirit of discouragement that's trying to 'blanket' God's people, and with the aim of causing them to give up on their Lord God. I quickly took authority in Jesus' name, and commanded those clouds to disperse!
So, if for no reason you've been feeling 'down and out' or discouraged recently, Jesus is saying to you, "Arise!", just as He had spoken to that young man in Nain! Receive the supernatural strength from heaven right now, and begin to speak as Jesus (the Word of God) speaks!
Let's go to Mark 1:40-42 now, 'Now a leper came to Him (Jesus), imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched Him, and said to Him, "I am willing; be cleansed." As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed'.
Leprosy was a greatly feared disease those days, because it greatly disfigured and destroyed human bodies. Lepers were practically 'outcasts' of the society, and in biblical times, it was believed that no man could heal this disease. Only God could.
And here was Jesus again, coming by, and the leper came to Him, imploring Him and kneeling down to Him, saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus was moved with compassion upon seeing him, and He stretched out His hand and healed him then and there!
People of God, He is saying the same to you today, "I am willing", no matter how 'disfigured' or 'destroyed' your situation may be at the moment. So, take heart. Nothing is too difficult for Him. To man, it may seem impossible; but to God, all things are possible. As He had done for the leper those days, let Him also stretch out His hand and heal your situation right now (be it your health, your finance, or any other area of your life). Believing, you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Your perseverance and patience will eventually pay off
While praying in the Spirit the other day, I saw a vision of a hand throwing a lifebuoy (tied with a rope) into a very rough sea, and someone was hanging on to the lifebuoy. At the same time, I also saw a very dark shadowy figure beneath the sea trying to pull that person down (in order to drown that person). It was like a scene of 'tug of war' between the hand from above and the hand from below.
That's when I heard the Lord speak:
"The enemy wants you defeated. The enemy wants you down and out. The enemy wants you to be pulled down to hell. But I, the Lord, have meant for you to triumph!"
I then heard further:
"This is what I am telling My people in this time and season: Your perseverance and patience will eventually pay off! This is a time to hang on strong to Me, for I will deliver you and win the battle for you, if you do not lose heart! And I say to you, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness'".
People of God, we are entering an extremely crucial time and season at the moment, and the battle in the spiritual realm is rather intense. What happens in the spiritual realm is reflected in the physical realm that we live in now. This is also a time many of God's people are tempted to 'lose heart' and 'give up'. Some in ministry, and some others even in life!
But the Lord has spoken clearly from the vision and the words that I received. This is a time to hang on strong to Him no matter what, and never allow the enemy to pull you down and drown you!
In 2 Corinthians 4:1, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Therefore, since we have this ministry (of the Holy Spirit), as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart'.
And in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, he wrote further, 'But we have this treasure (i.e. Jesus) in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed'.
Here, the apostle Paul wrote of how he was being hard pressed, misunderstood, falsely accused, and persecuted; yet he did not lose heart, but instead, he looked to the treasure (i.e. Jesus) inside him. This was a man who had learned to rely on the excellence of God's power, instead of his own strength and ability.
People of God, whatever 'rough sea' you are going through at the moment, and no matter how 'weak' or 'powerless' you think you are (in that particular area of your life), turn your eyes away from yourself, and turn to Him. He is your very present help in a time of need. He is mighty to save, and His hand is strong enough to deliver you. Believing, you will receive. Amen!
That's when I heard the Lord speak:
"The enemy wants you defeated. The enemy wants you down and out. The enemy wants you to be pulled down to hell. But I, the Lord, have meant for you to triumph!"
I then heard further:
"This is what I am telling My people in this time and season: Your perseverance and patience will eventually pay off! This is a time to hang on strong to Me, for I will deliver you and win the battle for you, if you do not lose heart! And I say to you, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness'".
People of God, we are entering an extremely crucial time and season at the moment, and the battle in the spiritual realm is rather intense. What happens in the spiritual realm is reflected in the physical realm that we live in now. This is also a time many of God's people are tempted to 'lose heart' and 'give up'. Some in ministry, and some others even in life!
But the Lord has spoken clearly from the vision and the words that I received. This is a time to hang on strong to Him no matter what, and never allow the enemy to pull you down and drown you!
In 2 Corinthians 4:1, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Therefore, since we have this ministry (of the Holy Spirit), as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart'.
And in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, he wrote further, 'But we have this treasure (i.e. Jesus) in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed'.
Here, the apostle Paul wrote of how he was being hard pressed, misunderstood, falsely accused, and persecuted; yet he did not lose heart, but instead, he looked to the treasure (i.e. Jesus) inside him. This was a man who had learned to rely on the excellence of God's power, instead of his own strength and ability.
People of God, whatever 'rough sea' you are going through at the moment, and no matter how 'weak' or 'powerless' you think you are (in that particular area of your life), turn your eyes away from yourself, and turn to Him. He is your very present help in a time of need. He is mighty to save, and His hand is strong enough to deliver you. Believing, you will receive. Amen!
Monday, June 5, 2017
A new chapter!
I released these words from the Lord on June 4, 2017 (Pentecost Sunday):
"Many of My people are entering into a new chapter in their lives. There'll be empowering, enabling, and anointing from on high. Receive by faith! This is a time to declare and proclaim that your new chapter is greater than your old chapter!"
The word 'chapter' here can mean 'a (numbered) division of a book', or 'a period of time'. Therefore, the words from the Lord here denote 'a leaving behind of an old chapter' and 'a moving on into a new chapter'.
Like someone reading a book, the Lord is at the moment opening a new chapter for you. So, look not behind you, but look ahead of you. Forgive yourself. Forgive those who have hurt you. Let bygones be bygones. Begin to bless, and not curse. And that's when you'll begin to see a new dawn beckoning for you. Psalm 46:4-5 says, 'There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn'. This is God's promise for those who are willing to walk into a new chapter.
By the way, 'at the break of dawn' is when 'the earliest light of the day' begins to unfold. It speaks of 'a brand new start'. And I declare that it's going to be a greater one for you. Because the Lord has said so!
People of God, that's exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost some 2,000 years ago, when the Holy Spirit came upon those who waited for Him. Acts 2:1-4 says, 'When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance'.
Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He had commanded the apostles not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which He said, "...for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4-5) Then He went on to say, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
And on the Day of Pentecost (the fiftieth day after the resurrection of Jesus), the Promise of the Father (i.e. the Holy Spirit) came! And that was to be a new chapter in God's book - the birth of His church!
Some days earlier before the Day of Pentecost, the Lord had indicated to the apostles that without the Holy Spirit (and the empowering of the Holy Spirit), the church cannot start! But that day of empowering had finally arrived! And as a result, the church era unfolded!
Peter stood up to preach the very first sermon in the church era (Acts 2:14-40), and on that day, many were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41). The Lord then added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
People of God, as you look ahead in this brand new chapter, receive also the empowering, enabling, and anointing from on high. Declare and proclaim in Jesus' name that the best is yet to come for you! Declare and proclaim in Jesus' name that your new chapter is greater than your old chapter! Believe for it, and begin to walk in it. Amen!
"Many of My people are entering into a new chapter in their lives. There'll be empowering, enabling, and anointing from on high. Receive by faith! This is a time to declare and proclaim that your new chapter is greater than your old chapter!"
The word 'chapter' here can mean 'a (numbered) division of a book', or 'a period of time'. Therefore, the words from the Lord here denote 'a leaving behind of an old chapter' and 'a moving on into a new chapter'.
Like someone reading a book, the Lord is at the moment opening a new chapter for you. So, look not behind you, but look ahead of you. Forgive yourself. Forgive those who have hurt you. Let bygones be bygones. Begin to bless, and not curse. And that's when you'll begin to see a new dawn beckoning for you. Psalm 46:4-5 says, 'There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn'. This is God's promise for those who are willing to walk into a new chapter.
By the way, 'at the break of dawn' is when 'the earliest light of the day' begins to unfold. It speaks of 'a brand new start'. And I declare that it's going to be a greater one for you. Because the Lord has said so!
People of God, that's exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost some 2,000 years ago, when the Holy Spirit came upon those who waited for Him. Acts 2:1-4 says, 'When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance'.
Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He had commanded the apostles not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which He said, "...for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4-5) Then He went on to say, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
And on the Day of Pentecost (the fiftieth day after the resurrection of Jesus), the Promise of the Father (i.e. the Holy Spirit) came! And that was to be a new chapter in God's book - the birth of His church!
Some days earlier before the Day of Pentecost, the Lord had indicated to the apostles that without the Holy Spirit (and the empowering of the Holy Spirit), the church cannot start! But that day of empowering had finally arrived! And as a result, the church era unfolded!
Peter stood up to preach the very first sermon in the church era (Acts 2:14-40), and on that day, many were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41). The Lord then added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
People of God, as you look ahead in this brand new chapter, receive also the empowering, enabling, and anointing from on high. Declare and proclaim in Jesus' name that the best is yet to come for you! Declare and proclaim in Jesus' name that your new chapter is greater than your old chapter! Believe for it, and begin to walk in it. Amen!
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Staying true to the Lord in a time of transition
We have entered a crucial time of transition in the spiritual realm, and it will soon be reflected in the physical realm full-blown. In fact, for some, this transition has already begun.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'transition' as 'changing from one state or condition to another'. This applies both in one's personal walk (or calling/vocation in life), and even in the nations of the world (both politically and economically).
This is a key time, a pivotal time, or put it simply, a 'make' or 'break' time for many in the Body of Christ. The enemy, of course, would want God's people to reach a 'breaking point' when they'd just give in to whatever form of distress, pressure, fear, and intimidation thrown against them.
But fear not! In Romans 8:33-39, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come. nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'.
Notice the statement 'who also makes intercession for us' here. This word 'intercession' is 'entugchano' in Greek, from the word 'tugchano' (toong-khan-o), meaning 'to bring to pass, to bring about the effect'. In other words, it is Christ who 'bring to pass' and 'bring about the effect' that nothing (and no one) shall be able to bring a charge against you, who is God's elect! And nothing whatsoever shall be able to separate you from the love of God!
People of God, in this crucial time of transition, your part is to stay true to the Lord, knowing that He (not just anybody else, but He who is the Great I Am) is making intercession for you. To 'stay true to the Lord' is to keep your focus on Him, instead of the distress, pressure, fear, and intimidation thrown by the enemy against you. And that's also how you'll begin to 'transit' into a new season of breakthrough, victory and fruitfulness in your life (and ministry)!
If you look at the life of Hannah in the Old Testament, you'll see the same thing happening to her those days. She was also in a time of transition. 'Hannah', by the way, is 'Channah' in Hebrew, and her name means 'favored'. You see, she was supposed to be 'favored', and her life was supposed to be 'fruitful'. But in reality, she was barren. In fact, she was in great distress, because her rival (Peninnah) who had many children (1 Samuel 1:4), provoked her severely to make her miserable (1 Samuel 1:6-7).
But instead of focusing on her 'rival' (and whatever the 'rival' said or did to her), she turned to the Lord and cried out to Him (1 Samuel 1:8-16). And Eli the priest then answered her and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition, which you have asked of Him." (1 Samuel 1:17) Hannah then went her way and her face was no longer sad. As we all know, the rest is history. Not long after that, the Lord gave her a son, and she called his name Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20). The Lord then visited her again and again, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21).
People of God, what happened to Hannah those days is prophetic of our time and season at the moment. It was a 'make' or 'break' time for her. It was a difficult and distressful time for her. It was a time of transition for her. But she did something pivotal that eventually led to her breakthrough, victory and fruitfulness. She cried out and poured out to the Lord, and the Lord answered her.
Like Hannah, you too are supposed to be the 'favored' of the Lord, and 'fruitful' in all that the Lord has called you to be (and do). Make no mistake about that! But maybe you have been hard-pressed in your life (or even in ministry) recently, or you have reached a plateau in your life, and you don't know what to do anymore. For some of you, you are at your wit's end, and you are on the verge of giving it all up. Like Hannah, this is a time to cry out to the Lord and pour out to Him.
This is also a time to meditate on Psalm 46:1-5 that says, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn'.
Pray in the Spirit much, and meditate on God's promises in the Word all over again. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. And if the Lord leads you into a time of prayer and fasting, go ahead (I fully believe there is a place for prayer and fasting even for believers under the New Covenant!), and you'll see the 'ceiling' that limits you from receiving all the promises of God in your life be 'broken'.
By the way, fasting doesn't change God, but fasting changes you, so that you can receive from God without hindrances. Sometimes, the hindrance may not be from the devil, but is due to your own carnal (fleshly) self. The apostle Paul wrote about it in Romans 8:6-10! It is when your flesh is 'tamed' and 'humbled' (through prayer and fasting), your spirit man begins to have the upper hand again, and that's when you'll also begin to hear and receive from God clearer! 1 Peter 5:5 says 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'. 1 Peter 5:6 then says, 'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time'. Amen.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'transition' as 'changing from one state or condition to another'. This applies both in one's personal walk (or calling/vocation in life), and even in the nations of the world (both politically and economically).
This is a key time, a pivotal time, or put it simply, a 'make' or 'break' time for many in the Body of Christ. The enemy, of course, would want God's people to reach a 'breaking point' when they'd just give in to whatever form of distress, pressure, fear, and intimidation thrown against them.
But fear not! In Romans 8:33-39, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come. nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord'.
Notice the statement 'who also makes intercession for us' here. This word 'intercession' is 'entugchano' in Greek, from the word 'tugchano' (toong-khan-o), meaning 'to bring to pass, to bring about the effect'. In other words, it is Christ who 'bring to pass' and 'bring about the effect' that nothing (and no one) shall be able to bring a charge against you, who is God's elect! And nothing whatsoever shall be able to separate you from the love of God!
People of God, in this crucial time of transition, your part is to stay true to the Lord, knowing that He (not just anybody else, but He who is the Great I Am) is making intercession for you. To 'stay true to the Lord' is to keep your focus on Him, instead of the distress, pressure, fear, and intimidation thrown by the enemy against you. And that's also how you'll begin to 'transit' into a new season of breakthrough, victory and fruitfulness in your life (and ministry)!
If you look at the life of Hannah in the Old Testament, you'll see the same thing happening to her those days. She was also in a time of transition. 'Hannah', by the way, is 'Channah' in Hebrew, and her name means 'favored'. You see, she was supposed to be 'favored', and her life was supposed to be 'fruitful'. But in reality, she was barren. In fact, she was in great distress, because her rival (Peninnah) who had many children (1 Samuel 1:4), provoked her severely to make her miserable (1 Samuel 1:6-7).
But instead of focusing on her 'rival' (and whatever the 'rival' said or did to her), she turned to the Lord and cried out to Him (1 Samuel 1:8-16). And Eli the priest then answered her and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition, which you have asked of Him." (1 Samuel 1:17) Hannah then went her way and her face was no longer sad. As we all know, the rest is history. Not long after that, the Lord gave her a son, and she called his name Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20). The Lord then visited her again and again, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21).
People of God, what happened to Hannah those days is prophetic of our time and season at the moment. It was a 'make' or 'break' time for her. It was a difficult and distressful time for her. It was a time of transition for her. But she did something pivotal that eventually led to her breakthrough, victory and fruitfulness. She cried out and poured out to the Lord, and the Lord answered her.
Like Hannah, you too are supposed to be the 'favored' of the Lord, and 'fruitful' in all that the Lord has called you to be (and do). Make no mistake about that! But maybe you have been hard-pressed in your life (or even in ministry) recently, or you have reached a plateau in your life, and you don't know what to do anymore. For some of you, you are at your wit's end, and you are on the verge of giving it all up. Like Hannah, this is a time to cry out to the Lord and pour out to Him.
This is also a time to meditate on Psalm 46:1-5 that says, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn'.
Pray in the Spirit much, and meditate on God's promises in the Word all over again. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. And if the Lord leads you into a time of prayer and fasting, go ahead (I fully believe there is a place for prayer and fasting even for believers under the New Covenant!), and you'll see the 'ceiling' that limits you from receiving all the promises of God in your life be 'broken'.
By the way, fasting doesn't change God, but fasting changes you, so that you can receive from God without hindrances. Sometimes, the hindrance may not be from the devil, but is due to your own carnal (fleshly) self. The apostle Paul wrote about it in Romans 8:6-10! It is when your flesh is 'tamed' and 'humbled' (through prayer and fasting), your spirit man begins to have the upper hand again, and that's when you'll also begin to hear and receive from God clearer! 1 Peter 5:5 says 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'. 1 Peter 5:6 then says, 'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time'. Amen.
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