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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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)

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!