A time to experience God's light and re-dedicate yourselves to Him

The Lord says:
"This is the time to experience My light, and to re-dedicate yourselves to Me! Turn to My light and return to My light, for I am enlightening the spiritual eyes of many in this time and season!"

Indeed, this is the time to experience the Light, the true Light - Jesus! Let this Light so shine into every area of your life, because when this Light comes, every darkness has to flee! Yes, even whatever darkness sent by the enemy against you!

John 1:6-13 (NLT) says, 'The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the Light so that everyone might believe (in Christ, the Light)... John himself was not the Light; he was simply a witness to tell about the Light. The One who is the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn - not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God'.

John 8:12 (NLT) says, 'Jesus spoke to the people, "I am the Light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the Light that leads to life."

You see, this Light leads to life! In a time of reflection and thanksgiving, let us all turn to the Light and return to the Light. And as you celebrate the Light, let Him show you His way and enlighten your spiritual eyes - to see what He sees and how He sees - His plans, purposes, and destiny for your life, moving forward!
*By the way, 'to enlighten' is 'to give someone greater knowledge and understanding about something, to shed light on'.

Let us not be like the people those days, such that when the Light came, they couldn't recognize Him, and even rejected Him!

John 10:22-33 (NLT) says, 'It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade. The people surrounded Him and asked, "How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don’t believe Me. The proof is the work I do in My Father’s name. But you don’t believe Me because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for My Father has given them to Me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one." Once again the people picked up stones to kill Him. Jesus said, "At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone Me?" They replied, "We’re stoning You not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."

You see the irony here? During the Festival to celebrate Lights, the people those days couldn't recognize the True Light when He passed by! Not only that, they even sought to kill Him and destroy Him, because their spiritual eyes were blinded!

*What is the Festival of Hanukkah?
- Also known as Jewish Festival of Lights.
- To commemorate the re-dedication of the 2nd Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
In Hebrew, the word 'Hanukkah' simply means 'dedication'.

There is no accident in how the Scripture verses have been arranged, because the Holy Spirit is the true author of the Scripture! (2 Peter 1:20-21) Notice just before the above verses in John 10, Jesus spoke about spiritual blindness in John 9, and showed how He healed a man born blind (who was now able to see)!

John 9:1-6 (NLT) says, 'As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. "Rabbi," His disciples asked Him, "Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" "It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the Light of the world." Then He spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means "sent"). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!'

Yes, like that man, we may be 'blind' in the past, but now we can 'see'! Hallelujah!

People of God, as you celebrate the Light this week, may you experience Him so real! And because you are now the 'temple' where the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19), just as at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, let this also be a time you'll re-dedicate yourself to Him - because He's going to do greater works through you in the year ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Do not be afraid to face your future!

The Lord says:
"Do not be afraid to face what comes in your future! Fear not, for I am your Miracle and your Provider! I will know how to provide even in the midst of famine or uncertainties! I will know how to shield you from the fiery darts or arrows that come against you! Look to Me therefore, and look not at what is around you!"

Indeed, in times like these, look to Him, and look not at the troubles around you. John 6:16-21 (NLT) says, 'That evening Jesus' disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but He called out to them, "Don’t be afraid. I am here!" Then they were eager to let Him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!'

Just before that, John 6:8-13 (NLT) says, 'Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. "There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" "Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves'.

People of God, from the Bible verses above, know that Jesus isn't just your Miracle-worker, but HE IS your Miracle! And Jesus isn't just your Provider, but HE IS your Providence! When you have Him, you have everything you ever need on earth! This Miracle lives in you, and this Providence lives in you! He is your all-sufficient God and you don't need to look anywhere else, because He is more than enough for you! He can even redeem your lost time, and bring you to your 'destination' in spite of the storms and rough seas around you!

The Lord says further:

"This is a key time to guard your 'spiritual windows'! Guard your spiritual eyes and ears! Do not allow your 'windows' to be intruded and compromised by the enemy! Guard what you see, and guard what you hear! Take authority over the spiritual atmosphere around you, and bind the spirit of fear!"

In perilous times like these, here are some of the questions people in the world often ask:

- "Will I still be needed in my company/organization?"

- "Will I still be needed in the job market?"

- "What does the future hold for me?"

- "Do I have enough for my retirement?" 

- "Will I end up sick and lonely in old folks' home?"

- "Will I be abandoned by my children in my older days?"

- "Will I get scammed or cheated in my later years?"

And the list goes on.

If left unchecked, 'fear' can 'paralyse' us. So, what do you do when you are overwhelmed by atmosphere of fear? Or what do you do when you are afraid to face your future (or what comes in your future)?

- Know that your God isn't dead! (1 Corinthians 15:20)

- Don't allow fear to 'seep' in. Trust God! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

- Take authority in Jesus' name! (Luke 10:19)

- Bind the spirit of fear, and nullify those works of darkness! (Matthew 16:19)

- Cover yourself with the blood of Jesus (Psalm 91:3-6).

Some may ask, "But what if I've made a bad mistake in my life?"

In 2 Kings 4:38-40 (NLT), the Bible says, 'Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, "Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group." One of the young men went out into the field to gather herbs and came back with a pocketful of wild gourds. He shredded them and put them into the pot without realizing they were poisonous. Some of the stew was served to the men. But after they had eaten a bite or two they cried out, "Man of God, there’s poison in this stew!" So they would not eat it'. 

People of God, like that 'young man', we all (at one time or another) make mistakes in life (due to ignorance, immaturity, or lack of knowledge) and end up in a 'poisonous' or 'precarious' situation. But look what happens next. In 2 Kings 4:41 (NLT), the Bible says, 'Elisha said, "Bring me some flour." Then he threw it into the pot and said, "Now it’s all right; go ahead and eat." And then it did not harm them'.

You see, a miracle happened then and there: The 'flour' healed and neutralized the 'poison'!

What does 'flour' symbolize here? JESUS! And how is flour made? When grain gets crushed! 'Flour' here is therefore a 'picture' of Jesus (the grain offering) being crushed! He was 'beaten' and 'crushed' when He died for you on the cross! Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) says, 'But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed'. He is the remedy to your 'poisonous' or 'precarious' situation! And He is here to turn things around for you, even if you think you've 'blown it' and made a bad mistake in life! Take heart therefore. 

By the way, 'Elisha' (or 'Eliyshuwa' in Hebrew) means 'God of supplication (riches)'; from two words, 'El' meaning 'God'; and 'Shuwa' meaning 'supply, miracles, riches' or 'freedom from trouble, fear, worry'. The good news is your 'pot of stew' need not be wasted, and your 'pot of stew' need not be 'poisonous' any more! The same God who performed miracles and turned things around those days is the same God in your life today. Just trust Him, look to Him, and let Him in, and everything's going to be alright! Believe and receive by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Declaring and experiencing the goodness of God

The Lord says,
"Talk to My people about My goodness! Let them taste and see that I am good! Let this month be a month My people declare and experience more and more of My goodness!"

Wow! What a month we are entering into! A month to declare and experience more and more of God's goodness! Therefore, whatever 'ugliness' or 'pains' that had happened to you in the previous months, this is your time to be set free from these, and this is your time to walk into the realm of God's goodness!

To start off with, let's go to Psalm 23:6, and here, David 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'. The word 'goodness' here is 'towb' in Hebrew, and it means 'good (in the widest sense), good things, 
bountiful, beautiful, favor, kindness, pleasantness, sweetness, gladness'.

Another beautiful psalm that David wrote is Psalm 34. Here, he wrote about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good ('towb'). In other words, he was writing about experiencing the goodness of God in real ways! Let's read Psalm 34:8 now, 'Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!' Hallelujah!

Yet another beautiful psalm composed by David is Psalm 136, and here, he declared the goodness of God as first and foremost in his thanksgiving unto the Lord! Let's look at Psalm 136:1-5 now,
'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good ('towb')!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:
To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever.'

Notice in Psalm 136, David put the goodness of God at the very top, and only then he wrote about 'God of gods', 'Lord of lords', 'God who alone does great wonders', and 'God who by wisdom made the heavens'! You know what that means? David had this revelation that God is first and foremost good ('towb'), and only then God of gods, Lord of lords, God of signs and wonders, and even God of wisdom!

You see, the enemy will always try to downplay the goodness of God, and he will do whatever he can to stop you from seeing (and believing) the goodness of God in your life! Why? Because he knows how powerful God's people can be when they have this revelation of the goodness of God, like David did! The enemy certainly doesn't want to see many 'Davids' in this world, i.e. those who not only have the revelation that they are God's beloved, but the revelation that God is good in their lives! Yes, we must admit that David had his share of troubles in life too, but instead of wallowing in these, he chose to trust in God's goodness, as you can see from the psalms above! David went on to become the greatest king ever lived in the history of Israel, hands down!

People of God, what are the good things in your life (that you can give thanks for)?

Having a good family? Having good health? Having good friends? Having good career? Having financial freedom? Maybe one of these? Or there must be something good in your life that you can give thanks for at the moment!

Don't just look at the big (wow) things! How about those smaller things in life (that you can give thanks for)? 

Examples: Nice bed, nice pillow, nice bolster :) 

Remember, there are many people in this world who don't even have a good bed to sleep on. In other words, they are homeless and sleeping on the streets!

Why not ask God to show you the many other good things that you are currently tasting and seeing in life (no matter how small or insignificant you think these may be)? Why not begin to thank your way to more and more good things that are coming, instead of falling into the enemy's trap of blaming your way to more and more doom (and gloom) in your life?

To sum it up: Begin to give thanks to God for the smaller things in life, and bigger things will certainly come your way! Try it, and you'll surely be amazed how this works! David did, and you're next. Amen!

Remain faithful and stay focused!

The Lord says,
"Remain faithful in Me, and stay focused on what I've called you to be and to do! Remain faithful to your covenant with Me, and keep your eyes and ears on My words! Do not allow your priorities to be misplaced, and do not allow your assignments to be diluted by those who do not understand what I'm doing in your life!"

The Lord says further,
"The enemy is trying to do whatever to upset My works and plans for your life. But do not allow yourself to get out of focus and be distracted from what I have called you to be and to do!"

How does the enemy 'upset' God's works/plans for your life?
- by sowing the seed of discouragement against you
- by sowing the seed of accusations against you
- by using people to gossip/character-assassinate against you
- by attacking your health and well-being

*However, please differentiate the above from constructive criticism or advice, because we should always be humble enough to let people correct us or improve us. At the same time, we should also learn to be good stewards of our lives, be it in thoughts, words, or deeds, and of course, in taking care of our health. We can't possibly claim the enemy is attacking our health when we become couch potatoes and eat potato chips all day long!

Let's go straight now to the book of Haggai. At that time, God's people had become complacent and had forgotten their priority, i.e. to put God's kingdom first above all else. And through prophet Haggai, the Lord conveyed these messages to His people:
- A call to remain faithful and remember His plans
- A call not to get distracted from building His plans
- A call for His people to rise up from the 'ashes' and humiliation of Babylonian exile
- A call for His people to reclaim their rightful place and shine for Him

*From historical timeline, Haggai's prophecy came at a time when God's people were extremely vulnerable. They had been humbled by their 70-year exile in Babylon, and were so discouraged by the opposition against them in rebuilding God's temple that they quit! (see Ezra 4:24) Haggai thus encouraged them to complete what they have started!

In Haggai 2:2-5 (NLT), the Lord spoke these words through prophet Haggai, "Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: 'Does anyone remember this house - this Temple - in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.'"

People of God, prophetically-speaking, we too are currently at a crucial time when the Lord is speaking the same to us! Be strong! Don't get distracted! Stay focused on your God-given calling and purposes in life! The truth is, as believers, each of us has a specific God-given calling in life (no two persons are exactly the same), each of us has been endowed with spiritual gifts and talents (for us to use for His glory), and therefore, each of us is a ministering Christian - being salt and light to this world! (see Matthew 5:13-16)

Here in the book of Haggai, the message to rebuild God's temple was simple and straightforward. Very interestingly, after thousands of years, the book of Haggai remains unique and special among the books of Old Testament prophets for one key reason: The people actually listened! :) It was indeed a 'kairos' moment in the history of God's people, and when the Lord spoke through prophet Haggai, a 'paradigm shift' in God's people happened! Their lives shifted from 'devotion to self' to 'devotion to God'! Their lives shifted from 'self-interest' to 'God-interest'! Their lives shifted from 'building own things' to 'building God's things'!

In Haggai 2:6-9 (NLT), the Lord spoke, "In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!"

In Haggai 2:21-23 (NLT), the Lord spoke further, "Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other. But when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the Lord, for I have chosen you. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!"

People of God, your time for the above has come too! You and I are now that Temple, filled with His greater glory! 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT) says, 'Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple'.

Indeed, greater glory of the Lord is coming upon your life, and a new authority in Him has been given to you! By the way, 'signet ring' here is 'khothawm' in Hebrew, and it simply means 'signature', which speaks of you having the authority in Christ to 'sign' something, and whatever you 'sign' becomes a decree! In other words, no word (or work) of the enemy can overturn this decree that you make!

As God's people, are you building your own 'empire' for own selfish ambitions? Or are you building God's kingdom, leaving a legacy that will stand the test of time and test of fire? Choose ye this day! As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord! (Joshua 24:15) Keep building lives, keep equipping lives, keep 'adding value' to others, keep bringing God's heart to people, and keep pointing people to Jesus! The Lord who sees these will know how to honor you, just as prophet Haggai had spoken those days! Amen!

Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation

The Lord says:
"Ask and keep asking! Seek and keep seeking! Knock and keep knocking! Do not be afraid to ask, and do not hesitate to ask! I am your Father in heaven, and you are My children. Ask of Me, and you shall receive! Ask of the Holy Spirit, and it shall be given to you. Ask for My wisdom and revelation, as you prepare to move into the next level!"

Jesus said in Luke 11:9-10 (Amplified Bible), "So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened."

Jesus then said further in Luke 11:11-13 (Amplified Bible), "What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!"

See, your heavenly Father has great pleasure in giving you good gifts when you ask! Notice here, Jesus said 'how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit'! Interestingly, Jesus didn't say 'give money', 'give big house/car', 'give positions', 'give connections', 'give fame', etc! But He said 'give the Holy Spirit'! In other words, 'good gifts' here translates to 'the Holy Spirit'! You know why? Because when you have the Holy Spirit, you have everything! The truth is when you have the Holy Spirit to show you the way, and disclose to you what you should do (or how you should go about doing things), every 'good thing' will come!

Indeed, this is a key time to ask of the Holy Spirit - because He knows all things - even things regarding your future! And don't stop until you get the answer! Jesus said in John 16:13-15 (Amplified Bible), "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you."

People of God, as you prepare for the new decade that's coming, and as you get ready to move into the next level, ask the Holy Spirit to disclose to you the wisdom, revelation, and even strategies that you need - be it in your family, career, business, ministry, or even investments!

You might ask, "Why do some Christians ask but do not receive?"
Some people ask but do not receive, because they ask amiss! In other words, they ask according to their own self-indulgent desires (motivated by lust, greed, pride), instead of asking for what is God's best for them! To put it simply, they ask with wrong motives! James 4:1-3 (Amplified) says, 'What leads to [the unending] quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]. You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires'. By the way, the word 'hedonistic' here is from the Greek word 'hedone' meaning 'engaged in the pursuit of own selfish pleasure or self-indulgence (motivated by lust, greed, pride)'.

You might ask further, "What then is the antidote to 'praying amiss'?"
The answer is by praying in the spirit! Because when you pray in the spirit, you are in effect praying God's perfect will for your life! Romans 8:26-28 (Amplified Bible) says, 'The Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose'.

You see, the truth is the Holy Spirit knows you better than you'd ever do! So, don't ask according to what your carnal mind think (or presume) is best for you, but ask of the Holy Spirit who knows EXACTLY what's best for you! And when the Holy Spirit begins to take it from here, you can be sure to walk into all that Ephesians 3:20 has promised you: 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power (of the Holy Spirit) that works in you'. Amen!

Not time to 'give up', but time to 'pick up'!

The Lord says:
"For many of My people who have gone through a down time, I am beginning to pick them up! And for those who have gone through a valley time, I am beginning to bring them to mountain top! This is not the time to 'give in' or 'give up', but this is the time I am 'picking you up'! Look to Me therefore, and like Jacob, your tenacity will also pay off!"

Indeed, people of God, whatever the Lord has put in your heart (or has spoken) for you to do, this is not the time to give up, but this is the time to pick up! And no matter what 'down time' you've gone through recently, this is the time to receive a fresh hope and new strength from the Lord! Be it in your family, career, business, or God-given ministry, He will give you the wisdom you need moving forward, and He will cause you to walk in favor again! Yes, He hasn't forgotten you, even though the enemy tries to make you think so!

By the way, 'down time' here means 'time when things aren't working or functioning as it should', and 'pick up time' here means 'time when things are improving, recovering (from a fall/problem), or looking up again'. So, shout out loud to yourself: "Things are picking up again!" Say it again, and again! Say this into the spiritual realm around you! Say this over your life, and over your every situation! Not saying for the sake of saying it, but saying because the Lord says so! The truth is when you agree with what He says in the 'inside' of you, whatever 'outside' of you will also begin to agree!

Therefore, declare:
- this is the time to pick up the pieces (when you fall);
- this is the time to pick yourself up (when you are down);
- this is the time to not look back, but look forward;
- this is the time to not give in (under pressure from this world);
- this is the time to not give up (whatever the Lord has spoken to you).

Let's look at the Scripture now, and see an example in someone named Jacob. As you know, this same Jacob eventually became Israel. From the name that means 'grasping the heel' (which is a Hebrew idiom for 'deceptive behavior') or 'supplanter', he was later named 'prince with God', or put it plainly, 'ruling with God who fights for him'! To the Hebrews, a change of name means a change of character. Through those years, Jacob went through much, of course, before he was finally named Israel. As a matter of fact, he had his share of 'down time' too those days. After escaping from his brother Esau who wanted to kill him for stealing his (Esau's) birthright, he went to his mother's homeland only to find himself being taken advantage of and 'played out' by his uncle Laban for twenty years! (Genesis 31:38-41) In other words, the 'supplanter' was now being 'supplanted'!

It all began when Jacob met Rachel, the love of his life! (Genesis 29:16-20) It was supposed to be the beginning of the best days of his life, but what could have gone wrong?! The 'deceiver' or 'supplanter' had finally 'met his match' in his own uncle Laban, and he got 'outfoxed' this time! He was made to work for seven years, and another seven years for the love of his life, Rachel; and then another six years for his uncle's flock. So, all in all, twenty years!

'Rachel' ('rawkhale' in Hebrew), by the way, means 'ewe' or 'female sheep', a symbol of innocence and beauty. It can also mean 'to journey', and here, Jacob was supposed to have found his purpose (or meaning) in life when he met Rachel - someone he would 'journey' in life with. People of God, maybe the Lord had shown you the beauty of His plans (and purposes) for your life too, but things just aren't happening at the moment. Well, the same it was with Jacob at that time. Things didn't work out the way he had wished initially; and instead of Rachel, uncle Laban gave him Leah (Rachel's older sister)! Not only that, through those years, Jacob worked for uncle Laban like a slave! In fact, his pay was revised ten times through those years! Not pay rise, but pay cut!

But Jacob didn't give up. He kept going and going in spite of it all. People of God, things may not have borne much fruit at the moment, but if you do not give up on what the Lord has put in your heart to do, you'll soon begin to see lots of fruits. And when the fruits come, THEY COME! You'd better prepare a whole lot of baskets to 'contain' them all! You see, Jacob could have given up, thrown in the towel, and accepted his 'fate' to be enslaved by uncle Laban the rest of his life. But somehow he didn't. He kept believing and believing. Now, that's tenacity! And you know what, the Lord even gave him wisdom and favor to make a way of escape! Yes, no doubt he was the 'bad guy' in his earlier days, but what mattered more to the Lord was his willingness to humble himself and be changed! Everyone deserves another chance! And so do you!

Maybe things aren't looking good in your life, or you've been struggling in your life recently. Maybe you've been badly affected in your career, business, or ministry due to a wrong decision you've made or a wrong investment you've made; and what the Lord had promised you seems impossible or unachievable at the moment. Do not lose heart. Do not give in under the pressure from others. Do not give up your hope in God.

Whatever your situation may be at the moment (and no matter how dire it may be), as long as you do not 'give up' on what He has spoken to you, He sees you a winner! Just as He saw Jacob a winner! The Lord will know how to turn things around for you. Choose therefore to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and He will know how to lift you up (1 Peter 5:6). The Scripture says 'By humility and the fear of the Lord, comes riches, honor and life' (Proverbs 22:4). Indeed, things are going to pick up again in your life! Take this, declare this, and receive this by faith. Amen!

Get ready to move into the next level!

The Lord says:
"What I have spoken to you, and what I have given to you, this is the time to surrender it back wholly to Me! Like Abraham, this is the time to surrender your 'Isaac' to Me, and I will see to it that there will be providence and there will be a solution! Do not retract, and do not hold back! For I am getting you ready to walk into the realm of greater blessing, and I am bringing you to the next level!"

As happened to Abraham, there's going to be a time when the Lord will ask you to surrender to Him all that He has given to you. And for many of God's people, that time is now! No, the context here isn't about 'the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away', but rather, He is asking you to surrender, so that He can bring you into a time of greater blessing, and to the next level!

Let me show you from the Scripture. Genesis 22:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."'

The word 'Moriah' ('Mowri Yah' in Hebrew) here can mean 'The Lord will see to it, or the Lord will provide', from two words, 'Raah' (to see, to look on, to provide) and 'Yah' (the name of the Lord our God). Therefore, this name speaks of the Lord who will see to it that there's going to be providence (or solution) when you surrender to Him whatever/whoever you hold dear. In Abraham's context at that time, it was also a place of worship. Indeed, to worship is to surrender all of ourselves before the Lord!

Genesis 22:4-8 (NKJV) says, 'Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering."'

People of God, what are the 'Isaacs' in your life at the moment?
These can be whatever/whoever you hold dear.
Examples:
- your vocation, career, or business;
- your spiritual gifts, or talents;
- your God-given ministry;
- someone you hold dear (but you don't know what to do with him/her anymore).

Genesis 22:9-14 (NKJV) says, 'Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide...'

'Burnt offering' here speaks of 'your unreserved worship and surrender before the Lord', whereas 'ram' here speaks of 'the providence, the solution, or the answer that's coming your way'. In fact, 'a ram caught in a thicket by its horns' is actually a 'picture' of 'Jesus with the crown of thorns'! On the cross some two thousand years ago, He wore the crown of thorns, so that you can now wear the crown of blessings and the crown of God's glory!

Now, let's put a little imagination into the verses above. Imagine now Abraham on the way to that place of worship and surrender, and he suddenly changed his mind and decided to retract (or hold back) his son, Isaac. Can you imagine what would have happened? The ram wouldn't have appeared! Because the ram (i.e. the solution) that was to be provided by the Lord would also be somehow retracted (or held back)!

Look now how the Lord was getting Abraham ready for a time of greater blessing and the next level, after he had 'passed' the test of faith! Genesis 22:15-17 (NKJV) says, 'Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son - blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies."'

Very interestingly, The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), which was written from a biblically Jewish perspective, translates this expression 'blessing I will bless you' as 'I will most certainly bless you'. You know what that means? The Lord was in effect promising Abraham that He will most certainly bless him, even in all circumstances, and no matter what circumstance he's in!

By the way, 'in all circumstances' here includes even the not-so-good times in the eyes of the world! And even in times like these, there's still no stopping you from walking in the realm of greater blessing!

Indeed, as descendants of Abraham by faith, you can now receive this same promise in your life too - that the Lord will most certainly bless you, even in all circumstances, and no matter what circumstance you're in! Hallelujah!

Being deeply rooted in the Lord

Colossians 2:7-9 (NLT): Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

The word 'capture' here is 'sulagogeo' in Greek, and it can mean 'to cheat, to destroy, to strip, 
to spoil, to seduce, to lead you away (from the truth)'. Here in Colossians 2:7-9, the apostle Paul was emphasizing the importance of being deeply rooted in the Lord, without which, one can easily be deceived or be led away from the truth.

Imagine now a strong tree with deep roots. In the Bible, the Lord often likens us as 'trees' (see Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:8). But is it possible to have strong trees with great branches without having deep roots? The answer is no. Because the trees would become top-heavy, and therefore easily toppled by the wind or storm. The same principle can be applied to us as believers. Using the analogy of trees, we cannot be strong trees without having deep roots in Him (and His Word), and that's exactly what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote to the church in Colosse!

In this world that we live in, there can be all kinds of 'storm' that we are faced with. At times, the 'storm' is so strong that it threatens to 'uproot' us! But the good news is when you are rooted in the Lord, and your life is built on Him, you cannot be so easily toppled or uprooted. Not only that, you will be firm enough to stay true to your calling in life, and to what the Lord has spoken to you! Proverbs 12:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved.'

Let's look now at the life of someone named Jehoiada in the Bible. We may have read about Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, etc, but many people may not have read about Jehoiada. So, we are going on the road less traveled today. And to begin with, who was Jehoiada? He was a priest who had served several kings of Judah. After Israel split into two kingdoms, i.e. Judah (the southern) and Israel (the northern), the southern kingdom (which included Jerusalem) remained more faithful to the Lord. Still, there were several kings in the southern kingdom who compromised the Lord, and turned to the worship of Baal (a 'picture' of the masters of this world).

'Jehoiada', or 'Yehow-yada' in Hebrew, simply means 'Jehovah knows'. Indeed, the Lord knows best, and He surely knows better than we all do. He knows exactly what to do, who to raise up, and how to go about - at the right time and right places. So, against the backdrop of the wickedness that was happening those days, the Lord used Jehoiada to put things back in order and make things right again. In fact, Jehoiada became a 'pillar' to Judah at a time when everyone seemed to have compromised or forgotten the Lord! And what's the secret here? Because Jehoiada was deeply rooted in the Lord!

Let me write further about Jehoiada now. He was married to the sister of King Ahaziah, and therefore was a brother-in-law to the king. But after King Ahaziah died, Ahaziah's power-crazy mother (Athaliah) smelled opportunity, and she began killing anyone with a potential claim to the throne, so she could become the queen mother! (2 Kings 11:1) However, she missed out one person, the youngest son of Ahaziah named Joash (who was only one year old then, and too young for the throne), when Jehoiada (and his wife) hid the baby in the Temple of the Lord! Jehoiada knew he needed to do the right thing, i.e. to preserve the rightful heir in the lineage of King David, according to what the Lord had spoken! (2 Chronicles 23:1-3)

So, Joash remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years while the wicked Athaliah ruled over the land (2 Kings 11:3). But after six years, Jehoiada knew the time had come to make Joash known. So, he called the captains, the Levites, and other leaders to the city of Jerusalem, and told them that one of the king's sons was still alive, and he (Joash) was the rightful heir, being a direct descendant of King David! All these leaders then agreed to protect and support Joash as the rightful king, and they did everything as Jehoiada had ordered. Jehoiada then brought out Joash, the king's son, and proclaimed him king (2 Chronicles 23:9-11). The wicked Athaliah was eventually overthrown, and the temple of Baal was torn down (2 Chronicles 23:12-17).

You see, Jehoiada became such a blessing to Judah because he stood firm on the Lord and all that the Lord had put in his heart to do. With his godly wisdom and sound advice to the king (Joash), Judah returned to the ways of the Lord and began to prosper again! Jehoiada lived an impressive 130 years, and was so highly-regarded by the people of Judah that he was buried in Jerusalem (City of David) among the kings! (2 Chronicles 24:15-16)

Beloved of God, will you too be like the 'Jehoiada' of today, even at a time when many others are compromising Him and His Word? Will you still choose to stay deeply rooted in Him and let your life be built on Him, instead of choosing the fallen ways of this world? Just as Jehoiada was such a blessing those days, may you too be likewise and be greatly used by the Lord for such a time as this. Amen!

There is protection and guidance in God's presence

The Lord says:
"There is protection and guidance in My presence. Just as I gave the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night during exodus from the bondage of Egypt, I am still the same God who protects and guides you today, even in miraculous and unimaginable ways. Look to Me therefore and dwell in My presence, for I am faithful and I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Indeed, in perilous and dangerous times like these, the Lord has promised protection and guidance for those who look to Him and put their trust in Him. Psalm 91:1-6 (NKJV) says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday'. Psalm 91:9-10 (NKJV) then says, 'Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling'.

Though there is no author mentioned in the Hebrew text of this Psalm 91, Jewish tradition ascribes it to Moses, with David compiling it in his Book of Psalms. Through this Psalm 91, I would like to therefore relate it with Moses' experiences with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

Let me explain.

We shall look at the book of Exodus now. Exodus 13:21-22 (NKJV) says, 'And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people'.

The word 'pillar' here is 'ammuwd' in Hebrew, and it speaks of God being here:
- to stand with you;
- to stay with you;
- to go through it with you;
- to be present with you.

We have no way to know how the Lord God made the pillar (ammuwd), but it was obviously a phenomenon, and a miracle from God as He protected and guided (led) the Israelites throughout their forty years of traveling in the desert. Not only in facing the heat of the day or the cold of the night, there were also sandstorms, bandits, and even poisonous animals! But the Lord God was there for them! During the day, the pillar guided their journey, and during the night, the pillar gave them light and comfort. And neither the pillar of cloud nor the pillar of fire left its place in front of the people. This is clearly a 'picture' of God's faithfulness and God's assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us!

People of God, the good news is you too can count on Him all the same even today, because you are worshiping the same God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Do you know that the pillar was already there for the Israelites even before Red Sea crossing? Many people think the pillar only came about after Red Sea crossing. But that's not what the Scripture says! Exodus 14:22-26 (NLT) says, 'So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! Then the Egyptians - all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers - chased them into the middle of the sea. But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their forces into total confusion. He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. "Let’s get out of here - away from these Israelites!" the Egyptians shouted. "The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!" When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers."' You see? The pillar ('ammuwd') has been instrumental in helping the Israelites break free from those who pursued them!

People of God, this 'pillar' represents 'God being here to stand with you, to stay with you, to go through it with you, and to be present with you', no matter what 'crisis' or 'dead-end situation' you may be facing at the moment. So, take heart and look to Him. Because just as He had done for the Israelites those days (even at Red Sea crossing), He can do the same for you today. Your part is to believe and receive all these promises of God for you (and in every situation of yours). In Jesus' name. Amen!

He is refreshing what has become stale!

The Lord says:
"I am refreshing what has become stale in your life! I am causing you to break free from the staleness that dampens you! I am releasing My fresh wind and fresh rain to clear what has become stale! There will be a new life again! There will be a new vigor and passion again! This is the time to receive that refreshing!"

Let's go to the Scripture now. Jeremiah 31:23-25 (NIV) says, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: 'The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.' People will live together in Judah and all its towns - farmers and those who move about with their flocks. I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."'

The word 'refresh' here is 'ravah' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'to fill with abundance of water, to breathe new life', and interestingly, this word 'ravah' is from the word 'ruwach' in Hebrew, meaning 'breath of God' or 'Spirit of God'.

The context of the verses above is that the Lord had spoken about the day when His people would say, "The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain." Not only would they be restored spiritually and materially, they would also be refreshed, i.e. 'filled with abundance of water' and 'breathed with new life'!

But how do you apply these verses in your life today?
The Lord is setting His people free from the 'captivity' that has kept them defeated, stale and small all these while! Therefore, declare by faith that your time of breaking free has come - free from those 'chains' and 'bondage' that have held you down - and declare by faith these same words upon yourself, "The Lord bless me, I am a prosperous city, I am a sacred mountain!"

In Isaiah 44:1-4 (NLT), the Lord says, "But now, listen to Me, Jacob My servant, Israel My chosen one. The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, My servant, O dear Israel, My chosen one. For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your children. They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank."

Notice that not only the Lord made you, but He also helps you. If you look carefully, one is in past tense (i.e. 'made you'), and the other is in present tense (i.e. 'helps you'). It goes to show He is presently and continually helping you! So, there's nothing to be afraid of, whatever your 'crisis' or 'situation' may be at the moment. He will not leave you forsaken or forgotten even now!

In fact, the Lord has promised to 'pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields'. And He will even do the same on your descendants, or whatever your 'offspring' may be, including the works that you put your hands on! This is the time to declare all the above will begin to 'thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank'! By the way, this word 'thrive' is 'tsaw-makh' in Hebrew, meaning 'to spring up, to spring forth, to grow again, to be full of life again'. Let it be so for your life. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Practical tips to keep yourself fresh and stay fresh:
1. Pray in the spirit often (Isaiah 28:11-12)
2. Meditate on what the Lord has spoken to you (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
3. Talk to the Lord what to add, what to cut down in life (Proverbs 15:13-15)
4. Get rid of your physical and emotional clutter (Ecclesiastes 3:6, Isaiah 43:18-19)
5. Clear your mind from worry and entanglement (1 Peter 1:13)

A time to declare your breakthrough and victory!

The Lord says,
"This is a time to speak up and speak out for Me! For I will put My words into your mouth! You shall declare as I declare! And you shall proclaim as I proclaim! The enemy will use his people to speak up and speak out to oppose My Word, but as you look to Me, I will give you My wisdom, and I will give you great grace and great power to say what I say, and do what I have commanded you to do!"

People of God, the Lord is bringing you into a time and season to make a firm declaration of your victory and breakthrough! This is your time to say "Enough is enough!", whatever the enemy's oppression against you have been recently. The Lord will put His wisdom into your mouth, and the words you declare will send 'shockwaves' to the power of darkness that seeks to block or hinder you!

In Matthew 11:12, Jesus said, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Don't get this verse wrong. This is NOT a call to be physically violent. Neither is this a call for bloodshed. As believers in the New Covenant, we are not fighting flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).

So, what did Jesus mean here? 'Violence' in this context here actually refers to the intensity of the spiritual battle in the spiritual realm - BOTH during the ministry of Jesus on earth, and before His coming again. Indeed, we are now living in a time when the battle in the spiritual realm is fierce, and it is reflected in the physical realm. The power of darkness is desperate, and this 'prince of the power of the air' (Ephesians 2:1-3) is not about to give in without a fight. But fear not, because the blood of Jesus doesn't just save, but protects you. Not only that, the angels of the Lord are winning, and they are fighting for you! Let no one make you think otherwise! This is therefore a call to persevere in your faith and in following Him, no matter how intense the spiritual battle is between God's side and satan's side!

Your part is to keep looking to the Lord and keep trusting Him, no matter what you see or hear in this world. Psalm 20:7 says, 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God'. The 'chariots' and the 'horses' here speak of 'the things that people of this world trust in, i.e. the ways of men and the might of men', but we trust in the name of the Lord our God!

The word 'violence' written here in Matthew 11:12 is 'biazo' in Greek, translated to English as 'to seize'. This word 'seize' literally means 'to take hold of suddenly and forcibly'. Yes, in this time and season, you will see the many 'suddenlies' even beyond what you can imagine or think of. Your 'turnaround' will come suddenly. Your breakthrough and victory will come in many unexpected ways.

Some months ago, I was ministering to this man who was struggling at work and in his life. Then and there, I prophesied to him, saying, "You will have many reasons to smile in the second half of this year." It sounded too far-fetched at that time. It sounded too good to be true. It sounded impossible, because at that time, it seemed to him there's no light at the end of the tunnel at all. But God! Nothing is too hard for our God! Just the other day, this prophecy became a reality in his life. Not only did he see a great promotion at his workplace, the company he is working in is currently thriving and prospering, even in the midst of many other companies struggling in the same industry!

People of God, do you believe the Lord can do the same for you, and in your situation? Yes, even if it sounds too good to be true at the moment! Look not to man, but look to the Lord your God, and declare by faith, "I will have many reasons to smile in the coming months!" I say "So be it!" In Jesus' name. Amen!

Receive fresh anointing to overcome defeat!

Have you been feeling defeated recently?
- Feeling suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of defeat?
- Feeling hopeless and unable to carry on?
- Feeling discouraged because you see a bleak future?
- Feeling like a failure because you can't overcome a sin?
- Feeling ashamed of yourself due to the wrongs you've done?
- Feeling like you just want to give up?

We are living in what the Scripture says as 'perilous times' (2 Timothy 3:1). The enemy wants you to dwell in hopelessness and defeatism. The enemy wants you to lose heart and give up on whatever the Lord has planned and purposed for you. In fact, the enemy tries to get you so 'off course' that he wants you to begin to doubt and turn your back on the Lord your God!
Note: According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'defeatism' means 'an attitude of accepting, expecting, or being resigned to defeat'.

But the Lord says:
"Do not lose heart, because I have won the victory for you! My people shall not be defeated! My anointing is more than enough for you, if you look to Me and receive from Me! I am releasing faith upon My people! I am releasing boldness and courage for My people! And My people shall overcome! Instead of suffering shame, My people shall have double honor!"

Indeed, the redeemed of the Lord shall be strong! And the redeemed of the Lord shall not be defeated, because the Lord has delivered them from the hands of the enemy! The key chapter to read at the moment is Isaiah 61. This chapter describes who He is and what He can do in times like these; and it also speaks of His promises of victory and honor for you, the redeemed of the Lord!

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

These verses came to pass some 2,000 years ago when Jesus came on earth to redeem us. And the good news is the Spirit of the Lord upon Jesus is now also upon you today! As Jesus is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) The word 'anointed' here in Isaiah 61 is 'mashach' in Hebrew, and it means 'to rub with oil, to consecrate, to give power'. As you consecrate your life before the Lord, know that the enemy cannot touch what God calls holy! Not only that, you will be called 'trees of righteousness', which speaks of you being restored from hopelessness into people who are strong, beautiful, and useful (like the trees, the lush and fruitful trees)! When the world look at these trees, they see these are the trees the Lord has planted!

Isaiah 61:4-7 (NKJV) then says, "And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, they shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs."

Now, what does 'double honor' mean here? It means if the enemy throws one 'trouble' at you, then for that one trouble, the Lord wants you to expect to receive a double-portion blessing! Indeed, the Lord knows how to turn things around for you, when you look to Him and receive from Him!

In times like these, the Lord is also calling you to walk like Enoch walked! Genesis 5:24 (NKJV) says, 'And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him'. Genesis 5:24 (NLT) says, 'Enoch, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him'. In cross reference, Hebrews 11:5 (NKJV) says, 'By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God'.

Interestingly, the name 'Enoch', from the word 'khawnak' in Hebrew, means 'dedicated (to the Lord)'. His life was a life dedicated and consecrated before the Lord, and the Scripture says he walked in close fellowship with God. Enoch lived 365 years before God took him, and there is certainly no coincidence here. If each year speaks of each day, 365 years speaks of 365 days that make up a year! In other words, Enoch had a daily walk with God like none other in his days! And the expression 'pleased God' here is from the word 'euarestos' in Greek, which actually means 'being fully agreeable (with God)'. To put it simply, Enoch had a close daily walk with God, living in full agreement with God and whatever God says!

In times like these, there's yet another call for each of us who is the redeemed of the Lord - a call to be bold and courageous like Elijah! If Enoch is about your walk with God, then Elijah is about your calling on earth! There's no doubting that Elijah was one of the bolder, if not the boldest human being ever lived on earth! At a time when Baal worship (i.e. worshiping 'the masters of this world') practically overwhelmed and supplanted the worship of the true God, Elijah faced off with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah at Mount Carmel, and won!

People of God, the Spirit and power of God that worked in Elijah those days is also what the Lord wants you to receive today! Let the Spirit of boldness, faith, and courage to stand firm, even against all odds, be released upon you right now, as you walk in your God-given calling on earth!

Do you realize both Enoch and Elijah have one thing in common? They did not see death on earth! They were taken up and taken away by the Lord! These are pictures of what is to come in the end of days, as you prepare yourself for the coming of the great King - who is, who was, and who is to come! (Revelation 1:7-8)

As a matter of fact, even the boldest of men on earth (like Elijah) had his share of discouragement too, and he was even tempted to give it all up! But there is a new strength being released for God's people right now! And there is a fresh anointing being released upon God's people right now! Just as happened when the Angel of the Lord said to Elijah those days, "Arise and eat! Because the journey is great ahead of you!" And the Word of the Lord came to him further, "What are you doing here? Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." 

Elijah arose, and he went in the strength of that heavenly food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God! (1 Kings 19:8) People of God, for you too, arise and eat therefore! Eat of His Word, and drink of His living waters, the Spirit of the Lord! Elijah never looked back ever since, and he went on to see the greater things the Lord had prepared for him to see! Like Elijah, may you too see the full completion of all that the Lord has called you to be (and do) on earth (Philippians 1:6). Amen!

Fulfilling your God-given destiny

The Lord spoke these words:
"Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! If I have given you a destiny, no one can take it away from you! But you've got to look to Me, not to man! Choose to look to My wisdom, instead of the wisdom of man. Choose to walk in My ways and timing, instead of the ways of this world."

The word 'destiny' in English is derived from the Latin word 'destinare', which can mean 'to establish, to appoint, to make firm, to put in place'. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (Amplified Bible) says, 'For God has not destined us to (incur His) wrath (that is, He did not select us to condemn us), but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ'. This verse speaks of our general destiny as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

But how about our specific God-given destiny for each of us? The Scripture has many verses to show us that the Lord has indeed established us, appointed us, and put in place a specific destiny for each one of us. No two persons are exactly the same. Each one of us is unique and special in our own God-given ways. Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT) says, 'Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny'.

The good news is His destiny for each one of us is always the best-suited one, simply because He knows each one of us inside-out, more than we know ourselves. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says, 'For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope'. Our part is simply to heed Him and follow His ways (and timing)!

Let's look at David's life now, and we shall see as long as he heeded the Lord and followed His ways (and timing), no one could take away the destiny God had given him! Proverbs 16:20 (NIV) says, 'Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord'.

It all began when the Lord spoke to prophet Samuel to anoint someone from among the sons of Jesse as king of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:1 (NLT) says, 'Now the Lord said to Samuel, "You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king."' Soon, Samuel found David as the one he was to anoint, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse. And David was only fifteen years old at that time.

However, if you look at the Scripture, it took many more years before David eventually became king. After Saul died a tragic death (1 Samuel 31:1-10), David was installed as king not long after, but only as the king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4). He was thirty years old at that time, about fifteen years after prophet Samuel anointed him. Through those years, it was a time of preparation for David, and even a test of faith and patience for David.

Even then, this wasn't exactly the fulfillment of his God-given destiny, because he only became king of Judah, but not yet king of Israel. And the reason why David was not yet installed as king of Israel was Abner (commander of Saul's army, who was also a cousin of Saul). Abner knew God had designated David as the next king of Israel, and so did the people of Israel those days. But out of his own self-interest, he installed Ishbosheth (a son of Saul) as king of Israel instead! (2 Samuel 2:8-11) With that, Abner became the 'brain' behind Ishbosheth, who was merely a puppet-king. Abner then challenged the servants of David to a fight; and a long, exhausting war between the house of Israel and the house of Judah ensued (2 Samuel 2:12-17). But as years went by, the house of Judah (under David) grew stronger and stronger, whereas the house of Israel (under Ishbosheth, who was a 'puppet' of Abner) grew weaker and weaker (2 Samuel 3:1).

Very interestingly, through those years (when Abner stopped David from becoming king of Israel), David did not oppose and react against Abner who installed Ishbosheth as king of Israel. Why? Because he understood it is the Lord who holds one's destiny, not man. If it wasn't his time yet, then so be it! Furthermore, David had made a promise never to cut off Saul's descendants. Therefore, he would not (by any means) remove Ishbosheth as king of Israel, whether through subtle ways or by force.

As you can see here, David learned to wait on the Lord, and he chose to walk in God's ways (and timing), not man's ways (and timing). Some seven years later, things turned around when Abner was killed, and Ishbosheth too was killed (2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 4:5-7). David's time eventually came, and he reigned over all of Israel and Judah from then on (2 Samuel 5:1-5), ushering in what historians call as 'the golden age' of the united kingdom of Israel and Judah.

As David reminisced in his old age, he wrote Psalm 37. In verse 4 of that psalm, he wrote, 'Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart'; and in verse 23, he wrote, 'The steps of a good man are ordered (appointed, directed, established) by the Lord, and He delights in his way'. 

The word 'delight' in verse 4 is 'awnag' in Hebrew, and in this context, it means 'to be soft (before the Lord), to be pliable (before the Lord), to be easily bended (before the Lord)'. The opposite of this word 'delight', by the way, is 'blame, a hardened heart'. Now, here's the secret to David fulfilling his God-given destiny: David had learned to be soft, pliable, and easily bended before the Lord! 

Not only that, David had learned to be patient, instead of blaming and complaining! He chose to believe there's still justice on earth, because his God's not dead! He knew God would eventually turn the tables on the wicked, and true enough, God did! The truth is God had never forgotten what He had spoken about him through the prophet Samuel!

People of God, like David (whose name means 'beloved'), you too are God's beloved. Do not lose heart therefore if what God had spoken to you (about your destiny) seems so far-fetched at the moment. The truth is He hasn't forgotten you, and He hasn't forgotten His destiny and 'appointments' for you on earth. Never mind if things look impossible at the moment. Never mind if you think you have recently missed your opportunity. Look to Him, and return to His ways. Trust in His perfect wisdom and timing for your life! And just as happened to David, God will know how to turn things around for you too, even in ways you cannot imagine yet. Your waiting time will soon be over. In His time, He will make all things beautiful. Amen!

Never overwhelmed, never stressed out!

Feeling overwhelmed with so many things in life?
Feeling stressed out by so many pressing matters?
Feeling out-of-control with what's happening around you?

You have done everything you know how, but it seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel? You have done everything you could, but it seems like it is all in vain?

The Lord says:
"My grace is sufficient for you, and I am more than enough for you. Whatever in this world that tries to overwhelm you, stress you out, or pull you down, it will not succeed against you, if you look to Me! For I AM WHO I AM, and I AM still in full control! All that you've done for Me will not go in vain. Just as I have done for Hezekiah those days, so will I do for you!"

Indeed, people of God, the Lord is more than enough for you, no matter what you are faced with at the moment. Let's go to 2 Chronicles now, and find out how the Lord showed Himself more than enough in Hezekiah's life as well.

The name 'Hezekiah' itself is very interesting. It is 'Chizqi Yah' in Hebrew, from two words, 'Chazaq', meaning 'to strengthen, to be strong, to be courageous', and 'Yah', which is the name of the self-existent and eternal God. Hezekiah, by the way, was one of the few kings of Judah who had close relationship with the Lord, and who did what was right, good, and faithful before the Lord his God.

After the wicked Ahaz (his father) died, Hezekiah became king, and the first thing he did was to cleanse the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:1-5), throwing away the rubbish (and debris) that had heaped up in the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:15-16). All in all, he did everything he knew how for the Lord - getting the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves, restoring worship in the temple of the Lord, keeping the Passover to the Lord God, and that's when 2 Chronicles 30:26 says, 'So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem'. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of the Lord, to seek the Lord his God, he did it with all his heart, and the Lord prospered him (2 Chronicles 31:21).

So, what could have lunged at him later on? And what could have threatened to destroy all the good that he had done? 2 Chronicles 32:1-2 says, 'After these deeds of faithfulness (on Hezekiah's part), Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah, and he encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them over to himself... and that his purpose was to make war against Jerusalem...' The name 'Sennacherib' here implies 'someone/something that seeks to replace the good with something sinful, or replace your joy with sorrow', and Hezekiah was now faced with a deep crisis, when the Assyrians, the dominant world power at that time, wanted to invade Judah and Jerusalem!

People of God, like Hezekiah, maybe you too have done everything you know how. You have cleansed your 'temple', you have restored your 'altar' of worship, you have returned to His ways, you have followed His instructions, and you have even started off (what He has spoken for you to do) really well! But all of a sudden, you are now feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and it seems like it is too much for you! Maybe because some people are not 'happy' with the good progress you've made, and they are now causing you problems, or to put it bluntly, giving you 'hell'. Or maybe it is a situation that is so pressing and stressing, that it takes away the peace out of your life! In other words, you are faced with your 'Sennacherib' that seeks to replace your joy with sorrow!

Now, the big question is how did Hezekiah handle this? The answer is he looked to the Lord, and cried out to the Lord! Together with the prophet Isaiah, they sought the Lord for His deliverance for Judah and Jerusalem! (2 Chronicles 32:20) Hezekiah and Isaiah - this is what I call a 'dream team' coming together! What a combination! What a team!

Where two or three are gathered in His name, He is here to answer, even in ways you cannot imagine can happen! I often tell those who come to be ministered to, that if they are the 'Hezekiah', then let our ministry be their 'Isaiah'. We pray together. We seek the Lord together. We look to the Lord together. We cry out to the Lord together. The answer and the deliverance will come.

As they (Hezekiah and Isaiah) were crying out to the Lord together, the Lord then sent an angel to destroy the works of Sennacherib, and Sennacherib had to return shamefaced to his own land (2 Chronicles 32:21). Yes, you've got it right - one angel! Just one angel settles it all! Is there anything too hard for the Lord?

So, take heart, people of God, all that you have done for the Lord will not go in vain! Do not be discouraged when you are faced with the 'Sennacherib' of your life. The Lord is more than enough for you, and His grace is sufficient for you. And whatever 'Sennacherib' that tries to hurl or lunge at you, trust that the Lord will know how to overturn it for your good! What the Lord has begun in your life, nothing in this world can upset it, if you look to Him continually. May you too, as Hezekiah's name means, be strengthened by the Lord for the many more greater things ahead of you. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Never too late, never too old!

The Lord says:
"Beloved, let My light shine in your heart, and you'll begin to 'see'! Seeing the many good that I want to do in your life this season! Seeing you aren't too late yet, even if the enemy wants you to think so! Seeing that I understand and care for that 'tricky situation' you are in right now! And seeing your answer is right on the way!"

The Lord says further:
"My love for you fails not. Let go of your guilt, condemnation and regret, whatever it may be. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Do not lose heart, and do not be discouraged, for I AM with you."

Indeed, God's love for you fails not, and no matter what your past failure or mistake may be, He hasn't forgotten you. And if you think you are too late or too old for a new lease of life, the good news is you are not! 

In the book of Exodus chapter 3, when the Lord met Moses at the burning bush, He said to him, "I am the God of your father - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians..." (Exodus 3:6-8a) 

The Lord then said to him, "Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10) But Moses answered, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11)

For the record, some forty years ago, Moses had tried, and he failed miserably. Those days, having looked at the burdens of his fellow Hebrew brethren, and seeing an Egyptian beating one of them, he took matters into his own hands and killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12). This act was found out by Pharaoh who then sought to kill him, and Moses had no choice but to flee from Egypt. So here he was, forty years on, from being a prince in Egypt to an old, forgotten nobody in the desert!

Beloved, have you felt like time is not on your side anymore? You are running late, and for some of you, you have even felt like you have 'missed the bus' altogether! That was what Moses felt too when he said, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" After all, he was already eighty years old, and was no more the mighty, eloquent man he used to be!

But God! At the point when Moses had nothing in himself to boast about anymore, and at the time most unexpected to him, the Lord saw him ready for a great work that He was about to do. As you'd already have known, Moses did not look back ever since, and with the rod of God that's in his hand, he eventually led his people out of the bondage of the Egyptians successfully.

The Lord is still the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). There is nothing too difficult for Him, no matter how you think you blew it, or how useless you think you are right now. Just as the Lord asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?", and Moses answered, "A rod". The Lord asked him to cast the rod on the ground, and then pick it up again. This same rod was with Moses as the Lord did great signs and wonders, and even opened the Red Sea through him (Exodus 4:17, Exodus 14:16).

Today, the Lord is also asking you the same, "What is that in your hand?" There must be something in you (it may be a talent, a skill, or anything else) that He can use, no matter how insignificant you think it is. Let the Lord use it, and He will know how to turn things around for you!

This is the time to declare that your miracle and deliverance is coming your way! The Lord has spoken, and He is a God who keeps His promises. Your part is to believe and receive! Indeed, old things have passed away, and all things have become new. This is also the time to declare there will be a restoration of your calling in life, and there will be a new authority coming in your life! And like Moses at that juncture of his life, the best is yet to come in your life too. Amen!

Spiritual eyes being opened to see

The Lord spoke these words:
"For I am in the midst of clearing the spiritual blindness in many! Many who could not 'see' shall begin to 'see'! Seeing what I've been doing in their midst! Because their eyes of understanding has been enlightened!"

In Ephesians 1:17-19, 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, according to the working of His mighty power'. The word 'enlightened' here is 'photizo' in Greek, literally meaning 'to be made to see'.

In the physical realm, in order to see, there's got to be light. Imagine you are in a pitch-black enclosed room with a thick curtain. No matter how good the physical condition of your eyes may be, it's useless when there's no light. You can't see a thing! It is the same with the spiritual realm and your spiritual eyes. That's why David wrote in Psalm 36:9, 'In Your light we see light'. There's got to be His light for you to see with your spiritual eyes! That's why many unbelievers whose hearts are not open to Him may read the Bible, but they just can't 'see' what God is saying! In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life."

People of God, the key chapters to read at the moment are John chapters 8 and 9. Interestingly, John chapter 8 is about the Pharisees who couldn't 'see', and after John chapter 8, is John chapter 9 that talks about how Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man. I believe there's no coincidence in the Bible, and there's no coincidence why Jesus said what He said, and why Jesus was at where He was. Everything happened for a reason in the dispensation of His time on earth. Jesus was always at the right time and right place, all the time. You see, when His time wasn't up yet to be crucified, no matter how people tried to kill Him, they just couldn't!

Now, who then were the Pharisees those days? They were an influential religious sect within Judaism, mostly made up of leaders of synagogues and affluent laymen, holding important positions with decision-making powers. They emphasized men's tradition in addition to the written Law, and taught that all Jews should observe all 600-plus laws in the Torah. Men's traditions were added to God's laws, and given equal emphasis as God's laws. Jesus called them hypocrites, because they taught man-made rules/traditions that they themselves could not follow (see Mark 7:6-7). 

And when the 'light' came, they just couldn't 'see'! That is the gist of what John chapter 8 is all about! In fact, John chapter 8 ends with verse 59 that says, 'Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by'. 

The very next verse is John 9:1-2 that says, 'Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth, and His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"' In John 9:3-5, Jesus answered, "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 the world, I am the light of the world." 

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. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing'.

Reading John chapter 9 in the context of the previous chapter (John chapter 8), it is clear that Jesus wasn't just opening the man's physical eyes, but He was also giving a message that blindness in spiritual eyes can only be opened when we are open to His light! 'Saliva' here speaks of 'Word and Spirit from the mouth of God', whereas 'clay' speaks of 'we humans'. And the statement "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" speaks of 'we being open and look to the Sent One, i.e. Jesus'!

People of God, the good news is your time to 'see' has also come! Be open to His light, and let His light shine in your heart and soul right now. Let us not be like the Pharisees those days who 'rejected' this light. I pray that you'll 'see' what He's been doing in your life - Seeing the many good that He wants to do in your life! Seeing that you aren't too late yet, even if the enemy wants you to think so! Seeing that He understands and cares for that 'tricky' situation you are in right now! And seeing that your answer is on the way! In Jesus' name. Amen!