Be set free to enter a time of greater fruits!

As you prepare for the 2nd half of the year 2019, the Lord says,
"Get yourself ready, for there will be new seeds planted, and there will be new sprouts coming forth in your life! For I have willed for you to bear greater fruits. But let Me cut those bondages and sorrows at the root first!"

The expression 'to cut it at the root' carries the meaning 'to cut it off before it has chance to grow further, or to put an end to something negative'. Matthew 3:10 (NKJV) says, "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

What does this 'ax' symbolize here?
This ax, or in other words, the cutting edge, is none other than the Word of God! Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV) says, 'For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account'. The word 'creature' here, by the way, can mean more than just a living thing. In Greek, it is 'ktisis', meaning 'formation, creation, invention, fabrication (even deception), possession'. It can therefore mean whatever 'formation, creation, invention, fabrication (even deception), or possession' that have been conjured up by the enemy against you will not be hidden from God's sight! And that's good news! This is the time to declare you are set free from such 'ktisis' - by the Word of God, and by all that Jesus has done for you on the cross!

Let Him carry your curse!
Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV) says, 'Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith'. What does 'the curse of the law' mean here? For the record, there were over 600 laws that the Jews had to keep to be right in God's eyes, and breaking even one would put a person under condemnation and curse (see Deuteronomy 27 and 28). But thank God for His redemption work that sets us free!

What are the areas in your life that needs setting free?

A. Inherited negative family traits
- Gambling addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug/chemical addiction
- History of emotional disorder
- History of insanity
- History of accidents
- Tendency to lust
- Tendency to bad temper
- Tendency to jealousy
- Tendency to worry/anxiety
- Failure in life (frequent 'so near yet so far' situations)

B. Inherited health problems

- Root of cancer
- Root of heart condition
- Root of blood issues
- Root of some strokes
- Root of mental/psychiatric issues
- Defective genetic tendencies in your family tree

Whatever your situation (or condition) of bondages or sorrows may be, the time has come to lay the ax at the roots of these problems! The Lord has made a way for you! This is your time of setting free! This is your time of supernatural breakthrough! This is the time He is planting new seeds in your life, and new sprouts are going to come forth! This is the time He is getting you ready for greater fruits in life! The best is still to come! Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Prayer to be set free for a time of greater fruits:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for becoming a curse for me and redeeming me! I thank You for setting me free for a time of greater fruits in my life. Your Word is the ax, the cutting edge, and I therefore lay the ax to the root of my (and my family's) problem ......(name the problem)...... I claim and receive my freedom now, even freedom from any curse that has been passed down from the previous generation. I believe and receive my setting free now. Amen."

What does the Word of God say?

1 Peter 1:23-25 (NKJV): Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abide forever, because "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the Word of the Lord endures forever." 

The word 'endures' here is 'meno' in Greek, meaning 'continues, being present, remains, stands, stays, abides, dwells'. And what do the above verses mean? All the excitement and the glory of man in this world will not last, as these will come and go, and these will eventually fade away; but what 'endures, continues, is present, remains, stands, stays, abides, dwells' in every season of your life is and will always be the Word of God!

What does the Word of God say about staying positive?
Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you'.
The word 'meditate' here is 'logizomai' in Greek, meaning 'to speak, to talk, to think'. Therefore, 'speak, talk, think' of the 'good reports', instead of what happens around you, or what happens in the world!

What does the Word of God say about God's promises for you?
2 Corinthians 1:18-20 (NKJV) says, 'But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us - by me (Paul), Silvanus, and Timothy - was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us'.
The word 'amen' comes from three Hebrew letters, namely 'Aleph', 'Mem' and 'Nun'. 
'Aleph' (picture of 'sacrifice') speaks of 'God the Father, our Source and Creator'.
'Mem' (picture of 'water') speaks of 'accepting and flowing with the Divine'.
'Nun' (picture of 'seed') speaks of 'receiving your inheritance as heirs'.
This word 'amen' ('aw-mane'), by the way, interestingly, shares the same root word as 'emunah' in Hebrew, meaning 'faith' or 'believing heart'.
So, when you say 'AMEN', you are in effect agreeing by faith and receiving by faith all the promises of your Father in heaven, and all your inheritance from your Father in heaven!

What does the Word of God say about 'no turning back'?
Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV) says, 'And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation (deliverance) of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace (watch and stay silent)."'
Moses spoke these words as the Israelites were about to cross the Red Sea in order to escape from the Pharaoh's army. The word 'Egyptians' here is 'mitsrayim' in Hebrew, and it speaks of 'bondage, besieged, limited'. Believe and declare the Word of God that you too are set free from the 'bondage' or 'chains' that have enslaved you all these while! The expression 'For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever' speaks of 'the assurance that you will never have to return to your 'bondage' or 'chains' from now on'. Indeed, as a believer in the New Covenant, know that Jesus has already broken all the bondage and curse in your life when He died for you on the cross! 

What does the Word of God say about receiving God's wisdom?
James 1:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind'.
The word 'wisdom' here comes from the Greek word 'sophos', meaning 'to be clear'. In other words, 'knowing what to do, and how to go about in your life'. The Word of God says He loves to give you such wisdom, and He gives liberally and without disapproving! Your part is to ask in faith, and you shall receive!

People of God, choose to stand on what God says in the Word, instead of what man says in the world; and you'll still be standing strong (and not be shaken) no matter what happens around you, or what happens in the world (see Matthew 7:24-27). Amen!

The enduring Word of God

The Lord spoke these words:
"Red Sea doesn't open up all the time, and River Jordan doesn't roll back all the time. There is a place for these, but once these signs and wonders subside, it is still My Word that remains! My enduring Word! Focus on My Word at all times, and stand firm on My Word at all times!"

The Lord then spoke these words to His Church:
"The Word of God is central to the Church. If it is not My Word, or if it is watered-down Word, that's not My Church! Never use any Baal way, man-made way, or worldly entertainment way to attract people! Focus instead on receiving My Word from heaven and releasing My Word to the people!"

Some people go around chasing after 'signs and wonders' as the 'end' in itself. Though there is a place for 'signs and wonders' (and more so, in these last days), but you see, it is the Word of God that endures! Just look at what happened in Moses' days. The people of God were in awe of the Red Sea opening up only to find themselves complaining why Moses brought them out of Egypt not long after that! Chase after the Word of God instead, and 'signs and wonders' will follow and confirm His Word! Mark 16:20 says, 'Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it'.

The Lord has also given us instructions not to keep chasing after man-made excitements, man-made programs, or worldly entertainment ways, even as a means to attract people to His Church. Because these 'worldly fads' will come and go, and these 'worldly methods' will eventually subside and fade away. Seeking all these, people will never be satisfied and truly fulfilled, and there'd come a time people will get bored or tired of these. Now, don't get me wrong. There can be a place for good programs. We are still living in this world. But the Word of God has to be central to any ministry of the Lord, and the Word of God should always take precedence in His Church. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." Indeed, trusting in the Word of God is better than trusting in any method of this world!

1 Peter 1:24-25 says, "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the Word of the Lord endures forever." The word 'endures' here is 'meno' in Greek, meaning 'continues, being present, remains, stands, stays, abides, dwells'. In other words, seeking man's programs, these will not cut it; and seeking worldly 'thrills' and 'excitements', these are only temporary, but what 'endures, continues, is present, remains, stands, stays, abides, dwells' in every season of your life and ministry is and will always be the Word of God!

Therefore, ministers of God, seek the Word of God instead, and choose to stand firm on what God says in the Word, and not what the world says! Because a 'house' that is built on the 'rock' is the one whom God calls wise, and a 'house' that is built on 'shifting sands' is the one whom God calls foolish. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:24-27, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

You are not fighting a losing battle!

The Lord spoke these words:
"You are not running on a losing battle! You may be alone at times, and you may be coming against all odds, but like Elijah, you are not running on a losing battle! Arise therefore, and receive a new strength from Me! Eat of My Bread, and drink of My Drink, for great is your journey ahead!"

The expression 'fighting a losing battle' basically means 'trying to do something that will eventually fail'. And if you think (or made to think) you are in such a situation right now (even though you have done what's right before God), do not be discouraged, because the battle is not yours, but the Lord's. Like Elijah, this is your time to receive a new strength from the Lord!

The chapters to read at the moment would be 1 Kings chapters 17, 18, and 19. As you can see here, Israel was under evil rulers (Jezebel and Ahab) at that time, and Elijah was one of the very few who stood for righteousness in the midst of these wicked rulers and the false prophets of Baal.
Note: 'Baal' speaks of 'the gods/masters of this world, or the ways of this world'.

Not only that, Elijah was falsely accused by Jezebel and Ahab for bringing curse (in the form of drought) to Israel, when he was actually just saying what God said - that the Lord God of Israel would turn away from Israel if they turn to the false gods of Baal. In other words, Elijah was the target of a smear campaign against him for not bowing down to Baal!

In spite of such evil campaign against him, and being grossly misunderstood by many in Israel who listened to the lies of Jezebel and Ahab, Elijah continued to stand firm on God's words, and continued to do according to what God had said. The Lord was with him therefore, and there was always providence coming his way during the drought, even from the ravens (1 Kings 17:5-6) and then, the widow (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Three years into the drought, the Lord then spoke to him to present himself before Ahab (who had wanted to destroy him all those years). 1 Kings 18:17-18 says, 'Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals."' Elijah then threw Ahab a challenge to test who is the true God of Israel (1 Kings 18:19-24).

After a great victory at Mount Carmel, where the fire of the Lord consumed the burnt sacrifice that Elijah had prepared (1 Kings 18:38-39), and after the prophets of Baal were executed (1 Kings 18:40), the drought finally ended (1 Kings 18:41-46). But even after that, Jezebel and Ahab did not turn to the Lord God of Israel. Jezebel then sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them (the prophets of Baal) by tomorrow about this time." (1 Kings 19:1-2) Elijah, drained and worn out after a great victory, ran for his life, and prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19:3-4). In his discouragement and exhaustion, he felt all that he had done for the Lord was in vain.

People of God, have you also been falsely accused, misunderstood, and discouraged recently, even though you were just doing what God has spoken for you to do? And you felt so alone, or felt like you are fighting a losing battle?

Take heart, because He is saying these words to you right now, "Arise, and receive a new strength from Me! Do not lose heart! Eat of My Bread, and drink of My Drink, for great is your journey ahead!"

Indeed, the Lord God in Elijah's days is the same Lord God of Israel in your life today. Notice He isn't just the Giver of Strength to you, but the Scripture says HE IS the Strength that lives in you! (see Psalm 73:26) Elijah then arose, ate of the bread and drank of the drink brought by the angel, and he went in this new strength of the Lord - for forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God (1 Kings 19:8).

And there standing on the mountain of God, Elijah received further words about his God-given destiny in life, i.e. to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as a prophet in his place. You see, the Lord's not done with Elijah yet, even though Elijah initially thought so! The Lord also assured him that he's not alone in these, and He had in fact 'reserved seven thousand in Israel, all those whose knees have not bowed down to Baal, and mouths that have not kissed Baal'! (1 Kings 19:11-18)

People of God, like Elijah, continue to stand firm on His righteousness (and His ways), and stay true to what He has called you to be, no matter what others may think of you, or how they misunderstand you. Hang on there! Know that you aren't alone in these, because the Lord your God is with you, and He has 'reserved' the right people who would go with you! In due time, He will make all things beautiful, and like Elijah, you too will eventually see God's greater glory manifested right before your eyes! The best is certainly yet to come. Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Keep your eyes on Him and His Word

The Lord spoke these words:
"Do not lose sight of Me and My Word! Keep your eyes on Me and My Word, no matter what! Stay focused on what I have spoken to you! Stay focused on My plans and My calling in your life. Do not get distracted, and do not be discouraged. For through faith and patience, you will inherit My promises for you."

Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV) says, 'That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises'. Indeed, faith without patience, we move ahead of time without God being there to back us up; and patience without faith, we are directionless and wander around without conviction and purpose in life. We need both faith and patience. 

The key book to read in this time and season is 2 Timothy. Read it as many times as you can. You will be blessed, and you will be greatly encouraged, whatever 'persecution' or 'difficulty' you may be facing in life at the moment. Written from the prison (the last place one would expect to write a letter of encouragement), Paul wrote this letter to his spiritual son Timothy and exhorted him to endure and persevere in spite of the 'opposition' that came against him.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul wrote, 'You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also'.

In this expression 'be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus', Paul was encouraging Timothy to continue to look to God, and rely on God's ability, instead of his own strength and ability. People of God, the same it is for you today. Whatever 'persecution' or 'difficulty' you may be facing right now, look to Him for His empowering, His strength and His ability; knowing that He is infinitely bigger and greater than all those 'challenges' in your life. Nothing is too hard for Him!

In 2 Timothy 2:3-7, Paul then wrote, 'You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things'.

The word 'endure' here is 'kakopatheo' in Greek, from two words, 'kakos' meaning 'worthless, injurious, evil, harmful, wicked, ill-intentioned' and 'pathos' meaning 'keep on going'. In other words, to keep on going in spite of any 'kakos' situation that comes your way. Never give up, and never lose sight of who God is in your life (and what He can do). He will know how to open a way out for you!

You see, good soldiers never give up! And good soldiers don't get entangled and messed up with the affairs of this life. In other words, they will never allow their FOCUS to be taken away by whatever that seek to 'disrupt' and 'upset' them!

How about good athletes? They are focused on the finishing line, and they play by the rules. Like good athletes, you too keep running this race that God has purposed and prepared for you. Do not be distracted, and do not walk out of the 'sphere' that God has given to you. As long as you keep running according to how He has instructed you, you'll be sure to finish the race!

Paul also wrote about hardworking farmers. Hardworking farmers keep 'sowing' without complaining. Hardworking farmers will not be half-hearted in whatever they do in the fields, knowing very well that the joy of harvesting will soon come, if they do not lose heart. It will all be worth it!

Hebrews 12:2 (The Message) says it all, 'Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God'. Amen!

Therefore, people of God, keep your focus on Him and His Word, no matter what. Don't get distracted or discouraged by the 'toxic' situation (or even 'toxic' people) around you. Don't get upset by those 'naysayers' who don't understand what God is doing in your life. And don't be taken off your FOCUS in whatever God has called you to be (and do) in life! The good works that He has begun in you, He will also bring to full completion (Philippians 1:6). Amen!