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!