God sees you BLESSED!

Today, I want to write about how God sees you. 

God wants you to see how God sees! God sees you BLESSED!

God is saying this to you: "I see you differently from how man sees! Man may see you cursed, defeated and good for nothing, BUT I see you BLESSED, victorious and expecting greater things to happen in your life!"

Many people do not have a good outlook for this coming year. Many people see doom and gloom. That may be what (and how) it looks like in the world, BUT as for you, you are different! Because you belong to CHRIST! If you see how God sees regarding yourself, you are going to see greater things coming in your life this new year!

The adversary or even man (who are jealous against you, who don't want you to succeed in life, or who think they know better than you) may want to see you cursed, defeated, down and out! But I have a good news for you. God sees you differently! God sees you BLESSED, victorious, and expecting greater things to happen in your life!

And that's exactly how God saw Israel! By faith, you too are the Israel, the spiritual Israel! And God sees you the same too! Because you have been grafted in through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Numbers 24:3-9 (NKJV) says: Then he (Balaam) took up his oracle and said: "The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened, the utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open: "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel! Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brings him out of Egypt; he has strength like a wild ox; he shall consume the nations, his enemies; he shall break their bones and pierce them with his arrows. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.""

Wow! Awesome prophetic declarations regarding Israel! That's how God saw Israel! And these prophetic declarations are for you too, the spiritual Israel, through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! 

When Jesus died for you on the cross, He has carried all your curse on the cross! And if the devil or anyone on earth tries to curse you or wants you to fall, to be defeated, or 'down and out', they can't! Because what matters is not how they see you. What matters is how God sees you! God sees you BLESSED! Always remember this as you head into a brand new year!

Just as in Numbers 22, 23 and 24 regarding Israel those days. There was a king called Balak, the king of Moab at that time. He was feeling threatened by the presence of the Israelites who were passing by on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Balak felt that the Israelites were too near for comfort. But the fact of the matter was the Israelites were just journeying past on the way to the Promised Land. They didn't mean harm. They were just doing what God told them! But you know what Balak did? He wanted to curse, annihilate and destroy them! So he engaged a diviner named Balaam to curse Israel. Long story short, Balaam somehow didn't. Not only did he not curse Israel, God used his mouth to pronounce blessings to Israel and curse Moab instead! You see? What man tries to do to destroy or curse you, God will know how to turn it around for your good! That's how BLESSED you are!

So, fear not! If you have God, you have everything! Let Him lead you into a brand new year, and let Him do even greater works through your life this new year. Hallelujah! Amen!

Click here to watch the full video

Be filled with the fullness of His joy!

The Lord says, "For many of My people, I am releasing My Spirit and My power for you to break free from the spirit of depression! This is your time to receive My authority to rise above those 'dark clouds' sent by the enemy to hinder you from walking in My vision and My plans for you! Be set free from those 'dark clouds' and receive your breakthrough by faith!"

This is the time to rise above the spirit of depression that is sent by the enemy against you! Receive the authority from on high to destroy those 'dark clouds' sent by the enemy to hinder you!

If you've been feeling depressed or even suicidal in recent weeks, you are not alone. The enemy has been trying very hard to get you, God's people! Don't fall into his traps! Don't entertain his mind play! The enemy has been trying hard to 'hijack' your mind! Because he knows when he's got your mind, he's got you! Take authority and bind it in Jesus' name!

The Lord says further, "As you are being set free, NOW is your time to be filled with the fullness of My joy! NOW is your time to receive My Spirit of joy! The enemy wants to kill off your joy, but I am releasing supernatural joy into you right now! Receive by faith!"

In the past weeks, we have been in the series of teaching about being filled with the fullness of God (of His Spirit). One aspect of being filled with the fullness of His Spirit is being filled with the Spirit of joy! His Spirit is the Spirit of joy! Do you know there's joy and rejoicing all around in heaven, and in the heavenly realm?

Psalm 16:10-11 (NKJV) says, 'For You will not leave my soul in Sheol (i.e. the place of the dead), nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore'. 

By the way, 'Sheol' while on earth can speak of 'depression, self-torment, self-punishing'. The antidote against any 'Sheol' while you are on earth is to come into His presence, because in His presence is fullness of joy!

Now, let's see how important 'joy' is! Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) says, 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (i.e. patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...'

See? Love, joy, peace... Joy! Joy is ranked 2nd! 2nd only after 'love'! There's no 'accident' in the Bible. Everything is put in place for a purpose!

The word 'joy' here is 'chara', from the word 'chairo' (khah-eero) in Greek. It can mean 'to be well off (i.e. the assurance inside you that you are 'well provided, well taken care of, no lack')'. You see? True joy is an assurance inside you that 'in Him, you are well provided, well taken care of, and have no lack'! Wow! It is an assurance that the Lord is always now here with you, He is for you, and He is always taking care of you!

The word 'joy' or 'chairo' here in Greek can also mean 'to have great delight, to be glad, to prosper in the soul'. 3 John 2 says you are to prosper in health and in every aspect of life, just as you prosper in your soul! You see? True joy has everything to do with prospering in your soul! 

By the way, this joy is not man-made or conjured up by humans. This is supernatural joy, and only in Him will you receive such joy!

Nehemiah 8:10 says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'! It means when you have the joy of the Lord, you will also have the strength to carry on in life, and to look forward in life! That's why the devil is so desperate to rob you of your joy! Because he knows if you lose your joy, you'd also lose your strength to carry on! 

So, people of God, open your heart and open your mind to receive His joy that comes straight from heaven! Make a joyful shout to the Lord! Sing to the Lord and praise Him continually! (Psalm 100:1-4) Give thanks, for His joy has been released to you! And that's when you are well on your way into the realm of breakthrough and miracles you have never imagined can happen to you!

Click to watch the video

Core values in prophetic ministering

I can't emphasize this enough! It is so important to open ourselves to the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit, instead of the wrong spirit (or the spirits) that is in this world.

Acts 2:4 (NKJV) says, 'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance'.

Acts 4:31 (NKJV) says, 'And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness'.

Notice the expression 'filled with the Holy Spirit' here? As the people were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak with other tongues (Acts 2:4), and on another occasion, they spoke the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Now, what does the above verses have to do with our topic today about 'Core values in prophetic ministering'? 

And why do I begin by writing about the importance of being filled with the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit? 

The answer is simply because one core value in God's prophetic ministry is being filled with the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit, instead of being influenced by any other spirit or spirits in this world! Some examples of 'any other spirit in this world' are spirit of Jezebel (i.e. controlling and manipulating spirit), spirit of greed (i.e. greed for more money, fame, name, power, attention, or popularity), spirit of lust, and spirit of pride.

In 2 Chronicles chapter 18, you can see the contrast between a prophet who was filled with the Spirit of God and the other prophets who were influenced by the spirits of this world. 

2 Chronicles chapter 18 begins with two kings, namely Ahab (king of Israel) and Jehoshaphat (king of Judah) making an agreement to join forces and attack Ramoth in Gilead (which at that time was in the hands of king of Syria). Ahab, the wicked king, managed to persuade and induce Jehoshaphat to do so (2 Chronicles 18:1-3), but Jehoshaphat was godly enough to ask if this plan (to attack Ramoth in Gilead) is the Lord's will. 

2 Chronicles 18:4-6 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Jehoshaphat also said to Ahab, "But first we should ask if this is the Lord’s will [seek/inquire about the word/counsel of the Lord]." So king Ahab [the king of Israel] called [assembled; summoned] four hundred prophets together and asked them, "Should we go to war against Ramoth in Gilead or not [hold back]?" They answered, "Go, because God will hand them over to you." But Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn’t there still a prophet of the Lord here? Let’s ask [inquire of] him."'

Apparently, Jehoshaphat wasn't convinced by the 'prophetic' words of these four hundred prophets, and he asked if there's still a prophet of the Lord whom they could inquire of. And that's when prophet Micaiah, a true prophet of the Lord came into picture. 

2 Chronicles 18:7-8 (Expanded) says, 'Then King Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "There is one other prophet. We could ask [inquire of] the Lord through him, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything good about me, but always something bad [evil; disaster]. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." Jehoshaphat said, "King Ahab, you shouldn’t say that [such things]!" So Ahab king of Israel told one of his officers [officials] to bring Micaiah to him at once'.

Very interestingly, the name 'Micaiah' (or 'Miyka-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Who is like Yah?' or 'Who is like the Lord?'. And you know what this name implies? There is no insignificant detail in the Bible. Who is like the Lord? Why? Because the Lord is different from any other spirit in this world! And just as the Spirit of the Lord is different from any other spirit in this world, prophet Micaiah was also different from any of those four hundred 'prophets' at that time!

 

How about the word 'Imlah' here? This is just as interesting! It is 'Yimlah' in Hebrew, and it simply means 'full, fullness', which speaks of 'being filled with the fullness of the Lord'! You see? That made the difference! Micaiah was a man full of the Spirit of the Lord, and he did not allow himself to be influenced by any other spirit in this world! Now, this is the mark of a true prophetic ministry. A true prophetic ministry of the Lord cannot allow itself to be influenced by any other spirit in this world, or be 'bought over' by man (or by the world).

Of course, there's a price to pay when a prophetic ministry stays true to the Lord. Such ministry may be 'persecuted', 'shelved' or 'frozen' by men who would 'only want to hear what they want to hear'. But the truth is it is better to be in obedience to the Lord than to compromise. The Lord will know how to honor such ministry. 

What happened later in 2 Chronicles chapter 18 was that king Ahab refused to heed prophet Micaiah's words. After putting Micaiah into prison, king Ahab went ahead to attack Ramoth in Gilead, despite prophet Micaiah warning against it. In other words, king Ahab only wanted to hear what he wanted to hear. That eventually led to the tragic end for king Ahab, and he died in the battle (2 Chronicles 18:34). 

As for king Jehoshaphat, he survived the battle when he cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard his cries and helped him. The Lord did see some good in him, in that he (as king of Judah) had sought the Lord and looked to the Lord all those years as a king. However, the Lord did rebuke him later for going to war together with king Ahab (2 Chronicles 19:1-3).

What can we learn from the passages above?

As prophetic ministries, it is important not to allow ourselves to be influenced or 'enticed' by whatever man or this world offers. Close the 'doors' on all those influences or 'enticements' of this world. Stay true to the calling that the Lord has given us. 

As prophetic ministries, when the Lord says so, we say so. When the Lord says no, we say no. When the Lord says ABC, we say ABC; not ABCD or AB. Nothing more, nothing less. We are to say as He says. That is what a 'mouthpiece' is supposed to be. And when the Lord stays silent, we stay silent.

Click here to watch the full video of this teaching

Stay faithful till the very end!

The Lord says, "My people, stay faithful till the very end. Stay faithful no matter what you see around you in this world. For many in the world, their hearts will grow cold and their hearts will turn away from Me. But as for you and your house, stay faithful and look to Me in times like these. I will know how to save you and I will know how to deliver you. Your future is in My hands and I will know how to secure your future." 

Indeed, the Lord knows how to secure your future, and only in Him (and Him alone) do you find true security in turbulent times like these.

Therefore, let's not give up looking to Him and trusting in Him, even when you see many around you are giving up hope for the future. Stay focused on Him no matter what! Keep your eyes set on the Word of God and pray in the spirit often. WORD and SPIRIT. These are your spiritual food and spiritual drink to sustain you, whatever happens in the future! Till Jesus returns! 

Matthew 24:3 (NKJV) says, 'Now as He (Jesus) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"'

Question 1: "Tell us, when will these things be?" (i.e. the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem)

This has already come to pass in AD 70, when the Roman soldiers destroyed the temple in Jerusalem - just as Jesus said would happen.                  

Question 2: "And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (i.e. the second coming of Jesus)

This, of course, has not fully come to pass (as of now), as we await for His coming again. But the sign of His coming has been spoken of by Jesus, as written in Matthew 24:4 onwards. You see, the literal fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in turn sets the tone for the rest of Jesus' prophecies in Matthew 24 to be fulfilled, before His coming again.

Let's continue with Matthew 24:4 onwards, and see what Jesus said, as He answered the disciples' Question 2.

Matthew 24:4-5 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Jesus answered, "Be careful [Watch out] that no one fools [misleads; deceives] you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ [Messiah],' and they will fool [mislead; deceive] many people."'

Jesus warned that many would be deceived as they anticipated His return. There have been many times in the history of the church when rash predictions were made regarding when the world will end (and when this or that will happen), but many of these predictions never came to pass - causing great disappointment, disillusionment, and falling way. Jesus warned us to be careful. No matter how human predictions failed, never allow yourself to be affected. Look To Him, and Him only.

In Matthew 24:6-7 (Expanded Bible), Jesus said, "You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming [rumors/reports of wars], but don’t be afraid [alarmed]. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight [rise up] against other nations, and kingdoms against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat [famines], and there will be earthquakes in different [various] places."

In the midst of any great war, great famine or great earthquake, it is natural to believe that the world is coming to an end. But Jesus said there are far more specific signs that would indicate His return, and He would describe these further in the coming verses.

In Matthew 24:9-11 (Expanded Bible), Jesus said further, "Then people will arrest you, hand you over to be hurt [persecuted; tortured], and kill you. They [The world; all nations] will hate you because you believe in Me [you follow Me; My name]. At that time, many will lose their faith [turn/fall away], and they will turn against [betray] each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come [appear; arise] and cause many people to believe lies [deceive many]."

Jesus has said that before His coming again, there will be persecutions against God's people, and many will fall away. And not just that, many will also fall into the deceptions of false prophets. 

People of God, prepare yourselves therefore. Stay strong in WORD and SPIRIT, as mentioned earlier. Let no one deceive you, and let no one pull you down into the 'mud'. That is why it is so important to meditate on the Word of God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in you will lead you, teach you, guide you, and even make a way for you in times like these. So, fear not!

In Matthew 24:12-14 (Expanded Bible), Jesus continued, "There will be more and more evil [sin; lawlessness] in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other [the love of many/most will grow cold]. But those people who keep their faith [endure; stand firm; persevere] until the end will be saved. The Good News [This Gospel] about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, [as a testimony] to every nation. Then the end will come."

In spite of more and more evil in the world, and the hearts of many growing cold, Jesus promised that before the end comes, the gospel of His kingdom will be preached in all the world - to every nation. Let us also do our part to spread His love and spread the gospel of His kingdom in times like these. In times of darkness, we are the light. In times of hopelessness, we bring hope. Persecutions (of all kinds), false prophets, or even deterioration of the society would not be able to stop the spread of the Gospel of His kingdom.

Prayer for today: "O Lord God, teach me and show me Your way in a turbulent time like this. Help me and guide me as I stay faithful to You till the very end. I look to You and put my trust in You, because You are my only hope in a time like this. You are my Savior and my Deliverer, and no one else is. I hide under the shadow of Your wings and I take refuge in You. I surrender my life and my future into Your hands, knowing that only You can give me true security in my life and in my future. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full message in YouTube

Be set free from your past, and embrace your future!

The Lord impressed upon me to tell His people in this time and season: "Don't look back. Don't linger or live in the past. Be set free from your past, and learn to embrace your future!"

You know, things that could have been, or things that should have been. Good memories, or not-so-good memories. Achievements, or failures. This is the time to let go and be set free!

Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong in learning from past mistakes (or failures). There's nothing wrong in cherishing good memories from the past, or even keeping old photo albums! But what the Lord wants His people to know in this time and season is don't linger in the past!

By the way, the definition of this word 'linger' is 'to stay in something longer than necessary because of reluctance to leave', or 'to take longer than necessary to leave and move on'.

My observation is that some countries that still 'bask' in past glory and not look ahead, these countries tend to be left behind. But countries that tend to advance fast are those that put their past behind them, and keep learning and innovating. The same it is with a community of people, or individuals!

I’ve seen some greatly talented people kill their careers or future by lingering in the past - and they didn’t even know they were doing it! Are you (unconsciously) clinging to some past glory or failure? The good news today is the Lord is helping you to let go! 

Let us not be like Lot's wife who was hesitant to let go, and she kept looking back. In that moment of hesitation, destruction caught up with her and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). By lingering and looking back, Lot’s wife was doused with salt, just as those people in Sodom and Gomorrah suffered brimstone and fire. In other words, when you look back, you are pulled back!

Don't get me wrong. I’m not talking about denying your past. But I’m talking about not letting the past hold you down, hold you back, or even hold you hostage!

In Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV), the apostle Paul wrote, 'Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus'.

You see, the antidote for 'lingering in the past' is to stay focused on what's ahead! 

Don't be afraid to face the future, but instead, embrace your future! Yes, even if at the moment, you have no inkling what lies ahead in your future! But the good news is the Lord knows, and He has amazing things for you in the future! 

This is the time to declare that your future is going to be greater, in spite of whatever that happens in the world around you at the moment. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Click here to watch the full video of this message

Why does God allow delay?

The Lord impressed upon my heart to share about dealing with delay, and why does God sometimes allow delay. 

As a matter of fact, nobody likes delay. We all wish that when we want something, we want it now! Just like when we wait for the bus, the train, or the plane! How many of you have experienced waiting for hours and hours for the plane to arrive?

Many things are being delayed in a time of pandemic this year. It's a rather disruptive year for many. For some, it is a delay in the area of your career path. For some others, in the area of your personal plans, or personal dreams (or visions). 

But you know what? Delay sometimes isn't a bad thing at all! 

So today, we are going to explore this topic: Why does God allow delay?

1. He is protecting you from certain harm or danger 

He knows your future better than anyone else on earth. He knows what is ahead more than you'll ever know. And because He loves you, He wants to ensure that you'll avoid a certain 'pitfall' in your life. He knows certain things that come too soon will 'crush' you (e.g. an honor or title that comes too soon). You may not be ready now, but God is working to ensure that you are ready when the right time comes!

Psalm 57:1 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Be merciful [gracious] to me, God; be merciful [gracious] to me because I come to You for protection [seek refuge]. Let me hide [be protected; seek refuge] under the shadow of Your wings until the trouble [destruction] has passed'.

Psalm 25:20 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Protect me and save [rescue; deliver] me. I trust [find refuge in] You, so do not let me be disgraced [shamed]'.

2. He is delaying His answer because of His timing 

His timing is always perfect. He is in full control of all things, at all times, and in all places. Delay can happen because it isn't His timing for you yet. He has a time and season for everything. Rest assured it doesn't mean He isn't answering you, or He is denying you or forsaking you, but He knows what's best for you and when's best for you!

Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) says, '"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord'.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Expanded Bible) says, 'There is a time [season] for everything, and everything [every activity] on earth [under heaven] has its special season [time]'.

3. He is still in the midst of preparing you and growing you

A delay may be God's way to prepare you for bigger or greater things in the future. A delay may be God's way to grow your faith and character. A delay may be God's way to equip you to handle greater things in the future. A delay may be God's training for you to have a greater capacity for a time of expansion in the future. Your faith, character, and even understanding of how God works will grow more and more as you learn to trust Him in a time of delay.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV) says, 'My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience'.

1 Peter 1:13 (NCV) says, 'So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown to you'.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NKJV) says, 'But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work'.

4. He is delaying His answer in order to give you a new purpose/direction 

When delay happens, He may be in the midst of re-directing you. His delay may be a way to tell you to seek Him afresh and anew. His delay may be a way to tell you that you need to seek His will. It may be a call for you to undo and re-do certain areas in your life. You may be focused on one direction, but He wants you to focus on another direction. Or you may be 'leaning your ladder' against the wrong wall, when He wants you to 'lean your ladder' against another wall.

Colossians 1:9 (NKJV) says, 'For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding...'

Job 37:12 (Amplified Bible) says, 'Its direction is turned around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth'.

Prayer in a time of delay or waiting:

"O Lord God, I thank You for Your love for me, and that You want the best for me. Help me in this time of delay or waiting, so that I can move according to Your perfect timing. Help me to be patient, not give up, and trust You even in times like these. Help me not to take matters in my own hands. I choose to trust You, and I choose to be faithful to You. Deepen my understanding of how You work. Give me a greater knowledge of what You are doing in my life. I thank You that You have the perfect wisdom for my life, and You know exactly what's best for me. I therefore yield to You and Your perfect timing for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

Click here to watch this video in YouTube

Those who despised you will come running to you!

The Lord says, "This is the time I am anointing you to shine for Me! Arise and shine, for your light has come! And My glory is falling upon you! Receive My light and My glory by faith! Those who despised you in the past will come running to you! Those who shunned you in the past will begin to remember you and honor you! This is not the time to give up hope, no matter what the devil throw at you! This is the time to arise and shine, for your light has come!"

Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you'.

Many of you would have learned from life experience that just before the light comes, it always seem like that's the most hopeless and darkest time. That's when the devil would also try to take advantage to discourage you and 'kill you off'! The devil always aim to steal, kill and destroy God's people!

Even in the Scripture, just before the beautiful promises of the Lord in Isaiah 60, you'd find Isaiah 59! Let's go to Isaiah 59:9-10 now. This part of the Scripture says, 'Therefore justice is far from us, nor does righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places'.

You see, just before the Lord declared "Arise, shine; For your light has come!" in Isaiah 60, there's a part in a chapter just before that says, "We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness!"

For the record, Jesus went through a time of darkness too, before His glorious rising! 

Mark 15:27-32 (NKJV) says, 'With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with the transgressors." And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him'.

Luke 22:63-65 (NKJV) says, 'Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him'.

People of God, know that your Jesus has gone through a time of darkness too, and He understands fully what you've been going through in times like these. 

No matter how 'dark' things have been, keep looking to Him, and He will know how to make a way for you. Remember, He knows your future (more than anyone else on earth), and He knows the end from the beginning!

And if you've been despised by others, snubbed by others, ignored by others, shunned by others, or bypassed by others in the past, be rest assured the Lord understands and sees all these as well. Why? He has gone through all these before!

But I have a good news for you. The time is coming when the Lord is going to cause many who used to despise, snub, ignore, shun or bypass you to begin to run to you! They'll begin to honor you, remember you, and appreciate you!

Let's go back to Isaiah 60 now. I know this chapter is specifically for Israel. But as people of God, you too can receive all these promises by faith, in the name of Jesus!

Isaiah 60:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you'.

Isaiah 60:14-15 (NKJV) says, 'Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations'.

Therefore, people of God, at this juncture of your life, it is so important to hang on to God! Hang on to your hope in God! Trust that He knows what He is doing and He knows exactly what to do in your life, going forward. Trust Him! Let Him lead. Don't fight with Him. Yield to Him. And you too will begin to see all the promises in Isaiah 60 coming to pass in your life! Hallelujah!

For details of this message, watch here in YouTube

When times are tough, what do you do?

When times are tough, what do you do? This is a question many people ask, especially in times like these. But the answer from the Lord may surprise many.

Here's the answer, and here's what the Lord says, "Keep loving. Keep sowing seeds of love and care. Help anyone who needs genuine help. Look out for one another and look after one another."

There's no denying the fact that the world (I mean, the people of the world) has become 'colder' and 'colder', even though the earth is getting warmer and warmer (due to climate change). People are getting more and more selfish (lovers of their own selves without considering others or to the detriment of others), and more and more inward-looking.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God'.

But how about you who are the disciples of Jesus?

In Matthew 5:15-16, Jesus says, "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

In tough times like these, the Lord's answer for us is all the more let our light shine brighter and brighter, even as the world gets darker and darker! 

But how do you shine your light? 

Through acts of love and kindness from a genuine and sincere heart!

1 John 3:18 (NKJV) says, 'My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth'.

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) says, 'He who does not love does not know God, for God is love'.

1 John 4:12 (NKJV) says, 'No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us'.

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus says, "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

You see, as you scatter seeds of love and kindness wherever you are, as you help those who are helpless, and care for those who are uncared for, the Lord will know how to reward you and honor you, even in ways that no man can! The Lord sees it even when man never sees or recognizes it!

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) says, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart'.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

It doesn't necessarily have to be giving in the form of money. It can be using your spiritual gifts, your talents, your time, your energy, or in any way that you can be a blessing others! It goes a long way in bringing hope to many, and you'd never know how much this means to some who are in dire situations at the moment!

So, beloved of God, go ahead and love others! Make a difference in this world! Not just in words, but also in deeds! Your 'light' will shine ever brighter in the spiritual realm! And you will reap the good that you sow! Amen!

For details of this message, click here to watch

How do you prepare for Year 2021?

As I sought the Lord regarding Year 2021, He gave two key words to take note of as His people prepare for the year ahead: "Agile and versatile!"

Let's go to the definition of these two words first.

'Agile' is defined as 'nimble, able to move quickly and easily (or lightly)'.

'Versatile' is defined as 'flexible, able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities'.

This applies whether in ministry, in business, in career, or in anything that you put your hands on in your life for the year ahead.

Psalm 18:32-33 (NKJV) says, 'It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places'.

Psalm 18:32-33 (New English Translation) translates it this way, 'The one true God gives me strength; He removes the obstacles in my way. He gives me the agility of a deer; He enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain'.

See the word 'agility' here? 

By the way, a mountain deer is an amazing animal. Some mountains are so steep and rocky that these seem impossible to climb. And some trails can be extremely narrow and dangerous to tread on. Yet a mountain deer has what it takes to negotiate these rugged terrain. In fact, a mountain deer is one of the most sure-footed, agile and focused mountain creature you can ever see on earth!

People of God, there's going to be a huge shift coming, a huge spiritual tectonic shift! And the Lord wants His people to prepare themselves for such! But fear not, because like the deer in Psalm 18:33, the Lord will help you!

Now, what does this word 'tectonic' mean? If you watch documentaries about earthquake, you would have heard of this word 'tectonic'. It can be defined as 'pertaining to the structure of the earth's crusts'. 

Therefore, a spiritual tectonic shift will have to do with how people see and understand His church!

There's no denying the fact that in this time of worldwide pandemic, many ministers of God have actually started to rethink their ministry and rethink church. Many 'old structures' that used to work in the past will become unsustainable in this new spiritual era. Many 'old wineskins' that used to work in the past will not be able to contain the 'new wine' that the Lord is pouring out in this new spiritual era.

Jesus says in Matthew 9:17, "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

You see, some things that used to work in the past may not work now. Here in Matthew 9:17, Jesus reminds us that what is old and stagnant often cannot be renewed or reformed. And the Lord will often look for new vessels to contain His new work!

Will you allow yourself to be one of those new vessels?

People of God, I write this with humility and the fear of the Lord. I love the church, the Body of Christ. But let it be known that there's going to be a huge spiritual tectonic shift coming! 

The Lord has begun preparing His church to be that holy and unblemished bride. His church will come forth pure like a virgin again, and ready for the coming of the Bridegroom! But whatever that is not of Him will be shaken! (Hebrews 12:27) In fact, this applies not just to the religious structure that man has created, but also in every other facet of society in general (be it economic, financial, political, or social).

But fear not! Because the Lord will help you and give you the solutions (Psalm 18:32-33), if you look to Him!

May the Lord enlighten our spiritual eyes of understanding so we can see how He sees (Ephesians 1:17-19, Revelation 3:17-18, Psalm 119:18). Not how man sees, not how the world sees, not how the Babylonian system in this world sees. But how God sees. Amen!

Click to watch the full message

What are the keys to riches, honor and life?

The Lord says these words: "For many of you, the devil has been trying to make you feel helpless and hopeless! The devil has been trying to make you feel like out of control in your life! Take authority over the devil and put all these to a stop!"

People of God, ya, put all these nonsense of the devil to a stop! Take authority in Jesus' name, and declare: "Even though many things in this world seem to be out of control, but God, You are a God who is still in control of my life!"

There's a renewed hope and refreshed hope being released to you right now! Don't let the devil talk you out of it! But instead, receive by faith a renewed hope and a refreshed hope from the Lord, no matter what challenges you've gone through recently! 

In fact, this is your time to declare the Lord has paved the way for a greater future for you! Amen!

The Lord says further: "Commit everything you do to Me! Roll all your cares and concerns to Me! And I will show you the way to lasting riches, honor and life!"

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV) says, 'Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass'. 

The word 'commit' here is 'galal' in Hebrew, and it means 'to roll it all'. 

As you 'roll all your ways' - your life, your career, your business, your relationships, your health, your problems, your fears, and even your frustrations onto the Lord, He will know how to take over from there. 

It also means to believe that He is trustworthy, and to acknowledge that by yourself, you are insufficient to cope with the pressures, complexities and challenges in life. Now, this requires humility on your part. Because not everyone on earth will admit this. But blessed are you if you do.

Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV) says, 'By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life'. See, these are two keys to lasting riches, honor and life. First, humility. And second, the fear of the Lord!

Let's talk about 'humility' first.

In Matthew 5:5 (NKJV), Jesus says, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'. In cross-reference, Psalm 37:11 (NKJV) says, 'But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace'.

You may be asking: "What does it mean by 'inherit the earth' here?" 

To 'inherit the earth' simply means whatever the Lord wants to give to you on earth, no one can take it away! Indeed, He has given you an inheritance, and it's yours! The Bible says you are an heir of God! (Romans 8:17) But there is a way to receive it, as written in Matthew 5:5 and Psalm 37:11!

Interestingly, the word 'humility' in Proverbs 22:4 is 'anavah' in Hebrew, and the word 'meek' in Psalm 37:11 is 'anav' in Hebrew. So, these two words - 'humility' and 'meek' share the same root word 'anav'! To 'anav' literally means 'to be lowly, meek, humble (before the Lord)'!

How about 'the fear of the Lord'? 

To fear the Lord is to have a deep reverence and respect before the Lord, and being found obedient to whatever He has spoken. It is to acknowledge that He knows better and He sees further. And He knows what's best for us. Amen.

Click here for the full message of this teaching

The Lord wants to tabernacle with you!

The Lord says, "This is a time to rejoice! Choose to rejoice, no matter what happens around you in the world! Look to Me and receive from Me! Be set free from your sorrow, and enter into My joy! This is the time to declare that your time of mourning has ended, and your time of rejoicing has come!"

Isaiah 60:20-21 (NLT) says, 'Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. All your people will be righteous. They will possess their land forever, for I will plant them there with My own hands in order to bring Myself glory'. 

The word 'mourning' here is from the word 'abal' in Hebrew, which means 'to lament, to bewail, to be in sorrow'. Indeed, your time of mourning is coming to an end, and you are set free from sorrow!

Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT) says, 'You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!'

The word 'mourning' here is 'sawfad' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as some people in some culture do in a time of grief)'. Now, what does 'beating the breasts' (or 'beating the chest') show us here? It is a show of grief, regret, or disappointment because of something that had happened, and the person who does it would even cause self-inflicted harm.

Beloved of God, some of you need to hear this! Beat yourself no more! Hit yourself no more! Harm yourself no more! Whether physically or in your soul. Past is past. Let it go! Forgive yourself. Forgive those who have hurt you. Today, know that the Lord has set you free, and He has given you a new hope and a new joy! 

You know why? Jesus has already been beaten, hit, striped, and slashed for you! In fact, He has been pierced for you when He died for you on the cross! He has become the man of sorrow, acquainted with grief, and He has carried all those sorrows and griefs of yours when He died for you on the cross! (Isaiah 53:3)

In Isaiah 57:14-15 (NLT), the Lord God says, "Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so My people can return from captivity. I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts."

Beloved of God, here's a piece of good news for you! The Lord is in the midst of 'rebuilding the road' for you! He is clearing away the 'rocks and stones' that hinder you! He is setting you free! He is making a way for a greater future for you, in spite of what had happened in your past! But you have to play your part by giving Him room to do so! 

So, take heart. All is not lost yet, no matter how you 'blew it' recently, or what mistake you've made recently!

The word 'live' (or 'dwell' in NKJV) here is 'shakan' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'stay, abide, continue, inhabit, remain, rest, reside, lodge'. See? The Lord is 'attracted' to those whose hearts are contrite and humble before Him! And He will know how to restore and revive those who are such! 

So, dedicate yourself to Him afresh and anew! Dedicate even your home to Him afresh and anew! Let Him dwell in your life! Let Him 'shakan' with you! Because when you have Him lodging and residing in your life, you don't have to be afraid anymore! After all, He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and He lives in you!

Zechariah 2:10-11 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst. Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."

The word 'dwell' here is also 'shakan' in Hebrew, and another word to describe it is to 'tabernacle'. That is to say He is here to tabernacle with you! In other words, He is here to make His home in your life! What a privilege to be called a child of God!

Prayer for you today: "O Lord, as Your people dedicate their lives, and even their homes to You this day, come and fill each of Your beloved and their homes with Your glorious presence. As You tabernacle with them, and as You dwell in their midst, I declare a time of mourning has ended, and a time of rejoicing has begun! There will be honor, riches, and life for those who humble themselves and fear the Lord! And when Your glory is here, nothing in this world can withstand You, and no evil can overcome Your people who look to You. Amen!"

Click to watch the video for this message

What does the Lord say for the coming year?

In recent days, I've been seeing visions of orange color, and this color stood out among other colors. The Lord then said to me, "Find out the meaning of orange color in Hebrew, and this will be what Hebrew New Year 5781 going to be like for My people! This will also be what Year 2021 going to be like for My people!"

I said "Wow!" Because this was the first time the Lord spoke this way - to release His words for a new year by finding out the meaning of a certain color in Hebrew!

You see, every color in Hebrew has its meaning and significance. For example, 'white' is the color for 'purity, holiness'; 'black' is the color for 'the fear of the Lord, abundance'; 'blue' is the color for 'revelation, blessing'; 'green' is the color for 'new life, healing, renewal'; 'red' is the color for 'life, atonement, courage'; and so on. 

How about 'orange' color? It is the color for 'perseverance, strength, power, harvest, change of season'. 

As a general information, the Jewish New Year (or Head of the Year) called Rosh Hashanah usually begins about three months ahead of our Gregorian New Year. So, the Jewish New Year 5781 precedes Year 2021 in our Gregorian calendar, just as the Jewish New Year 5780 preceded Year 2020 in our Gregorian calendar.

So, what does the Lord say to us in this new year? It has to do with the meaning of the color 'orange'!   

- The Lord is calling His people to persevere in this change of season! 

- The Lord is getting us ready for the great harvest of souls!

- The Lord is releasing His supernatural strength and power!

The Lord said further, "The key to walk in the fullness of My purposes and plans for you in this new season is to be purified, sanctified, and set apart! Spirit, soul and body! Mind, will, and emotions! Just like Daniel and his three friends who would not allow themselves to be adulterated and contaminated by the world! To fear God, and not men!"

The Lord also said, "The key to go through this next whole year is to be like Daniel! To never compromise in your walk with God, and to stay away from every form of idolatry and contamination in the world! To stand strong in the Word and in the Spirit no matter what!"

Remember, the next whole year is the year you are to:

- persevere in this change of season, no matter what!

- get ready for the great harvest of souls!

- receive His supernatural strength and power to do His will!

It is a 3-fold instruction from the Lord as you prepare for Year 2021!

Apart from the above, the Lord has also said clearly, "Be like Daniel!"

If you look at Daniel chapter 1, you'd see Daniel and his three friends chose not to defile themselves (Daniel 1:5-8). As a result, the Lord honored them, and in all matters of wisdom and understanding in which the king examined them, the king found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in the king's realm! (Daniel 1:17-20)

In Daniel chapter 2, Daniel interpreted the king's dream when all the magicians and astrologers in the entire kingdom of Babylon could not! Indeed, the Lord was with Daniel and showed him many deeper things! Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon at that time was so impressed that he put Daniel to a high position, and made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, plus being the chief over all the king's wise men! (Daniel 2:46-49)

In Daniel chapter 3, the king made a gold statue and sent messages to all the governors and officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. And those who do not bow down to worship the gold statue will be thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:4-6). However, Daniel's three friends did not want to defile themselves with such worship, and they did not bow down to the gold statue (Daniel 3:16-18). As a consequence, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. But you know what? They came out unscathed! The king was astonished, and he said to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king." But the king answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." (Daniel 3:24-25) See? The Lord was with them through the fiery furnace! 

Let's fast forward to Daniel chapter 6 now. By that time, there was a new king called Darius. And Daniel was chosen to supervise the officers of this king's kingdom and to protect the king's interests. So, it means Daniel was highly valued by the king! However, other administrators and officers in the kingdom tried to find fault with Daniel. But they couldn't find any. They then realized the only way of finding grounds to accuse Daniel would be something related to Daniel's faith in his God! (Daniel 6:4-5)

So, you know what they did?

They advised the king that he should make a law that will be strictly enforced, that for the next thirty days, any person who prays to anyone except the king will be thrown into the lions' den! (Daniel 6:6-7) Daniel was found to continue worshiping his God, the Lord God Almighty, and therefore he was found guilty of disrespecting this new law! As a consequence, he was thrown into the lions' den! And you know what? The Lord God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel too came out unscathed! (Daniel 6:19-23) 

People of God, like Daniel's three friends who were not harmed in the fiery furnace, and like Daniel himself who was not harmed in the lions' den, the Lord will also know how to protect you no matter what happens in this world, as long as you do not defile yourselves and as long as you keep putting your trust in the Lord! 

Interestingly, the name 'Daniel' is 'Daniy El' in Hebrew, meaning 'God is my judge'. Indeed, the Lord God Almighty is also the God of justice, and He will know how to bring justice to those who are pure and undefiled before Him, and to those who put all their trust in Him. Amen!

Click to watch the video of this message

Know your authority in Christ!

The Lord says, 

"This is a crucial time to know your authority in Me! I have given you enough authority to overcome and to triumph, whatever you are currently facing on earth!"

The Lord says further,

"My name is the name above all names, that at My name, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth!"

Indeed, people of God, this is the time to have a renewed sense of your authority in Christ, and be bold to walk in this authority that the Lord has given you! And nothing, or 'no thing' shall by any means hurt you! 

In Luke 10:19, Jesus said, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." 

The word 'authority' here is 'exousia' in Greek, and it can mean 'power, privilege, capacity, competency, strength, jurisdiction, right, mastery (like a magistrate in court)'. That is to say in Christ, you have the power and jurisdiction over the work of darkness, and the enemy has to bow down to the name of Jesus!

In the beginning part of Luke 10, Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, two by two, into every city and town to preach the good news of the kingdom of God, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. And in Luke 10:17-18, the seventy then returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus then said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."

The word 'subject' here is 'hupotasso' in Greek, meaning 'subordinate, put under, be under obedience, subdue unto, submit self unto'.

The fact that these disciples returned with joy shows that they had tasted victory! They had seen how the demons were subject to them in the name of Jesus that they prayed or commanded!

Now, watch what the disciples said in Luke 10:17 again! Watch the words 'subject to us' here! Do you see something here? Subject to who? Subject to the disciples of Jesus! It means not only the demons were subject to Jesus, but the demons were also subject to the disciples of Jesus'! 

You know what? It is the same today for you and I who are the disciples of Jesus too! The same name of Jesus that the disciples believed those days is the same name of Jesus that you and I believe today! And His power had never changed! Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever! 

Philippians 2:8-11 says, 'And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'.

Therefore, people of God, there is no reason to fear, whatever you may be facing on earth right now, because you belong to the One who is the name above every name! Take authority in Jesus' name over every fear! Take authority in Jesus' name over every discouragement! Take authority in Jesus' name over every 'weapon that is formed against you'! (Isaiah 54:17) And all these works (or words) from the enemy will have to bow down to the name of Jesus, the name above every name! Hallelujah!

Click to watch this message in YouTube

The keys to having angels encamp around you

The LORD wants you to be aware and be conscious of the existence of His angels who are being sent to work with you and work for you in this end-time! Be it in the end-time harvest of souls, in the expansion of His kingdom, in the preaching of His Word, or even in every area of your life (which includes your career, business, vocation, family, health, or even finance). 

The LORD can use angels to bring healing! The LORD can use angels to pave the way for you in your career! The LORD can even use angels to bring provision for you in a time of lack/scarcity on earth!

So, who are the angels? Angels are created beings (Psalm 148:2-5), angels are spirit beings (Psalm 104:1-4), angels are worshipers of the LORD (Revelation 4:8-11), and angels are being sent forth by the LORD to minister for us (Hebrews 1:13-14).

The Hebrew word for angel is 'malak', meaning 'messenger'. That is to say they are 'messengers' sent forth by the LORD to minister for God's people! Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) says, 'Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?' Now, who are those who will inherit salvation? You and I! The believers of the LORD Jesus Christ! The word 'ministering' here is 'leitourgikos' in Greek, meaning 'to serve, to benefit'. Therefore, you can say that angels are being sent forth by the LORD to serve you and benefit you!

What are the keys for angels to encamp around you? Psalm 34:1-7 (NKJV) says, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them'.

Look at all the underlined words above. These are keys! But there is one main key: 'the fear of the LORD'! In other words, being God-fearing and have reverence for the LORD! The word 'encamp' in Psalm 34:7 here is 'chanah' (pronounced 'khaw-naw') in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to dwell, to incline towards, to set up camp'. 

You know what that means? Angels dwell around those who fear the LORD, incline towards those who fear the LORD, and even set up camp (very much like 'military camp') around those who fear the LORD! 

Therefore, people of God, know this: In these last days, and in these turbulent times, the LORD wants you to be assured that He has activated His angelic realm around you (who fear the LORD), and He is sending His angels to clear the way for you, pave the way for you, fight for you, and even be your heavenly 'bodyguards'! So how can you fail? Surely you are on the winning side! Because Revelation 12:7-10 says so! Hallelujah!

Click to watch the video for this message.

Get ready for divine appointments!

As I was seeking the Lord for His words for this coming month, even in the coming months, the Lord said this, "Tell My people to get ready for many divine appointments! There'll be many divine appointments for My people! This is the season for many divine appointments!" 

Hallelujah!

So, people of God, receive these words by faith! And you are going to see your divine appointments as well! Be it in your career, business, ministry, or any area of your life! Even in new friendships that are going to be forged, that will bring great blessings to your life! But of course, be discerning! I pray for you to discern in your spirit, that you will know what is of God, and what is not!

Now, you don't have to look too far back to the Old Testament to see examples of divine appointments. After the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2, there're so many examples of divine appointments happening even in the first few chapters of the Book of Acts! Whether someone was being led by the Holy Spirit to be at the right place and the right time for such divine appointments, or through angelic guidance, or visions and dreams, divine appointments that are set up by the Lord will always lead to breakthroughs and greater things in one's life!

Examples of divine appointments:

1. Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)

Here, a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion (an officer of the Roman army), had an angelic visitation. The angel then instructed him to summon Simon Peter to his house and to hear what Simon Peter had to say. The next day, the day after Cornelius received the angelic guidance, Simon Peter saw a vision while he was praying at a housetop in Joppa! Now, while he was wondering what this vision meant, the men who had been sent from Cornelius, three of them, stood before the gate where Simon Peter was lodging! See? A divine appointment was set up by the Lord! So Simon Peter and Cornelius would meet up! You know what? That meeting eventually became the first occasion in the early church when a Gentile (non-Jew) household have also received the gift of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and baptism of the Holy Spirit!

2. Peter and Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35)

Let's rewind back to Acts chapter 9 now, just before the divine appointment that God had set up for Simon Peter and Cornelius. Here, there was no angelic guidance or vision from the Lord, but it was just Simon Peter positioning himself at a certain place and a certain time! See, divine appointments can also happen when you position yourself at a certain place and a certain time, as led by the Holy Spirit! And that was how Aeneas, who had been bed-ridden eight years and was paralyzed, got his miracle and he was able to stand up again! Because of this healing and miracle that took place, many in Lydda turned to the Lord!

3. Peter and Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43)

After that, some disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was in a nearby town, Lydda. And they implored Simon Peter to come over to Joppa, because there was a certain woman, a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), a woman full of good works and charitable deeds, had died due to sickness. Simon Peter then arose and went over to Joppa to pray for Dorcas. Dorcas then came back to life, and this news became known throughout all Joppa! As a result, many in Joppa believed on the Lord Jesus Christ! See? All these wouldn't have happened if Simon Peter did not position himself in the first place!

These are just three examples of divine appointments that you can see throughout the Book of Acts! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He is the same today, just as He was those days in the early church! And the Lord knows how to set up divine appointments for you too! Amen!

For the full preaching of this message, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNi5bwc5GZ0

Don't compare yourself with others!

Galatians 6:4-5 (Easy-To-Read Version) says, 'Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of. You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours'. 

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT) says, 'Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct'.

One fastest way of discouraging yourself and getting trapped in jealousy is when you start comparing yourself with others. Whether it's comparing one person with another person, one family with another family, one career with another career, or even one ministry with another ministry, no two persons, families, careers (either path or timing), or ministries (either path or timing) are exactly the same!

You see, God has a specific plan for each of us, and God has a specific timing for each of us! You won’t fulfill that specific plan or timing of God by looking at others! 

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You'.

The word 'stayed' here is 'samak' in Hebrew, meaning 'to rest oneself, to set oneself, to stand fast, to be sustained on'. That is to say your mind is rested on Him, your mind is set on Him, your mind stands fast on His plans/purposes for you, and your mind is sustained on all that He has spoken for you to be (and to do)!

The word 'trusts' here is 'bawtakh' in Hebrew, meaning 'to put confidence, to be secure, to be sure, to be care-less'. That is to say when your confidence, security, and surety (i.e. the state of being sure) is in the LORD, it doesn't matter what other people say or think about you, as long as you know you are doing what the LORD says! In fact, you couldn't care less (i.e. not 'concerned' or 'affected' at all) whatever other people may want to say or think about you! Why? Because your security is not in man, but your security is in the LORD!

And that is how you are kept in perfect peace of the LORD! Shalom Shalom! Perfect Shalom!

Comparing yourself with others is also a joy-stealer, joy-killer, and joy-destroyer! Steal, kill, destroy! It robs you from living your own life, and living it more abundantly!

John 10:10 (NKJV) says, 'The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly'.

The words 'more abundantly' here is 'perissos' in Greek, and it means 'exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think of'. In other words, beyond measure!

Nehemiah 8:10 says, 'for the joy of the Lord is your strength'! Therefore, don't let anyone (or the devil) steal, kill or destroy your joy! Because if you lose your joy, you lose your strength to carry on in life! 

For the full preaching of this message, listen in TiC YouTube Channel

For more information about this ministry, visit https://www.triumphinchrist.today/

A time of 'birthing forth' is coming!

I had a dream the other day, and in the dream, I saw a woman in labor pain, about to give birth. This woman later gave birth successfully to a beautiful baby. The Lord is saying to you here, "Tears of agony and tears of pain are going to be turned into tears of joy!" 

Indeed, a birth of something new and something greater is coming to many of God's people, in spite of the troubles, hopelessness, disappointments, delays, even frustrations that they face at the moment.

Maybe some of you have been going through a time of delays, and things seem to be dragging on, with no light at the end of the tunnel. It may be a prayer (you prayed) that is yet to be answered, a job search filled with rejections, things that kept getting postponed, a health battle with no cure yet, or even a heartbreaking sequence of false starts! In other words, some of you may be asking, "When is my breakthrough going to come?" or "How long more?"

There's no denying that a time of waiting can be agonizing, but do not lose heart.

So, what to do in a time like this?

1. PRAISE!

- Psalm 9:1-2 (NKJV): I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

- Psalm 86:12-13 (NKJV): I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol (i.e. the abode of the dead).

2. REMEMBER HIS PROMISES TO YOU! 

- Joshua 21:45 (NASB): Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

- Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV): So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

3. STAY IN THE LOVE OF GOD! 

- 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NKJV): Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

- Stay in God's love that never fails. Do not look away from His love for you.

For details of this message and the prophecies being released, 

listen to the preaching in TiC YouTube channel

How to make the right decisions in life?

The Lord spoke, "This month is a crucial month of making decisions for many of My people." So, let me give you some tips that had proven effective in my own life. I learned this by the revelation of the Holy Spirit and by my own personal experience in decision-making. 

Put it simply, these are the 5 keys that the Lord has taught me:

1. Purify your heart

- 2 Chronicles 29:5 (NLT): He (Hezekiah) said to them, "Listen to me, you Levites! Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary."

- Matthew 5:8 (NKJV): Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

2. Shut off from the 'noises' of this world

- Matthew 9:23-26 (NLT): When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. "Get out!" he told them. "The girl isn’t dead; she's only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. 

- Isaiah 30:15 (NLT): This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength."

3. Spend time in the Word

- Psalm 119:130 (NKJV): The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

- Psalm 119:105 (NKJV): Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

- Acts 4:13 (NKJV): Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

4. Worship/Pray in the spirit

- Isaiah 25:1 (NLT): O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

- Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV): Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

5. Let go your worries to Him

- Psalm 55:22 (NLT): Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

- Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

For details of this message and explanation to all the Bible verses above, click here to listen.

God has a rescue plan for you!

The Lord says,

"My people, I have a rescue plan for you! My hand will rescue you! Look to Me, whatever your situation may be at the moment, and I will know how to turn things around for you. If I can turn the hearts of kings, and if I can turn the direction of rivers, I can turn anything around for you!"

The meaning of the word 'rescue' can be:
- to save someone from a dangerous/distressing/depressing situation;
- to set free someone from a danger, evil, trap, bondage, or siege.

People of God, God's hand will rescue you! He has a rescue plan for you, no matter what you're going through at the moment!

Nowadays, you see lots of 'rescue plan' (or economic stimulus packages) being drafted and implemented by many governments in the world - due to the current economic downturn, loss of jobs, loss of source of income, etc. It's a rather depressing and anxious time for many people in the world. But I tell you what, nothing beats God's very own rescue plan for you! His hand is stronger than anyone else's, or any government on earth! After all, He is the Creator of heaven and earth!

So, whatever area in your life that you need Him to rescue you, look to Him! Be it in health, finance, marriage, career, business, ministry, or even malicious words (false accusations) that come against you! God's hand is stronger than anyone else's on earth! And if He can turn the hearts of kings, and if He can turn the direction of rivers, nothing is impossible to Him! Hallelujah!

Let's go to the Scripture now. Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) says, 'The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes'.

You see, if the Lord can turn the heart of someone as powerful as a king, He can turn anything around for you! And if the Lord can turn the direction of rivers just like that, He can turn anything around for you! Today, know that He can turn anything around to your favor!

Therefore, take heart and be encouraged, no matter what your 'trouble' may be at the moment. The Lord your God is not dead, but He is very much alive in your situation. He has a way out for you, and He will know how to bring you to a place of safety!

So, where in the Bible that says about God's rescue? 

On what occasion God has a rescue plan for His beloved?

Let's go to the Scripture for some examples.

Psalm 43:1-3 (NLT) says, 'Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. For you are God, my only safe haven... Send out your light and your truth; Let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live'. The word 'rescue' here is 'pawlat' in Hebrew, meaning 'to carry away safely, to make a way to safety'.

Here, the psalmist was going through a time when he faced injustice against him. And he looked to Lord for His rescue, and the Lord did! Maybe you too are going through a time when you have been shortchanged, taken advantage of, falsely accused of something, or being treated unjustly by some people. Now, this psalmist has an answer for you! Look to the Lord to rescue you! Yeah, to 'pawlat' you! To carry you away into safety! To make a way out for you! Amen!

Psalm 60:4-5 (NLT) says, 'But You have raised a banner for those who fear You - a rallying point in the face of attack. Now rescue Your beloved people. Answer and save us by Your power'. The word 'rescue' here is 'khawlats' in Hebrew, meaning 'to draw you out (from trouble), to pull you out (from danger)'.

Here, the psalmist was going through a time when he faced an attack from the enemy. And he looked to the Lord who would raise a banner against the attack of the enemy, and the Lord did! After all, the Lord is YHWH Nissi, i.e. the Lord our banner, the Lord our victory! In the end, the psalmist (who's none other but David himself) saw victory, and the enemy eventually came to make peace with him!

Therefore, people of God, whatever 'trouble' you are facing at the moment, I have a good news for you! The Lord has a rescue plan (or rescue package) for you! Look To Him, and He will know how to 'pawlat' and 'khawlats' you. Hallelujah!

For details of this message, click to watch.

Why is giving thanks so important?

Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) says, 'Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...' 

Some people may say, "What if I have no reason to give thanks?" It is understandable, especially in perilous and challenging times like these, or if a person is facing a health problem or financial problem. In situations like these, it is hard to give thanks. But what does the Bible say? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'. 

Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus'.

The word 'thanksgiving' here is 'eucharistia' in Greek, which means 'gratefulness/gratitude (as an act of worship, well-pleasing to God)', from the words 'eu' (well, good) and 'charis' (grace, favor, forgiveness). You see, your thanksgiving to God is in effect an act of worship, well-pleasing to God!

Therefore, never underestimate the power of giving thanks! Because when you start giving thanks (in spite of whatever you face in this world), something good happens, and you will see good changes in your life (even in your situation)! Believe and receive this by faith!

These are 5 ways (or reasons) why giving thanks is so important:

1. Giving thanks causes you to remember His goodness
Psalm 106:1 (NKJV) says, 'Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever'.

2. Giving thanks causes you to appreciate who God is in your life
Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy'.

3. Giving thanks causes you to experience God's presence in deeper ways
Psalm 100:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name'.

4. Giving thanks causes you to triumph over despair and discouragement
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place'.

5. Giving thanks causes you to be relieved from stress and health problems
Psalm 30:11-12 (NKJV) says, 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever'.

For details of this message, click here to listen to the preaching. 

Keep running the race!

The Lord says,

"Keep running the race that I have set for you! Let it not be aborted! Do not lose focus! Do not lose heart! Do not doubt! Do not waver! Keep your eyes set on the road map that I've shown to you! Keep your mind set on the words that I've spoken to you! And the good work that I have begun in you, I will bring it to full completion!"

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) says, 'Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ'. The word 'complete' here is 'epiteleo' in Greek, and it carries the meaning 'to accomplish it, to fulfill it, to finish it, or to bring it to perfection'. And this is God's promise for each of us whose eyes are set on Him!

Therefore, in challenging and perilous times like these, keep running the race that He has set for you! Never lose sight of Him and His 'road map' for you! And never let any adverse circumstance of yours cause you to abort all the good work that He has begun in your life! By the way, the definition of the word 'abort' (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary) is 'premature termination of a flight, a mission, or an action'.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

So, people of God, no matter what happens around you, and no matter what challenges you may be facing at the moment, take heart that you have a 'cloud of witnesses' surrounding you! This 'cloud of witnesses' can be those men and women of faith who have gone before us, or even the angelic realm, and they are cheering you on! Imagine you are a marathon runner, and you are entering a stadium filled to the brim with people, and all of them are cheering you on as you run towards the finishing line!

In life, sometimes we just don't feel like wanting to continue anymore, or we find it too hard to carry on, or no more strength to keep going. We all have such times and seasons in life. We all do. Maybe in recent times, you too have been waiting and waiting for the 'breakthrough' (that the Lord has spoken) to come, and it hasn't come. And you are beginning to lose hope, or even question whether it is worth it at all! Beloved, you are not alone.

The Lord is assuring you that He sees all these and He understands exactly what you are going through. Don't lose heart. Don't give up. If He has spoken, He will surely bring it to pass. In His way. In His sovereign way. The truth is He has not forgotten you and He has not forsaken you. He is in fact sending His angels to minister to you right now, and He is sending them to even clear the way for you. So, take heart, and keep your focus on Him!

He is also in the midst of giving you a new strength and a new hope as you run this race. Receive His love that never fails, and receive a new strength to keep going, no matter how the enemy tries to humiliate you or put you down all these while. Remember, you are made more than conquerors through Him who love you! (Romans 8:37) Not just conquerors, but more than conquerors!

I therefore declare in Jesus' name that you are going to see even greater victories and breakthroughs than you've ever seen in life, going forward. Believe and receive. Amen!

For the preaching video of this message, click to watch

For more information about this ministry, visit https://www.triumphinchrist.today/

Knowing your time and season

The Lord says,

"My people need to discern! Ask for discernment and understanding of the times, and you shall receive! This is a key time to discern and understand your time and season, so you can prepare and walk into the new works that I am doing in your life!"

1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) says, '...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...', and 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NLT) put it this way, 'From the tribe of Issachar... All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take'.

The name 'Issachar' (or 'Yissakar' in Hebrew) means 'he will bring/yield reward'; coming from two words, 'nasa' (bring/yield) and 'sakar' (reward). And the word 'times' here is 'yowm' in Hebrew, meaning 'day, the series (process) of time and season'.

So, not only the tribe of Issachar understood the times and knew what they ought to do (and ought not to do) in each time and season, but from the meaning of that very name 'Issachar', you can see that 'being in tune with God's timing (and walking in it) will bring good reward (or result)'!

In other words, right timing leads to right result!

Therefore, it is so important to ask for discernment and understanding of the times in our lives, especially in this end-time that is so unpredictable!

Jeremiah 8:7 (NLT) says, 'Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year. But not my people! They do not know the Lord’s laws'. 

Some birds have marvelous instinct. They have great sense of direction, and they never get lost. They just know when to go, where to go, and how to go! In short, they understand times and seasons, and what to do in each time and season! 

Here, the Lord was actually contrasting these migratory birds with His own very people who do not know, even though they have been given spiritual senses to discern! On a lighter note, the next time you call someone 'bird brain', think again! Because some birds (in this sense) can be more intelligent and smarter than we humans are!

Many people underestimate the importance of the sense of timing. They say, "I want it, and I want it now!", only to burn their fingers later! For example, in going ahead with a business (or a new venture, or an investment), timing is vital!

- There is a time to prepare, and there is a time to launch.

- There is a time to retreat, and there is a time to advance.

- There is a time to hold back, and there is a time to release.

Some people ask, "Where are the funds that I need?" or "Where are the resources that I need?" 

If a 'venture' is from the Lord, you don't have to worry. He already has all the funds and resources you need! But He is keeping it for you! And when the right time comes, He will know how to release it to you! 

He surely knows better and sees farther! Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message) says, 'Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track...' And Ecclesiastes 3:1 (The Message) says, 'There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth'. 

As written earlier, if a 'venture' is from the Lord (be it in the commercial, or in spiritual ministry), you don't have to worry. He knows the timing exactly! Listen to His leading and direction. Listen for His voice and guidance. Trust in Him with all your heart!

- He knows exactly when to prepare you, and when to launch you!

- He knows exactly when you should retreat, and when you should advance!

- He knows exactly when to hold you back, and when to release you for greater things!

Therefore, ask for discernment and understanding of the times! 

And you'll be sure to see yourself being released for the greater things that He has for your life - being at the right time, at the right place - doing the right things, saying the right things, and making the right decisions. In Jesus' name. Amen!


For the preaching video of this message, click to watch

For more information about this ministry, visit https://www.triumphinchrist.today/