Monday, June 29, 2020

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/

Sunday, June 21, 2020

How to be sure and secure in times of uncertainty?

The Lord says,
"In a time of 'rough and choppy seas', I AM your Anchor! In a time of 'uncertainty and instability', I AM your Sure Foundation! Look to Me! Do not look at the rough seas around you! Let your eyes stayed on Me! I will pull you through, and I will be with you till the very end!"

Before we go to the Bible verses, let's find out a little about 'anchor' first. 

Why does the ship need an anchor? 
Basically, anchor is used to keep the ship securely and firmly in place. It is a heavy object (usually metal object) attached to a rope (or chain), dropped over the side of the ship to keep it in one place. It therefore provides stability and safety to the ship, preventing it from being drifted away by the currents of the sea. 

What does an 'anchor' symbolize in the Bible?
'Anchor' speaks of 'sure foundation and security', especially in turbulent times. 'Anchor' keeps you steadfast and gives you hope, especially during trials (or storms). 'Anchor' is therefore a 'picture' of who God is, because He is steadfast and sure, no matter how 'rough or choppy' your problem in this world may be!

Hebrews 6:18-19 (NLT) says, 'So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls...'

The word 'anchor' here is 'agkura' (pronounced 'ang-koo-rah') in Greek, same as 'agkale' (pronounced 'ang-kal-ay), from the word 'agkos', which means 'an arm, a curved arm'. You know what? In Greek, anchor's root word is 'an arm, a curved arm'! This speaks of 'the arm of God' that is strong, sure, secure, and mighty - holding you strong in uncertain, unstable, and turbulent times!

So, whatever happens around you, or whatever 'tricky' situation you may be facing at the moment, the Lord is here for you, and He will be that 'agkos' to you!

Psalm 89:13 (NKJV) says, 'You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand'. Psalm 136:10-14 (NKJV) says, 'To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy endures forever; And brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy endures forever; With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever; To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy endures forever; And made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever'.

The word 'arm' in the above verses is 'zerowa' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'the arm (as stretched out)', which speaks of 'help, mighty strength, mighty power'. Indeed, with His strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, the Lord is here to keep you safe and secure in uncertain times like this! And He is here to deliver you and rescue you, just as in those days when He delivered His people from the bondage of Egypt! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and nothing is impossible to Him!

Therefore, do not be afraid and do not let your heart be shaken, no matter what 'rough seas' you may be facing at the moment. The Lord knows exactly what you are going through at the moment, be it in your family, your career, your business, in ministry, your health, your finance, etc. Instead, let your heart be steadfast, and let your heart be established! (Psalm 112:6-8) 

He will know how to pull you through this difficult time, and He will be with you all the way! Your part is to keep hanging on to His promise for you today, and don't let the devil or anyone talk you out of it

Put all your trust in Him, and hold on to the hope that only He can give! And you too shall see your 'Red Sea' being opened up! Hallelujah!

Prayer for you today:
The hand of the Lord (and the outstretched arm of the Lord) be with you to ward off every evil, danger, and trouble; and the hand of the Lord (and the outstretched arm of the Lord) be with you to shield you, protect you, bless you, and make a way for you. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!


For the preaching video, click to watch

Sunday, June 14, 2020

A time to uproot and be set free!

The Lord says,
"This is a time to uproot and be set free from your past, and even from bondage, curse, or soul ties from your past! Do not miss this time and season! There's a window of opportunity in every time and season. This is your time to be set free from the old, and from whatever that has 'tied you up' all these years! For I am giving you a new heart and a new mind! And I am giving you a new strength and a new wisdom for what's ahead of you!"

Indeed, people of God, this is a time to uproot and be set free from whatever that has bound you in the past! The Lord is in the midst of coming right into those areas of your past, pulling up those 'roots', and setting you free! Let Him! And like a bird being released from the cage, so will you be! Don't miss this time and season! In fact, this is your window of opportunity for a reset! Be it in the spirit realm, soul realm, or even physical realm!

If you've been seeking the Lord for what's ahead, don't be surprised if the Lord will even give you dreams (or revelations) to bring you back to a certain time in your past (e.g. childhood years, teenage years, college years, early adulthood, past relationships, past working places, etc). But fear not! It is meant to set you free and to set you up for a new future! He is in the midst of completely uprooting you from any negative soul ties (or emotional ties) that had bound you all these years! Yeah, even from any controlling (or manipulative) people in your life! Or even from any residue of generation curse!

So, I would like to congratulate you for a new future ahead of you! I declare that every bondage, curse, or negative soul ties in your life is broken right now, in Jesus' name! Hallelujah! Your mourning is turning into dancing, and your ashes is turning into beauty! It sounds impossible to men, but nothing is impossible to the Lord your God! He can cut rivers in the desert, and turn the desert (or wilderness) of your life into a garden (or orchard)!

What's in your past, or what's been done by your ancestors in the past WILL NOT RUB ON YOU! Ezekiel 18:1-3 says, 'The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, "What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? "As I live," says the Lord God, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel"'. The expression 'teeth are set on edge' here means 'to be greatly irritated, to be greatly annoyed, to have great discomfort, or to be greatly affected'.

For the record, the Israelites those days used a lot of proverbs to convey their messages. And this proverb was actually a proverb of complaint! They were complaining that the present generation was being unjustly punished for what their forefathers did (for example, idolatry)! Instead of the forefathers (who ate sour grapes) being the ones tasting the sour taste, it was them (the descendants) who have the sour taste now! And the LORD meant, "NO WAY! NO WAY that what's past will rub on you!"

Now, that's good news! Indeed, we give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 136:1) Thank God for what Jesus has done for us on the cross! (Isaiah 53:3-5) Every curse (or generation curse) is broken, and you are now set free! And you can have a new start today!

"Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord God. "Therefore turn and live!" (Ezekiel 18:31-32)

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God." (Ezekiel 36:26-28)

Prayer to uproot and be set free:
"O LORD, I give thanks to You and I turn to You, because You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. I present before You all these bondage, curse, or negative soul ties .......... I declare all these are broken when JESUS died for me on the cross. I am now set free, and I am now released for the new works that You are doing in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen!"

After this prayer, forgive and let go of that past situation/incident. Look ahead, and look to Him for His divine wisdom and guidance. The LORD will be with you. Amen.


For the preaching video, click to watch

Sunday, June 7, 2020

God's grace is sufficient for you!

The Lord says,
"Hear this, My people! My grace is sufficient for you, and in your weakness, My strength is made perfect. Look to Me therefore in these precarious times. Count on Me, for I am the Giver of strength to you. If you have no more strength to carry on by yourselves, receive My strength and My power! Even the power to give you a new start, the power to give you new life, and the power to revive!"

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) says, 'He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint'.

The word 'power' here is 'kowakh' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'His ability, His (unlimited) capacity, His vigor, His might, His strength, His substance, His wealth (of supply)'.

What a promise from the Lord! So, take heart if your own strength has failed, or if you are on the verge of giving it all up! Because He is in the midst of releasing His power and strength to you! Even the power to give you a new start, the power to give you a new life, and the power to revive!

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the apostle Paul wrote, 'And He (the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong'.

Let's look at the word 'strength' here. It is 'dunamis' in Greek, which speaks of 'His miraculous power, His mighty work, His divine ability (and supply)'. In other words, His miraculous power, mighty work, and divine ability (and supply) - these are made great especially when you are at your weakest point! Wow! Do you see something now? Do you see why Paul wrote what he wrote, 'For when I am weak, then I am strong'?

At that time of writing, Paul was going through what he described as 'thorn in the flesh' that buffeted him. So, what is this 'thorn in the flesh'? In the context today, 'thorn in the flesh' can be 'anything (or anyone) that troubles you in a persistent manner'. But the good news, my friend, is that God's 'dunamis' (miraculous power, mighty work, and divine ability) is infinitely greater than any 'thorn in the flesh' that you may be facing now!

How about the word 'infirmities' here? It is 'astheneia' in Greek, which speaks of 'weakness (or a situation where one is strength-less)'. As you can see here, this word isn't just referring to a sickness or disease, but it can refer to any area of your life that you are 'strength-less' to carry on!

Have you reached a point when you can't carry on anymore?
Have you reached a point when there's just no answer to your problem?
Have you reached a point whatever you do, there's just no breakthrough?
Have you reached a point you are tempted to just give up?

In a time like this, rejoice! Because when your own strength ends, that's when the power of God starts!

Therefore, receive His power right now!

And not only His power is here for you to receive, His life is here for you to receive too!

In Romans 8:11, the apostle Paul wrote, 'The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you'.

See the words 'same Spirit' here? In other words, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that's living within you right now! Hallelujah!

By the way, the words 'give life' here is 'zoopoieo' in Greek, meaning 'to make alive (whatever is dead), to vitalize, to revitalize, to revive'; from the word 'zoe', meaning 'the life of God (i.e. the life that comes from God)'! Therefore, receive this 'zoe' life that comes directly from God right into your condition/situation now! Be it in your health, finance, career, business, family, or even ministry!

Prayer for you:
"O Lord, I ask that You look at the condition/situation of Your beloved ..... here. I ask that You breathe Your 'zoe' life into that condition/situation right now! I ask that You release Your power, Your 'dunamis', Your supernatural strength, Your mighty work, even Your vigor into that condition/situation right now! Revive, O Lord! Refresh, O Lord! Renew, O Lord! In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!"

For the preaching video, click to watch