Receive the breath of God and you shall be full of life!

Words of the Lord for this coming month: 

"Whatever the enemy has taken advantage of you or has disrupted you, this is your time to receive a fresh new life and fresh new opening! Whatever that has been 'dry' or 'in the valley' in any area of your life, this is your time to receive the breath of God that brings life!"

Ezekiel 37 is the key chapter to read as you look ahead and look afresh in this coming month.

Ezekiel 37:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry'.

The word 'valley' here is 'biqah' in Hebrew, from the word 'baqa' meaning 'being broken, being ripped, being torn'. 

You see, these dry bones that Ezekiel saw were not only dead, but they were long dead. For something that has been long dead, people would usually give up hope that it will ever live again. Such was the condition or situation described by Ezekiel during one of the darkest times in the history of Judah and Israel. The people of God at that time have been taken captive in Babylon and the city of Jerusalem have been plundered, crushed and destroyed. Therefore, not only the condition or situation of the people of God at that time was broken, ripped or torn, it was also hopeless and disgraced.

People of God, maybe you too have gone through such 'crushing' time recently. Maybe it is in your career, business, marriage, ministry, health, or even finance. Or maybe you've not been able to see any 'light at the end of the tunnel' no matter what you try or how you try, and you are now on the verge of giving it all up. 

But hang on there! Let's see what God spoke to Ezekiel regarding such hopeless situation those days.

Ezekiel 37:3-4 (NKJV) says, 'And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" So I answered, "O Lord God, You know." Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'"'

Ezekiel 37:5-6 (NKJV) then says, 'Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord."'

Even at a time when the people of God those days were totally broken, ripped, torn, hopeless, disgraced, and with no human ways of being revived or restored in sight, the Lord spoke these words to Ezekiel! 

Ezekiel, by the way, is Yekhezqe'l in Hebrew, meaning 'God will strengthen, God strengthens, Strengthened by God'. Indeed, Ezekiel was strengthened by the Lord to bring life and purpose again to the people of God (in spite of whatever that had happened), and they were therefore strengthened and received a renewed hope and life!

It is the same today. Whatever area or areas of your life that have been 'crushed' by the enemy recently, the Lord is now breathing His Spirit and His life into those areas right now! Receive this breath of God by faith! Look to Him and receive from Him! To man, it may be impossible; but to God, all things are possible! If those 'very dry' and 'long dead' bones in the Death Valley could be revived those days, there is absolutely nothing that God cannot revive and restore in your life, going forward.

My prayer for you is that you are going to see things beginning to look up and up, no matter what happens around you in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Click here to watch the full video of this preaching in TiC YouTube Channel

How to survive and thrive in lean times like these?

There are 5 steps:

1. Be ready to change!

Matthew 9:17 (NKJV): Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

2. Be ready to do something outside your comfort zone!

Luke 5:3-6 (NKJV): Then He (Jesus) got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.

3. Keep sowing seeds of love and kindness!

Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV): Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

4. Clear your clutter!

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV): Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended (laid hold of it); 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.

5. Ask and pray for the right opportunity!

Job 39:27-29 (NKJV): Does the eagle mount up at your command, and make its nest on high?

On the rock it dwells and resides, on the crag (cliff) of the rock and the stronghold.

From there it spies out the prey; Its eyes observe from afar.

Prayer for you:

"O Lord God, I pray for all Your beloved here, that even in lean economic times like these, in a time of scarcity, famine or economic challenges, Your beloved will not only survive, but they will thrive! They will prosper, they will see favors, they will see open doors, and they will walk through the open doors! They will know how to seize the right opportunity at the right time and right places. O Lord God, I pray that You will give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. You will lead them and guide them all the way. In Jesus' name. Amen!"

Click here to watch the details and explanation to the 5 steps above

Get ready for a deeper experience with God!

In this time and season, the Lord is saying to His people to get ready for a deeper experience and encounter with Him - where heaven and earth meet! Yes, even in your time of worship, in your time of reading the Word, and in your time of prayer!

John 1:47-49 (NKJV) says, 'Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"'

The name 'Nathanael' in Hebrew means 'Given of God, Appointed of God', from the words 'Nathan' meaning 'to give, to appoint, to bestow, to ascribe' and 'El' meaning 'God'.

'Under the fig tree' mentioned by Jesus here was a phrase Rabbis would use to describe meditation on the Scriptures. So, possibly, Nathanael spent time in meditating on the Scriptures and in prayer, and Jesus told him "I saw you."

John 1:50-51 (NKJV) then says, 'Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."'

You see, the Lord was getting Nathanael ready for a deeper experience and encounter - an open heaven experience - where angels ascending and descending! An appointment set up by the Lord Himself!

People of God, just like for Nathanael, this is the time the Lord is setting up appointments with you too! Wisdom and revelation from heaven is going to flow right to your life like you've never seen before! Get ready!

Even in a time of darkness and uncertainty around you in this world, angels ascending and descending! What does this mean? Angels bringing your problems, requests, or situation to heaven! And angels bringing your solutions, answers, or resources from heaven! 

In cross-reference, Genesis 28:12 (NKJV) says, 'Then he (Jacob) dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it'.

The word 'ladder' here is 'sool-lawm' in Hebrew, from the word 'saw-lal' meaning 'to mound up, to exalt, to raise up'. You see, this 'ladder' was set up by God Himself, and there angels were ascending and descending on it. Now, when God is the One who set it up, it works!

What are the similarities between John 1:51 and Genesis 28:12 here? Heaven open! Angels ascending and descending! This 'ladder' in Genesis 28:12 speaks of Jesus Himself - the 'link' between heaven and earth, between heaven and you! 

Let this 'ladder' be set up in your life, your home, your family, your household, your business, your profession, your career, your God-given ministry, and even your health! And you will never run out of His wisdom, revelation, ideas, or whatever breakthrough that you need on earth. Amen!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

God is still your Healer!

The LORD is saying to His people in this time and season: "No matter what you see around you, I am still your Healer! I am still your YHWH Rapha!"

Indeed, even in this time of pandemic, He is still the LORD your Healer! Whether it is physical healing (healing in the body) or inner healing (healing in the soul) that you need, the good news is He is here to heal you!

In some places nowadays, we may not be allowed to lay hands on those who need healing (due to SOP on social distancing or physical distancing). But that's never a problem, because there's no distance in the spiritual realm. In fact, there have been occasions in the Bible that shows healing can take place even from a distance.

Let's look at the Bible for an example. John 4:46-53 (NKJV) says, 'So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies!" Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your son lives." So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, "Your son lives!" Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." And he himself believed, and his whole household'.

You see, whether there is laying hands or not, healing can still take place, because what's most important is we believe that He heals! 

Indeed, even now, He is still your YHWH Rapha, the LORD who heals! And He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever!

In the Bible, the LORD first identified Himself as YHWH Rapha during Moses' days. The Israelites had just left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea at that time. However, for three days, they traveled in the desert without finding water (Exodus 15:22). They then came across an area with water, but to their disappointment and dismay, they could not drink from it, because the water was too bitter to drink. They called the water 'Marah', which means 'bitter'. Their souls got bitter as well, and they grumbled against Moses (Exodus 15:24). 

As Moses cried out to the LORD, the LORD then showed him a wood (a tree). As Moses cast the wood into the water, the water miraculously turned from bitter water into sweet water (Exodus 15:25). It was right after the LORD healed the waters of Marah that He identified Himself as YHWH Rapha: "I am the LORD who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). 

This 'wood' (or 'tree') that was cast into the water is a 'picture' of Jesus dying on the cross (i.e. wood or tree) some 2,000 years ago to take away our sins, curse, shame, infirmities, or diseases. 

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed'.

The word 'griefs' here is 'choliy' (khol-ee) in Hebrew, and it can mean 'disease, sickness, grief, anxiety, calamity'; from the word 'chalah' (khaw-law) meaning 'being weak, being sick, being dis-eased, being afflicted'.

And the word 'sorrows' here is 'makob' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'pain, anguish'; from the word 'kaab' meaning 'being sad, being bitter, being sorrowful, feeling pain'.

When Jesus died on the cross for us some 2,000 years ago, He has also borne all our griefs ('choliy') and carried all our sorrows ('makob'), so that we may have His goodness, wellness, wholeness, divine health, and divine healing.

Therefore, fear not even in times of pandemic like these, because He is still your Healer, and He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever - in Moses' days, some 2,000 years ago when He walked on earth, and even now in your life, and forever more. Hallelujah! Amen!

Click here to watch the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

How to know if an open door is from God?

He is the One who opens the door, not man. This applies in your business, in your career, or in your spiritual ministry. 

He moves people to favor you and choose you (out of many others). 

He moves the right customers to choose you (your products/services). 

He moves the right employer to employ you. 

He moves the right people to be open to receive your spiritual ministry. 

And when He opens the door, no man can shut it. This is the time to ask, and you will receive!

How to know if an open door is from God?

1. The door opens for you supernaturally

Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) says, 'I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name'.

You can sense the peace of God there. You can also sense and watch the hand of God and the favor of God there.

2. The door makes you fully dependent on Him

John 15:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing'.

If you are not depending on God to open a door, then you are depending on your own self, or your own flesh. There will be a lot of striving. It is like you trying to prise open a door and force it to open, instead of walking through a door with someone opening it for you.

3. There will be confirmation from God or from wise counsel

Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) says, 'Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety'.

Confirmation can come in any way that God can speak to you, e.g. dreams from God (to go ahead or warning not to go ahead). 

But confirmation can also come by asking someone whom you trust, who has been walking with God, and whom you know can give you wise counsel to pray together or to confirm. Ask God to show you who that person is (or who that two or three persons are). As a matter of fact, not everyone fits into this category of 'wise counsel'.

4. The door doesn’t contradict the Scripture

1 John 2:3-4 (GNT) says, 'If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know Him. If we say that we know Him, but do not obey His commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us'.

If the door makes you do something illegal (i.e. against the law of your land), doing things 'under the table', involves dishonesty or unscrupulous means, involves you giving bribes, or involves you committing a sin (eg lying, cheating, adultery, etc), then you know the door isn't God's will for you. God cannot contradict His Word.

5. The door gives God all the glory

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) says, 'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."'

One example is David in the Bible. The Lord was asking Samuel to go to Jesse's house and anoint one of his sons to be king. Out of all the sons of Jesse, Samuel found the right person in David. 

There are times when God blesses you with an 'open door' or wants to bring you to the next level, you haven't even seen it coming. Just like David, though he never asked to be king, the Lord saw him as the right person. Your obedience, faithfulness and humble spirit simply open doors that you never expect. All glory to God!

6. The door brings blessing and peace to you

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) says, 'The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it'.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) says, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'.

An open door from the Lord is a blessing, and it adds no sorrow with it (i.e. not causing sorrow to you). An open door from the Lord also brings peace, future and hope to you.

7. The door brings blessing to others

Proverbs 11:25 (Expanded) says, 'Whoever gives to others will get richer [or blesses others will be refreshed]; those who help [satisfy] others will themselves be helped [satisfied]'.

Proverbs 11:25 (Amplified) says, 'The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]'.

You are called to be a blessing to others. If your open door brings blessing to many around you, it may be from the Lord. 

Find a need and meet it. Ask God to show you what are the needs of the people (or your community, city, or nation) that have not been met. That's how you can bring blessing to others!

Of course, this Point No.7 needs to be confirmed by other earlier points shown to you. Because not every 'good idea' is a 'God idea' for you, even if the idea brings blessing to others.

What's your part now?

Your part is to position yourself for the open doors. You can make yourself available. You can market yourself (ask God for wisdom how to do it). You can send out your resumes, if you are seeking a job. You can inform others who you are and what you can do (what products or services you offer). You can do all these in the natural. But the rest, leave it to Him and look to Him to open the doors for you. Watch His hand and His favor working for you!

Prayer for God to open doors for you:

"O LORD God, in the current pandemic and economic challenges the world is facing, we look to You and put all our trust in You. You are the One who opens the right door that no man can shut. You are the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way. We ask that You will open the doors for each of us supernaturally, be it in business, career, or ministry. With man, it may be impossible; but with You, nothing is impossible. We believe and receive all that we have prayed here by faith. In Jesus' precious name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel