Prophetic words: Your transition time is coming to an end!

The Lord says: 

"For many of My people, your time of transition is coming to an end. There will be a fresh new outlook. There will be a fresh new start. New and exciting things are coming your way. Persevere through this last push. Persevere through this final push. Stay strong in Me and keep your focus on Me. Never let the enemy to cause you to be disoriented or out of focus. Because My light is waiting for you at the end of the tunnel."

Hallelujah! This is a good news for you who look to God! Your transition time is coming to an end, and your breakthrough is just around the corner! God is in the midst of setting you free from your past, and you will see yourself starting afresh and anew!

Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.' 

In a time of transition like this, and when you need to persevere through this last push, look to God for His strength. He is a very present help for you. We thank God for His past help. But God is saying right now 'a very present help'. It shows that He is near to you. He is not far from you. He is not nowhere. But He is now here with you! He will see you through this time of transition, and He will lead you forth from here! I declare that new and exciting things are coming your way!

Psalm 46:4 (NKJV) says, 'There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.' 

'River' here speaks of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because Holy Spirit has the nature like a river. And what does a river do? River cleanses you from all the "rubbish and dirt" in your life. River washes you from all your past guilt and condemnation. Not just that. River also refreshes. River is always life-giving. 'River' is therefore a 'picture' of life, joy and peace of the Lord! And God has promised you this 'river'! 

That's why you have every reason to rejoice at this juncture of your life! Just don't look back at your past. Look ahead. You can learn from your past. But look ahead. I declare that greater things are ahead of you, and the best is yet to come! 

Let me explain a little on Psalm 46:4. Here, the psalmist actually gave a 'picture' of the abundant provision of a river for the city of God (i.e. the city of Jerusalem). This is actually a prophetic declaration by the psalmist, because geographically speaking, Jerusalem does not have such a river, except for a few small streams. Yet the psalmist anticipated the day is coming when a mighty river would flow in the city of God and flow from the temple of God itself! 

How to apply this to your life as a believer under the New Covenant? 

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit! And like the river flowing in the temple in Jerusalem, this river (i.e. the Holy Spirit) is now flowing in you, through you, and out of you!

Right now, as you read this, let the Lord release His abundant provision of His life-giving river, joy-giving river, and peace-giving river into your life, especially in those areas that have been 'dead' or dull! 

Psalm 46:10-11 (NKJV) says, 'Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.' 

The word 'still' here is 'raphah' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'let go (to God), restful, cease from your restlessness'. 

In other words, as you let go (to God), be restful in Him, and cease from your restlessness, know that He is God, He is still in control of your life, He has a destiny for your life, and He will make good His promises for your life! 

Interestingly, this word 'raphah' here has the same root as the word 'rapha'. The Lord our God is the Jehovah Rapha. And 'rapha' in Hebrew can mean 'heal, repair, cure, made well, made whole'. 

You know what this means? As you are being restful before the Lord, know that He is beginning the process of 'rapha', i.e. healing you, repairing your situation, curing you, making you well, and making you whole! Spirit, soul, body! And in whatever situation you may be facing at the moment!

Do you see the correlation between 'being still before the Lord' and 'your breakthrough'?

So, in a time and season like this, receive the river from above to heal you and restore you. Release and let go all those past hurts, pains, and fears to Jesus. See all these being carried away on the cross. Receive the grace to forgive yourself and forgive others who have hurt you. Condemn yourself no more for your past wrongs or mistakes. Last but not least, receive His unfailing love for you. Remember, you are loved by God not because of what you've done, but because of who you are in Him. You are a beloved of God! 

Let us pray: 

"O Lord God, we thank You that our time of transition is coming to an end. We receive by faith new and exciting things in our lives. We thank You that You are giving us a fresh new outlook and a fresh new start. We receive Your strength right now. We receive Your grace right now. We will not let the enemy to cause us to be disoriented or out of focus. We focus on You instead, O Lord God, and we declare that our victory and breakthrough is now here! In Jesus' name. Amen." 

Click here for the full prophetic message in TiC YouTube Channel 

How to avoid danger and pitfalls in life?

There are many dangers and pitfalls in life. There are many "landmines" around us. If we are not careful, we may step on one. No doubt there is a place for God's sovereign protection for us, and we keep believing for that. But we can do our part too. It will save us from a lot of unnecessary sorrows or disappointments in life.

How to avoid danger and pitfalls in life? 

Key Number 1: Pray in the spirit

Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV) says, '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.' 

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT) says, 'And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.' 

The word 'intercession' here is 'huper entugchano' in Greek. In the context here, it means 'to come in between on behalf of you'.

This Greek word comes from two words: 'huper' and 'entugchano'. 

'Huper' in the context here means 'for the sake of you, on behalf of you'; and 'entugchano' in the context here means 'to entreat (or to plead) in favor of you'. 

You see? Not against you, but in favor of you! 

So, 'huper entugchano' in Greek literally means 'to come in between for your sake, on behalf of you, for your own good'. 

And that's what happens when you pray in the spirit! 

When you pray in the spirit, you are praying in the perfect will of God, even though your mind may not understand what you are praying! 

And what is the will of God for you? His will is He always want the very best for you! 

Key Number 2: Be led by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:13-15 (NKJV) says, 'For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."' 

Romans 8:13-15 (NLT) says, 'For if you live by its dictates (i.e. your fleshly dictates, your sinful nature's dictates), you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father."' 

You see, your God is a good Heavenly Father. And He will never lead you into evil, danger, or pitfall. A good earthly father will be likewise. How much more your Heavenly Father?

To be led by the Holy Spirit, it involves humility on your part. Be humble before the Lord. It also involves having an open and yielded heart before Him. 

So, never resist the Holy Spirit. Be open. Be yielded. Flow with His Spirit. After all, the Holy Spirit knows all things and sees further than anyone of us can. 

And that's how you can be led by the Spirit to be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, saying the right things, and making the right decisions! 

When you pray in the spirit, and when you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, if you sense peace from the Lord to go ahead on something, then go ahead. But if you sense there's just no peace, then abstain from (or avoid) that something (or situation). 

Holy Spirit is therefore a 'safety net' for you. After all, He is called the Restrainer. He restrains you from falling into evil, danger, trouble, or pitfalls in life. 

Aren't you glad you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in your life? Aren't you glad you have the Holy Spirit who sees further than you, who knows all things, who is Omniscient? 

And He will know how to lead you and guide you every step of the way, as long as you are open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the leading of the Holy Spirit!

Key Number 3: Seek right counsel

Apart from involving the Holy Spirit, you can seek right counsel from trusted, honest people. Surround yourself with people of integrity. Surround yourself with people who know how to walk with God. This is also a kind of 'safety net' for you. Otherwise, it will be like 'the blind leading the blind'. Not only the 'blind' falls into a pitfall, but you who are being led by the 'blind' will also fall into the pitfall! 

There are many examples in the Bible regarding seeking right counsel. But I want to share just one example. It's about Hanun, how he sought wrong counsel, and how he had to pay a heavy price for it. 

Don't be like Hanun. 

1 Chronicles 19:1-2 (NKJV) says, '...Nahash the king of the people of Ammon died, and his son (Hanun) reigned in his place. Then David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to comfort Hanun concerning his father. And David's servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him.'

See what happened next. 

1 Chronicles 19:3-4 (NKJV) says, 'And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun, "Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Did his servants not come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?" Therefore Hanun took David's servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away.'

What a way to return somebody's kindness! 

Not only did Hanun reject King David's good gesture and kindness, Hanun even embarassed and shamed these servants of David. All because of what? All because of some wrong counsel or wrong advice that he received from those around him!

When the people of Ammon saw that they had made themselves repulsive to David, they began to spend unnecessary money to hire for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots to battle against David's army! 

Instead of openly receiving kindness from David, they now had to go into an unnecessary battle against David's formidable army! And in the end, Hanun and the people of Ammon paid a very heavy price, suffered huge losses, and their capital city of Rabbah was ravaged! 

So, may the Lord raise up around you people and friends who are spiritually matured, who know how to walk with the Holy Spirit, and who can give you sound advice and guidance. In other words, those who can help you to be better, not bitter! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, fill Your beloved with Your Spirit. Let them be led by the Holy Spirit, because as many as are led by the Holy Spirit, they are called sons of God. Raise up the right people around Your beloved who would give good influence, good counsel, and good advice whenever needed. With the three keys that we have learned today, may Your beloved avoid any unnecessary danger or pitfall in life, and may Your beloved be well positioned for the greater blessings and greater things ahead of them. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

Keys to prospering in a time of uncertainty

What is the difference between carnal prosperity (the worldly way) and biblical prosperity (the godly way)? 

Biblical prosperity is long-lasting. It is not driven by greed, but it is driven by faith. It brings no sorrow with it. It stands strong and cannot be shaken, whatever the economic condition in this world may be (even in a time of economic recession or economic depression).

Here are the keys to biblical prosperity:

1. Biblical prosperity begins in the inside of you 

3 John 1:2 (NKJV) says, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.'

When you begin to see how God sees you (that you are a beloved and blessed of the Lord), you will begin to prosper in your soul, and in turn your health, and even materially. 

2. Biblical prosperity involves humility on your part

Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV) says, 'By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.' 

What does humility have to do with prosperity? Humility has everything to do with prosperity. Because the Bible says 'God resists the proud, but God gives grace to the humble'. What is 'grace' here? It means God's ability or God's supply for you from heaven. 

Deuteronomy 8:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandment or not.'

The Lord does sometimes humble us and test us. When He has purified us and we have learned to humble ourselves, He will begin to promote us and prosper us. Of course we don't have to wait for the Lord to humble us through circumstances. We can choose today to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.

3. Biblical prosperity involves obedience on your part

Deuteronomy 8:18-20 (NKJV) says, 'And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God.' 

How do we obey the voice of God? By opening our hearts and be willing to listen to His voice. The sheep hears the Shepherd's voice. Whatever He says, we do. He knows better than us, and He sees further than us.

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

In times of trouble, God is your hiding place!

The Lord says: "In the spiritual realm, there's a very intense warfare happening at the moment, between angels and demons, forces of light and forces of darkness. Stand on guard therefore. Be on guard spiritually. Be vigilant. Never let the enemy deceive you or tempt you into sins or wrongdoings." 

As we begin, we ask for the Lord's presence to be here. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to flow like a river from heaven to you (who are reading this). 

I believe the Lord is not just speaking about the physical war that happens in certain parts of the world at the moment. But it's more than that. It is a spiritual war that's happening in the spiritual realm. For some of you, you may sense something is very weird in the spiritual atmosphere around you. That's because there's a very intense spiritual battle happening in the spiritual realm at the moment. But I want to assure you: Fear not! Because you are under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible says you are hidden in Christ! 

So, what does it mean by being hidden in Christ? What is it like? 

Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died (died to your old sinful self), and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.' 

The word 'hidden' here is 'krupto' in Greek, and it can mean 'concealed, kept secret, under the covering'. In the context of this verse, it means you are concealed in Christ, you are kept secret in Christ, and you are under the covering in Christ! From what? From any form of evil, danger, calamity, or whatever evil plans or evil work that is happening around you or against you! 

Colossians 3:1-4 (Expanded Bible) puts it this way, 'Since you were raised from the dead [raised] with Christ, aim at [aspire to; seek after; focus on] what is in heaven [the things above], where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about [Set your minds on; Fix your thoughts on] the things in heaven [above], not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept [hidden] with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, comes again [appears; is revealed], you will share in His [be revealed with Him in] glory.' 

As a believer of Christ, the Bible says you are hidden from any form of wrath, judgment, danger or calamity that's happening due to the sins and disobedience of the people on this earth!

Colossians 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore put to death your members (i.e. 'in any area of your life') which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience...' 

That is why in times like these, beloved, it's so important to continue to walk in the Spirit, so that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Continue to be led by the Spirit of God. Continue to follow the instruction and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Continue to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit knows how to lead you, guide you, teach you, and make a way for you to safety.

Aren't you glad that He is an all-knowing God? Aren't you glad that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you? He knows how to lead you and guide you, so that you will not fall into any trap (or pitfall) of the enemy. And that's how you will be kept hidden in Christ, kept safe and kept well - until the day He brings you home, or the day of His coming! Will you believe for this? Let's take God at His Word!

In cross-reference, Isaiah 26:20 (NKJV) says, 'Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.' 

The word 'hide' here is 'chabah' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'to hide (as in the bosom)'; like a little child hiding at the bosom or in the warm embrace of the loving parent. So, 'bosom' here speaks of 'being very close (intimacy) with someone stronger and bigger.' 

And who is that Someone stronger and bigger? He is the Lord! He is your hiding place! He is your refuge and shelter in times of need! And no matter what danger or trouble may come around this world, in Him you can hide! 

That's why I would like to reiterate it's so important to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because Holy Spirit knows all. Holy Spirit sees further than you. And Holy Spirit knows how to prompt you, lead you, and give you the peace whether you should go ahead on something or not.

This verse in Isaiah 26:20 does not necessarily mean you always hide inside your house, and not going out at all. This verse can instead speak of 'being hidden in the Lord amidst the spiritual warfare or spiritual shaking that's happening around you in this world'. 

So, beloved of God, be rest assured that 'in your going out and coming in', wherever you go and wherever you are, wherever the Lord leads you and opens the door for you, you are hidden in the Lord to keep you safe and well, no matter what happens around you in this perilous world - now and in the future. Amen!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel