Break free from your bondage and traps!

The Lord says: 

"This is the time to break free! Many shall be set free from their past. Many shall be set free from their bondages. Many shall be set free from their past practices and man-made traditions that have bound them. There is a breaking free in the spirit. For I am doing a new thing in the midst of My people. Spiritual eyes are being enlightened and opened. Do not be bound by the old that holds you back and limits you. But receive My power to break free and walk into the greater things that I have for you." 

What is the definition of 'break free'? You can define it as 'to be set free from whatever that limits you', or 'to be set free from your bondage, chains and traps'.

What are the areas in your life that you know it's time to break free? Or what are the areas in your life that you know the Lord has told you to move on and embrace the new?

For some, it may be a certain friendship or association that has become toxic. For others, it may be certain people who have been taking advantage of you continuously, and the Lord is saying to you, "It's time for you to break free!" Yet for some others, it may be certain people who have been manipulative against you or have 'enslaved' you.

So, different people different situation. But the Lord will specifically speak to you. May your spiritual ears be sensitized to hear and receive from Him.

The Lord says further: 

"A change of direction is happening to many of My people in this time and season. Do not be afraid to embrace the change. It is a change to the better. My hand is with you, and I will be with you. I will begin to show you your new 'blueprint' going forward, if you look to Me."

That's exactly what happened to Moses when he led God's people to break free from the stranglehold of the Pharaoh those days. You see, they've had enough of the bondage and slavery in Egypt. As they cried out to the Lord, the Lord began to show them a 'blueprint' and a plan to move on from that bondage and slavery. 

In Exodus 6:5-6, the Lord spoke to Moses, "I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Therefore say to the children of Israel: 'I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.'" 

Henceforth, the process of breaking free began. To cut the whole story short, after the tenth plague in Egypt, the time had come for God's people to finally break free. By the leading and the hand of the Lord, they left Egypt. 

However, the Egyptians continued to pursue them. They would not give up so easily. They were not willing to let them go just like that. They wanted to pull them back into the bondage and slavery. 

By the way, the word 'Egypt' has also been mentioned as 'Mizraim' in Hebrew, and this word comes from the word 'matsuwr', which means 'to limit, to besiege, to surround in order to capture it'. 

That's exactly what happened to God's people prior to them breaking free. They have been held bondage. They have been limited. They have been stifled. They have been enslaved. In fact, day after day, their burdens became heavier and heavier. So they cried out to the Lord, and the Lord answered them. 

You see, the Lord your God is not dead. He is The Great I Am. He is great, and He is greatly to be praised. With signs and wonders, and miracles, He made a way of escape for God's people those days, even in ways unimaginable to human minds. 

As God's people reached the Red Sea, they didn't know what to do next. They thought they were going to be recaptured and put into bondage again. But Moses said to them: "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you."

Beloved of God, just as in Moses' days, you too can be set free from your bondage and traps, whatever it may be! The Lord is releasing upon you the power and the anointing to break free right now! Receive by faith! Receive also the wisdom, direction, and guidance from the Lord, every step of the way. New things are coming in your life! Better things are coming in your life! Hallelujah!

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Faith that removes your 'mountain'!

The Lord wants to tell you this: 

"Stay strong! Continue to receive My strength and My power to overcome! Continue to receive My strength and My power to remove the 'mountain' that you are facing at the moment! Do not give up receiving. Do not give up believing. And do not let yourself to doubt. Have faith in Me. Declare that your 'mountain' is removed, and receive your breakthrough, miracle and healing now!" 

I'm going to explain to you what this 'mountain' means. 

But before we go to the Scripture, let's understand what 'faith' is. Now, 'faith' simply means 'our trust, confidence and reliance upon somebody or something'. So, 'faith in God' means 'our trust, confidence and reliance upon the Lord'. That's as simple as we can describe what faith is. 

So, whatever obstacle, problem, or 'mountain' you may be facing at the moment, have faith in God that the obstacle, problem, or 'mountain' shall be removed. 

Maybe it's a health problem. Maybe it's in your career or your business. Maybe it's a challenging situation in your family. Yet for some others, it may be in the ministry. It may even be financial challenges. Different people different. But whatever it is, the Lord is here to release His strength and His power upon you! 

I declare there will be a solution for you, no matter what you are facing at the moment, even the most impossible situation. 

Let's go to Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV). Here, Jesus says, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." 

That's what Jesus says. It's in the Scripture. Let's take God at His Word! 

What is this 'mountain' that we are talking about? For the record, 'mountain' here was a common expression among the Hebrews those days to mean 'difficulties, obstacles, challenges'. In those days, this was a common way to describe 'an insurmountable problem'. It means to man, it may be too great to overcome. It's insurmountable. But to God, all things are possible. Nothing is impossible to those who believe. 

So, the phrase 'remove the mountain' here can be understood as 'remove the difficulties, obstacles, or challenges in your life'. In other words, Jesus meant that if we believe and do not doubt, whatever your problem may be in your life, it shall be overcome, no matter how 'insurmountable' or impossible it may seem right now. 

There will be an answer. There will be a solution. There will be a breakthrough. There will be a victory. But you've got to believe and receive by faith. 

Notice also, Jesus says: "Speak to the mountain!" Here, Jesus never says: "Speak about the mountain!" You see, there's a big difference between speaking to the mountain and speaking about the mountain. In other words, Jesus never says just merely talking or discussing about the mountain. But Jesus says speaking to the mountain: "Be removed, and be cast into the sea!" It means He is telling us to speak directly to whatever the 'mountain' we face to get out of the way. 

What is the 'mountain' that you are facing at the moment? Speak to it: "Be removed, and be cast into the sea!" And never to surface again!

Those who are in the world or those who do not know Jesus may think we are just being foolish or absurd. They may think this is ridiculous. They may think this is nonsense. Well, whatever they want to think, it's their problem. Not your problem. Because you are just taking God at His Word. You are just doing what God says in the Scripture. You are just doing what God says in His Word.  

You see, you are different from those in the world. Why? Because your faith is in God; not in man, not in any organization in this world, or whatever that's in the world. You look to the Lord. You have a supernatural God. You have a miracle-working God. A God in whom nothing is impossible. Amen! 

But some of you may say, "What if nothing happens right away?" Or "What if my problem still persists?" Or "What if my situation never change immediately?" 

Don't give up. Your God is not a dead God. Don't allow yourself to doubt. Just believe somehow God will take over, and the mountain will eventually be removed. You see, if you have prayed in faith, consider it done in the spirit. Yes, I say again. Consider it done in the spirit. It shall then be reflected in the physical realm in ways that your physical eyes can see. Just don't limit how God is going to do it. It may not be in ways that you think or presume. God can work in ways that we cannot imagine yet. 

Let's continue with the Scripture now. In Mark 11:25 (NKJV), just one verse later, Jesus says further: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." 

Now, here lies a key to seeing your 'mountain' be removed. What is that? It's forgiveness. So, it's not just about lacking faith or having doubts. But unforgiveness can also hinder our prayer. So, if you want your 'mountain' or problem in your life be removed, start forgiving. Start letting go. Don't keep those hurts. Don't keep those bitterness. Release those who have sinned against you or hurt you. Release them from the prison of your heart. Let them go. Have a big heart. Ask God to touch you in this area. This is how your 'mountain' can be removed. 

Now, this is not my idea or what I say. But this is what Jesus says in the Word of God. I'm just quoting what Jesus says here. One key to seeing your 'mountain' be removed is forgiveness. Let go. Yes, let go and it will flow. Good things will flow in your life, going forward. 

Your 'mountain' shall be removed. Your problem shall be solved. Your obstacle shall be overcome. I'm not talking big here. But I'm talking about the big God that we have. Nothing is too big or too difficult for Him. So, let's take Him at His Word. Yes and Amen!

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Words from the Lord: New doors are being opened for you!

The Lord says: 

"Many of My people are going to walk through open doors in the coming months. Never mind about the doors that have been closed in the recent months. Do not look back and rue over those doors that have been closed. Look to Me. Look forward. Look to the new. For I am beginning to cut rivers in the desert for you. I am beginning to open the doors for you that no man can shut." 

In Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." 

The expression 'Now it shall spring forth' which I've underlined here is interesting. You see, it is not in the future. It is now! See the word 'now' here? Now it shall spring forth! 

What is 'spring forth' here? In Hebrew, it is 'tsamach'. It can mean 'to grow again (after being left dormant or seemingly dead)'. It can mean 'to bring forth new sprout or bud'. It can also mean 'to bring forth new life and new hope'. 

The Lord is turning a new page in your life. It is a brand new chapter. It is a fresh new start. Prepare yourself for such a time. 

This word 'tsamach' can also be found in Isaiah 44. In Isaiah 44:3-4 (NKJV), the Lord says, "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. They will spring up among the grass, like willows by the watercourses." 

The words 'spring up' here is 'tsamach' in Hebrew.

Let's look at New Living Translation (NLT) for the same verses: "For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your children. They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank." 

See the word 'thrive' here? For the new year ahead, I want to declare that you will thrive, no matter what happens in the world. You will not just be surviving, but you'll be thriving! 

What is the significance of 'willows' or 'willow trees' in the Scripture? What does it speak of? There can be different ways of seeing it. But if you look at it positively, and in the context of our Bible-study today, 'willow' can symbolize 'vitality'. 

Where is the proof? Where is the cross-reference? Ezekiel 17:5-6 (NLT) says, 'He also took a seedling from the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside a broad river, where it could grow like a willow tree. It took root there and grew... Its branches turned up toward the eagle, and its roots grew down into the ground. It produced strong branches and put out shoots.'

Here, the prophet Ezekiel said the eagle planted a seed and it grew into a strong tree, producing strong branches and putting out new shoots. By the way, 'eagle' in the Scripture usually symbolizes 'a conqueror'. Indeed, the Scripture says you are more than a conqueror through God who loves you! (Romans 8:37)

Let's go back to Isaiah now. In Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" 

It means if the Lord is with you, and His hand is with you, no one can push it back and no one can stop it. And when He works in your life, no one can reverse it! 

In cross-reference, let's look at Revelation 3:8, which is God's message for the church in Philadelphia. "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed My word and did not deny Me." 

Beloved, this is also God's message for you at this point of your life. He has seen what you've gone through, and He knows exactly what you've gone through. Even though at times you feel so helpless and you have too little strength to carry on, the Lord sees right into your heart. He sees all the things, the good things, that you have done in secret, that nobody recognizes. But the Lord recognizes all this. And the Lord says He will know how to reward you openly, especially in the year ahead. 

Because He sees that you have not denied Him. You may have a lot of questions. But you did not deny Him. He sees that you have not given up looking to Him. When some others fall away or give up, you hung on. You continued to abide in the Lord. And therefore, beloved, He will begin to open the doors for you that no one can shut. He will open the doors for new things in your life! And it will be good!

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Peace inside you that cannot be shaken

The Lord says for this time: 

"No matter how turbulent the world around you may be, or what bad news you hear around you, let not your heart be troubled or afraid. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. This peace inside you cannot be shaken. This peace inside you is My perfect peace. This peace inside you will overcome the chaos or storms outside you. This peace inside you is the peace that surpasses all understanding." 

You may ask: "What is 'the peace that surpasses all understanding'? What does this mean?" 

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) says, 'And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' 

There are many things in life that we don't know or understand. But one thing for sure is we know we can put our trust in the Lord, no matter what happens around us. Just by knowing that He is with us and in us, gives us such peace and assurance. Just like a child to a good father. The child feels secure just by knowing that the father is around. The same it is with us and our Heavenly Father. When the world look at us, it just boggles their mind how we can have this kind of peace and assurance inside of us. And that's why this peace surpasses all human understanding and minds. 

Let's look at the Amplified Version now. 'And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].' 

This peace reassures your heart. This peace transcends all human understanding. This peace stands guard over your hearts and your minds. 

You see, at one time or another, we hear of bad news, disturbing news, or disheartening news; whether from friends, in the social media, or from the news channels. Or sometimes we face turbulence, storms, or chaotic situations in life. This can happen in the course of your work, in your career, in your business, in the ministry, or in other areas of life.

No matter what happens or what you hear, remember this, that the Lord loves you, and His peace He leaves with you and His peace He gives to you. 

Jesus says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

I like the Amplified Version here. "Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]" 

See the words 'perfect peace' here? What is this 'perfect peace'? 

Let's cross-reference to the book of Isaiah now. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.' 

So, trust in Him. Trust in Him for who He is. He is everlasting. He is our Rock and Salvation. He is the Lord who gives us perfect peace and assurance. And in Him, we have security, no matter what happens in the world around us.

The word 'perfect' here is 'shalem' in Hebrew. It can mean 'full, whole, complete'. This word 'shalem' comes from the word 'shalam', which means 'to be safe, to be complete'. 

How about the word 'peace' here? It is 'shalom' in Hebrew. Notice this word has a broad meaning. It can mean 'safety, wellness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, favor'. By the way, this word 'shalom' also comes from the same word 'shalam', meaning 'to be safe, to be complete'. 

Therefore, 'perfect peace' in Hebrew is 'shalem shalom'. Both words come from the same word 'shalam'. Double shalam! So, as you put your trust in the Lord and let your mind stayed on the Lord, He will keep you in 'shalem shalom'. And you know what this means? Perfect peace inside of you and outside of you! Spiritually and physically!

Where's the proof? 

Look here at Mark 4:35-39. You know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is peace of God manifested or demonstrated on this earth. And this peace inside of Him could even calm the storms outside of Him!  

'On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.' 

You see here? Peace in the inside of Him emanated out to the outside, and it even calmed the physical storm and the physical waves! 

Beloved of God, this same peace of God in Jesus is now inside of you. So, be afraid not and be anxious not, no matter what you see or what you hear outside of you. The Lord is still in control, and the Lord is sovereign. Let Him take over. Let this peace of the Lord rule and reign in your heart and in your mind.

Maybe you have been facing some 'storms' recently. Maybe it's at your workplace. Maybe it's in the ministry. Whatever 'storm' you may be facing at the moment, let the Lord take over, and let the Lord fill you with His 'shalem shalom'. He will know how to turn things around for you. He will know how to make a way where there seems to be no way. 

Not just that. You also have this peace and assurance inside of you that He deeply loves you. You are His beloved. In other words, you are deeply loved by the Lord. And you know what? This perfect love of God inside of you casts out fear. That's in 1 John 4:18. 

We shall go to Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) 2:1. The king says: I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Song of Songs 2:4. The Shulamite woman says: He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 

Now, 'banqueting house' here means 'banquet hall', the place where you dine. And 'banner over me' here means 'surrounding me, and in this context, with His love'. 

Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, another name for this book, is a beautiful book of love between a man and a woman, written by King Solomon himself. It is a 'picture' of God's love for you, His beloved. Jesus is the Lover of your soul. Jesus is the Lover of who you are. 

There's a reason why this book Song of Songs is included in the Scripture. 

There are three main entities in this book:

1. The King (speaks of God Himself). 

2. The bride, which is the Shulamite woman (speaks of you, His beloved). 

3. The chorus, which are the daughters of Jerusalem (speaks of 'the whole citizen of heaven'). 

So, that's a quick background to this book Song of Songs. 

But today, I want to point you to these expressions 'Rose of Sharon' and 'Lily of the valleys'. 

In our context here, the Lord says He is the Rose of Sharon and He is the Lily of the valleys. What do all these mean? This is what we are going to study today. 

Let's begin with Rose of Sharon. 

'Rose' speaks of 'sweetness, sweet-smelling, fragrance'. 

'Sharon' is condensed from this Hebrew word 'yashar'. See the part 'shar' here? Now, 'yashar' here means 'to make straight, to make a way, to make right, to make pleasant, to make prosperous'. 

So, Rose of Sharon speaks of Jesus is the Sweetness that makes straight your way, that makes right your way, that makes pleasant your way, that makes prosperous your way! And that's who the Lord is to you! 

Geographically speaking, the place Sharon is a land bountiful and beautiful; and the inhabitants of this land those days (the Sharonites) were worshippers of the Lord who 'make straight the way'. 

Let's look at Lily of the valleys now.

'Lily' here is 'shuwshan' in Hebrew. Like the flower, it means 'to be bright, to be cheerful, to be joyful'. This speaks of the brightness of the Lord's shining. This speaks of the joy of the Lord. And you know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. In other words, when you have the joy of the Lord in you, you have the strength to look ahead in your life, to move on in your life, and to move forward in your life. 

How about the word 'valleys' here? Notice the word 'valleys' here is plural. It means more than one valley. This speaks of 'depression, deep trouble'. Different kinds of troubles in this world. 

So, if you combine 'lily' and 'valleys', 'Lily of the valleys', this speaks of Jesus is the Lord who brings joy in a time of sorrow, and He who turns your sorrow into joy. Not just that. He sets you free from your depression. He rescues you from whatever deep trouble that you have. He pulls you out from your pit. He sets you free from your bondage. He makes a way of escape for you. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He is your Lily of the valleys! 

With this assurance of the Lord in the Scripture, there's nothing that you should be afraid of, knowing that this peace and this love of the Lord lives in you. This peace calms the storm, and this love casts out every fear!

Let us pray: 

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your words of assurance to us in a time like this. We receive Your perfect peace that calms every 'storm'. We receive Your perfect love that casts out every fear. Your Scripture says Your peace You leave with us, and Your peace You give to us. The peace that we cannot find anywhere else in the world. Your Scripture also says Your love casts out fear, and Your love for us fails not. We receive all these with gladness and thanksgiving in our hearts. Indeed, You are the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valleys in our lives. You yearn to fellowship with us and Your banner over us is love. We want to come into Your presence right now. In Your presence, we are filled with Your love and Your perfect peace. In Your presence, we are surrounded by Your love and Your perfect peace. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

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Your future is secured!

The Lord says: 

"As a beloved of Mine, know that your future is secured! Not just eternal future, but your future here on earth! Be assured that even to your old age, I am He, and I will lead you, carry you, and sustain you. Keep receiving My wisdom. Keep receiving My power. Flow with My Spirit." 

It's a simple and pastoral message today, but the Lord says someone needs to hear this. So I just want to be faithful to release this message today. 

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) says, 'Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.'

Isaiah 46:4 (Amplified Bible) says, 'Even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; Be assured I will carry you and I will save you.'

Notice the word 'carry' here. The Lord says here: "I will carry you! I will carry you! I will carry you!" The word 'carry' here is interesting. It is 'sabal' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to carry all your burdens, to be strong for you, to work things out for you'. You see here? To work things out for you!

So beloved, whatever situation you may be going through at the moment, let go of all your burdens or worries to the Lord. He will know how to carry you. He will know how to carry all your cares and burdens. He will be strong for you. And He will know how to work things out for you. 

In cross-reference, Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says, 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.' 

Let's look at the Amplified Bible for this verse. 'And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.' 

See? He causes all things to work together for good in your life. He knows His plan and purpose for your life. And as long as you continue to look to Him and put your trust in Him, He will know how to carry you and sustain you all the way. Why? Because He loves you and He deeply cares for you. Therefore, knowing this, you can be assured that your future is secured, as the Lord has spoken today.

Look now at Joseph's life in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's brothers meant evil for him, but God meant it for good. 

Let me ask you some questions. Can you say Joseph being thrown into the pit by his brothers as a good thing? Can you say Joseph being sold as a slave in Egypt as a good thing? Can you say Joseph being thrown into the prison in Egypt as a good thing? 

I think no one in their right mind would say that's a good thing. In fact, these are terrible things in our minds. But you know what? God allowed all this to happen. Why? Because God sees further, and it was meant for his good eventually, and in order to save his whole family during the famine. 

So beloved, if you are going through a situation that you don't like to happen in your life, in a time like this, the Lord wants to assure you. Do not allow yourself to doubt. Keep trusting the Lord that all things will eventually work out for good. Today, the Lord wants to assure you that no matter what you are going through, He loves you, He is here with you, and He is walking through all this with you. 

And remember this. He will know how to turn things around and work things together for good for you. He sees your future better than anyone else on earth. It's just like a painter. He may be painting a beautiful portrait. Initially, you cannot figure out what he is drawing. But in the end, at the completion of the painting, is a beautiful picture. It's a masterpiece. The same it is with God being the painter or artist in your life. 

Let's look at Genesis 45 now. During a time of severe famine those days, Joseph's brothers had no choice but to come to Egypt to look for food supplies. They didn't know that Joseph was there. In fact, at that time, Joseph had become a powerful man in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. To cut the story short, Joseph then revealed himself to them. Joseph said, "I am Joseph; does my father still live?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were utterly shocked and afraid. Joseph then said, "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." 

In Genesis 45:6-8, Joseph said further, "For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth (it means a future secured!) and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God..." Here, Joseph acknowledged that it was not the brothers who sent him there, but it was God who sent him there.

In Genesis 45:9-11, Joseph then said to his brothers to tell their father (Jacob), "God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine."

'Goshen' here represents 'a safe land of plenty'. Physically, it's a safe area in Egypt those days that was allocated for the Israelites to stay and dwell. 

As you can see here, what happened to Joseph is a clear representation of what's written in Romans 8:28, that 'All things will work together for good to those who love God'.

So beloved, no matter what situation you are going through at the moment, or what issue you are having now, be rest assured that God will know how to carry you and help you. God will know how to work things together for good for you. 

Interestingly, the name 'Joseph' or 'Yosef' in Hebrew can mean any of these: God will add. God will increase. God will do it again. 

So, if you have been going through a time like Joseph, God wants to assure you that He will see to it that He will add to you many more good in your life, despite what is happening in your life, or despite what you have been going through recently. He will know how to increase many more good in your life. He has done it before. And He will do it again. 

So beloved, take heart, if you are in a situation in your life that you don't like. It may be a retrenchment. It may be a failure in something. It may be a certain mistake that you have made. It may be anything that seems unpleasant to you. Different people, different situation. But whatever it is, the Lord loves you. He sees it all, and He understands exactly what you are going through. 

Hang on there! Hang on strong, my friend! Hang on strong to the Lord! The Lord who sees all these will know how to work things out for good for you. Yes, even in ways you cannot imagine yet. Like what happened to Joseph. 

To summarize our message today, had Joseph not been sold by his brothers to Egypt, and then thrown into the prison in Egypt, he would not have the opportunity to interpret a dream for Pharaoh's chief butler. And when Pharaoh needed someone to interpret his dreams, and no one in Egypt could do it, that time and chance came for Joseph. Joseph interpreted the dreams successfully, and the Pharaoh was pleased. The rest, you know it, is history. 

I want to declare upon you, my friend, that God will know how to add good things to you, God will know how to increase good things to you, and God will know how to turn things around for good for you. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we thank You for the assurance that no matter what we are going through at the moment, You will know how to take over and work things out together for our good. You have spoken that as Your beloved, our future is firmly secured, no matter what happens around us in the world. You have done it before for Joseph those days. You will do it again in our lives. We want to keep looking to You and putting our trust in You. We keep receiving Your wisdom. We keep receiving Your strength. We keep walking with You and be led by Your Spirit. We receive Your anointing for a breakthrough. We receive Your love, joy, peace, and strength. Put your oil of joy on us. And we'll be sure that You will continue to add many more good in our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Learning a lesson of obedience

The Lord says: 

"Teach My people the lesson about obedience. Bring back the teaching on obedience. Obedience to what I have spoken, commanded, and instructed." 

This may not be a popular topic, but this is a necessary topic in this time and season. So, we shall go straight to Jeremiah chapter 35 about the Rechabites. What are the lessons we can learn from this chapter? Not many people teach about the Rechabites, but today, let's dig in to the Word of God and learn something about the Rechabites. 

So, who are the Rechabites? 

For the record, they are a clan among the Israelites who were deeply committed those days. They were strongly opposed to idolatry and the worship of Baal those days. They stayed true to what their father has spoken to them, and they obeyed, and they heeded. In the end, the Lord honored them. 

Further info about the Rechabites. They basically lived a nomadic life. They moved from place to place. They lived in tents, instead of in any permanent place. Now, this is a 'picture' of each of us being sojourners on this earth. You know that this world is merely temporary. Our permanent home and destination is heaven. So, we are all, in a way, like the Rechabites. 

Let's go all the way to Jeremiah 35:12-13. Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?" says the Lord.'" 

The word 'obey' here is 'shama' in Hebrew. It can be defined as 'to hear attentively', or 'to give ear and act on it'. 

Jeremiah said further to the men of Judah in Jeremiah 35:15. "I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, 'Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.'" But you know what? Jeremiah said further, "But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me." 

Looking at the verses here, this was a rebuke from the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah against the people those days. 

Now, look at what prophet Jeremiah said about the Rechabites in contrast. Jeremiah 35:16 says, "Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them..." 

So here, Jeremiah was contrasting between the people in general and the Rechabites those days. The people in general did not turn from their evil ways and did not obey the Lord's instruction. But the Rechabites stayed faithful. They stayed true and pure to what has been spoken to them by their father. They lived a life free from idolatry and corruption, which was prevalent those days. In short, they held on to what their father Jonadab said to them. In fact, once, they were invited to drink wine, but they declined, because of the words of their father. Now, the point here is not about drinking wine or not. But the point here is obedience to what has been spoken to them. Because of this, Jeremiah pointed to their obedience, in contrast to the people at large those days. 

This obedience of the Rechabites was a huge contrast to others who refused to hear and listen to the instructions of the Lord. Now, that was the point of prophet Jeremiah in chapter 35 here. He was lamenting about the compromise of the people those days. He was calling for the people to return to the ways of the Lord, but the people didn't. So, he used the examples of the Rechabites, because the Rechabites were found obedient, pure, and faithful, even in a time of widespread corruption and idolatry among the people of God at that time. 

And prophet Jeremiah mentioned later that the Lord honored the Rechabites. In other words, the Lord rewarded the Rechabites. Look here now at Jeremiah 35:18-19. And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.'"

Jeremiah pointed out that these Rechabites received their instructions and commands from their father just one time, and they obeyed. How about the others? The others who were in the land received their instructions and commands from the Lord again and again, but still they disobeyed and never listened. 

So here, the Lord used the faithfulness and obedience of the Rechabites to teach an important lesson to His people in general. And you know what? The Rechabites were therefore rewarded by the Lord. The Lord even promised that they would have a special standing forever. Many Bible scholars and historians believe some of the earliest believers of Christ, and some of the most responsive in receiving the good news of Jesus Christ, some 2,000 years ago, were the descendants of the Rechabites. Wow! They were some of the earliest who preached the gospel and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went! Indeed, these words came to pass, that 'there shall not lack a man standing before the Lord forever'. 

By the way, interestingly, 'Jonadab' means 'YHWH is willing'. Yes, indeed, the Lord your God is willing to grant to you exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think of, if you hearken to His words and heed His instructions! Whatever He says, you do. And He will surely know how to prosper you and lead you to better things to come!

So, in these days of compromise and widespread corruption in this world, we can learn to be like the Rechabites. We can stay pure to God's Word. We can stay true to God's Word. We can stay faithful to what He has spoken for us to be and to do. And we shall see better days ahead of us. Amen! 

Let's do some cross-references now. You see, the Rechabites here actually is a 'picture' of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus obeyed till the very end. Jesus obeyed whatever His Father says. We can follow Jesus' example. As He is, so are we in this world! 

The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-8. 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, He did not consider it robbery to be equal with God (it means 'He did not consider it as something to be held on to'), but He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 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.' 

It means Jesus was obedient to His Father till the very end. The word 'obedient' here is 'hupekoos' in Greek. It can mean 'to attentively heed and listen to'. It can mean 'to submit (in word and in action)'. 

Philippians 2:9-11. And here's the reward. 'Therefore God also has highly exalted Jesus, 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.' 

This brings glory to God the Father. So, as you walk in obedience to what He has spoken for you to be and to do, you too are bringing glory to God the Father. 

Another cross-reference. John 14:23. In the words of Jesus. Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them." Hallelujah! 

The word 'obey' here is 'tereo' in Greek. It can mean 'to fulfill an instruction, to follow, to hold fast to (i.e. to continue to believe in or adhere to His instructions)'. The word 'tereo' can also mean 'to guard (His words from escaping)'. Yes, set your eyes on His words, and never let these words of God escape from you. The word 'tereo' can also mean 'to walk accordingly (in His instruction and His way)'. 

So, as you hold fast to His words for you, as you guard His words, and as you walk according to His instruction and His way for you, the Lord will know how to come to you and make His home with you. His presence will be with you. He will be before you and behind you. He will watch over you. He will guard you. And therefore, there's nothing that you should be afraid on this earth. And this is a reward of your obedience to His teaching, His words, and His instructions. 

Another cross-reference. Deuteronomy 5:33. 'Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.' 

Now, this is not what I say, but this is what the Lord says in the Scripture. 'So that you will live and prosper and prolong your days'. Yes, wherever the Lord puts you, wherever the Lord calls you to be, whatever the Lord calls you to do, be obedient to His calling for your life. When He says move, you move. When He says stop, you stop. As He moves, you move. As He stops, you stop. And that's how you are going to live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that the Lord gives to you! 

Another cross-reference. Psalm 128:1-2. 'Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.' 

Again, you see the word 'obedience' here. You see, the Scripture is consistent, both in the Old and the New Testament. The Scripture is consistent about the reward of obedience to what the Lord has spoken. 

And that's how, beloved, you'll be sure to see many good days ahead of you. You know why? Because the Lord knows you better and sees further. The Lord knows what is best for you. The Lord always wants the best for you. And that is why He is willing... Yes, YHWH is willing, like the name Jonadab that we have learned just now, YHWH is willing... He is willing to show you His revelations and instructions; so that when you follow, something great will begin to happen to you. Amen! Hallelujah! 

This is the gist of His message for you today. So, obedience is not to tie you up. Far from it. But obedience is to prosper you all the days of your life; not just materially, but in your soul, and also in every aspect of your life. I believe the Lord is saying today that the key for you to have greater things ahead of you is obedience. 

Let us pray: 

"O Lord God, we can learn from the Rechabites and from Jesus Himself about obedience. Teach us Your ways and guide us every step of the way. We want to be found faithful and obedient to Your words. We want to be found faithful and obedient to Your instructions and Your commands. As You say so, we say so. As You say no, we say no. Teach us to hear attentively to Your words and to heed Your words. We submit to You, O Lord. We yield to You, O Lord. We allow You to purify us and cleanse us by the water of Your Word. Teach us to be the person You want us to be. Like the Rechabites. Like Jesus Himself. And we shall see our rewards. And we shall see many good days ahead of us. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

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Words from the Lord: "The rain has begun falling! Your drought is coming to an end!"

The Lord says: 

"Your drought time is coming to an end! There's a renewal happening in My people! There's a fresh release of My Spirit and My living waters on those who have been going through a time of barrenness. My rain has begun falling! Heaven is open! I am pouring My Spirit on those who need refreshing! I am causing life to return again! Your land will be filled again! Your rivers will flow again!"

Before we go further, what is the definition of this word 'drought'? In geographical or physical terms, it can be defined as 'a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water'. In an agricultural society, this is a big thing, people! Because it affects the very livelihood of the people in the land. In short, no water means no life! 

In your context, your situation may not be a geographical or physical drought, but it may be spiritual drought, financial drought, drought in your career, drought in your business, drought in the ministry, or any kind of drought in any area of your life. 

Even if at the moment, there seems to be no sign of the 'drought' ending in your physical eyes or in the physical realm around you, and there seems to be no sign of any 'rain cloud' coming, keep trusting in the Lord and keep looking to the Lord! Just like in Elijah's days when he asked to look at the sky for any sign of rain coming!

In an agricultural society like in Israel those days, the coming of rain is synonymous with drought coming to an end. Beloved of God, this can apply to you spiritually or in any area of your life that has been going through a time of drought. 

I declare that the rain from heaven is coming upon your life! There will be a new life! There will be refreshing! There will be renewal!

After a great victory at Mount Carmel, let's look at 1 Kings 18:41 onwards now. 'Then Elijah said to Ahab (the king), "Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain."' At that time, the land had been experiencing a long drought and severe famine for several years (about three and a half years). Maybe you too have been experiencing some kind of 'drought' recently. Take heart. Rain is coming! There will be refreshing and renewal again! 

Let's read further. 1 Kings 18:42-43 says, 'So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And seven times he said, "Go again."' 

Elijah knew once the false prophets of Baal were defeated and the worship of the false god of Baal stopped, the drought in the land would also stop. It means rain was about to come. That's why he told his servant to check it out for any sign of rain. In the meantime, what did Elijah do? He went to the Lord in prayer, and he worshiped the Lord. 

1 Kings 18:44 says, 'Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he (the servant) said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he (Elijah) said, "Go up, and say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.'"'

Elijah was a man of faith. He would not take no for an answer, even if the servant couldn't see any sign of rain yet. Elijah just knew the rain's coming. He had this deep confidence in the Lord that the time for rain is coming! 

The same it is in your situation. Never give up on the Lord doing His part. Keep looking to the Lord. Keep praying. Keep declaring God's purposes in your life to come to pass. Keep waiting on the Lord, and keep hoping in Him that He will make good His promises in your life.  

So, even with the little sign of cloud, as small as a man's hand, and based on this sighting, Elijah knew an outpouring of rain was about to come. That's why he told Ahab to prepare the chariot. And true enough. See what happened next. 1 Kings 18:45-46 says, 'Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.' 

God's promise of rain came to pass. The long drought was finally over. The rain has come. Hallelujah! And look here. There was a supernatural empowering on Elijah, so much so he even ran ahead of Ahab's chariot!  

Beloved of God, there's also supernatural empowering from heaven being released upon you right now. There will be a renewed strength in your life. There will be a new vigor coming in your life. You shall begin to see a new purpose in your life. You will look ahead with great hope and anticipation. Amen! 

The Lord says further:

"Watch My hand making things happen in your life! Watch My hand making things happen even in the nation or the nations of the world. My rain is coming! For I am calling you to declare what you see and hear from Me! For I am raising up many watchmen and watchwomen in this time and season, who see how I see, and to declare it!" 

Yes, declare what you see and what you hear from the Lord! Declare it into being by faith!

Isaiah 21:6 says, 'For thus has the Lord said to me: "Go, set a watchman; Let him declare what he sees."' 

See the word 'watchman' here? What is the purpose of a 'watchman' (or 'watchwoman')? The answer is here: To declare what he sees (or what she sees) in the spiritual realm. It means, as the Lord says, you say. And as the Lord puts in your heart to declare, even in your prayer time, declare it into being. Be faithful in this, and God will show you even more and amazing things to come! 

Looking back at Isaiah 21 here, what is the definition of 'watchman'? The word 'watchman' here is 'tsaphah' in Hebrew, from the word that means 'to lean forward, to look into the distance, to watch, to observe'. 

So, you lean forward to hear from the Lord. The heartbeat of the Lord. What the Lord is doing in each time and season. What the Lord is doing right now. And you walk accordingly. And if He asks you to declare it, you declare it faithfully. 

It can also mean 'to look into the distance'. Yes, to look into the future. The Lord is going to show you, as you open your heart to the Lord, surrender to the Lord, and yield to the Lord. Yes, as you commune with the Lord. As you worship the Lord. As you pray in the spirit. And you'll be able to watch, and you'll be able to observe what the Lord is doing. You will cause many people to avoid their pitfalls. You will prevent evil through your prayers. You will declare things into being. Even in the nation or nations that the Lord has put in your heart to pray for. And this anointing of the watchman is being released upon you right now!

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Words from the Lord: "You are not a victim, but a victor!"

The Lord says: 

"Whatever 'storm' you may be facing at the moment, be it in your workplace, in the ministry, or in any area of your life, look to Me and find your rest in Me. Be at rest in the midst of all these 'storms'. Fear not and be anxious not. For I am the Lord who watches over you, and I am the Lord who knows how to defend you and fight for you. The battle is not yours, but the battle is Mine. I see differently from how this world sees, and I am causing you to see how I see in this time and season. My ways are higher. Declare and receive your victory by faith right now. You shall see this come to pass." 

Beloved, whatever 'storm' or situation you may be facing at the moment, the Lord wants you to see yourself not as a victim, but a victor! 

Let's go to 2 Chronicles 20 now. This is regarding Jehoshaphat, and how he saw a victory, a restful victory, in line with what the Lord has spoken today. 

At that time, the people of Ammon, Moab, and Edom came to battle against Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah. You can say the enemies 'ganged up' against Jehoshaphat.

We have talked about Jehoshaphat not too long ago. But today we shall focus on this person named Jahaziel. Who was Jahaziel? What is the significance of this name 'Jahaziel' in Jehoshaphat's time? How does it relate to your situation now? This is what we are going to look at today. 

To start off with, let's go to 2 Chronicles 20:5-6. Here, Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem, and he prayed, "O Lord, God of our ancestors, You alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty. No one can stand against You!" 

In 2 Chronicles 20:10-12, Jehoshaphat prayed further, "Now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing... For they have come to throw us out of Your land, which You gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won't You stop them? We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help." 

Here, you see the Ammonites, the Moabites, and the Edomites all 'ganged up' against Jehoshaphat and the people of the Lord. By the way, Mount Seir was part of the kingdom of Edom at that time. 

What did Jehoshaphat do? Jehoshaphat looked to the Lord for help. He did not turn to the left or to the right, but he turned to the Lord. 

Now, here is our focus today: Jahaziel. 

As Jehoshaphat and the people of the Lord began to seek the Lord and look to the Lord, the Lord used this person named Jahaziel in their midst to speak to them. 

2 Chronicles 20:13-15 says, 'As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel... He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's."'

In 2 Chronicles 20:16-17, Jahaziel said further, "Tomorrow march out against them... But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you... Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!" 

Notice the word 'still' here? Yes, indeed, be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). The word 'still' in the context here can mean 'to cease (from anxiety or worry)', or 'to let (God be God)'. In other words, to allow Him to take over, and to find your rest in Him. 

Now, this is not about defeatism. In fact, it's the opposite. This is not about being lazy. But it's about letting God take over. This is not about not doing anything. But it's about trusting the Lord. And you know what? The rest is history. All these words spoken by Jahaziel came to pass. Jehoshaphat saw a great victory right before his eyes. Not in the ways of man, of course. But in God's supernatural ways. Even in ways human minds cannot conceive.

The name 'Jahaziel' is interesting. It is 'Yakhaz El' in Hebrew. It can mean 'God sees, God looks, God beholds'. Hallelujah! In other words, God is looking at you, God is watching over you, and God is overseeing your situation. In fact, God is beholding you! 

Just like in the days of Jehoshaphat, the Lord is still in control in your situation right now. He will never be out of control in your life. Always remember this. He has done it before. He will do it again. As long as you keep looking to Him and putting your trust in Him, and as long as you do not walk out on Him, you shall see your victory and breakthrough! 

Therefore, let go of whatever restlessness, anxiety, worry, or struggle to the Lord. He understands what you are going through, and He cares for you. 

Maybe you are facing a difficult situation in your workplace right now. Maybe it is in your organization. Maybe it is in the ministry. Maybe some people try to smear your reputation and good name. Maybe you have been falsely accused of something. Whatever it may be, surrender your situation to the Lord. 

Even if no one on earth understands you, the Lord understands exactly and knows exactly what you are going through at the moment. He will know how to stand up for you, defend you, and even fight for you. That's exactly what He did for Jehoshaphat those days. Watch how the Lord 'set ambushes' against all those who 'gang up' against you. Watch how the Lord 'undo' those who seek your downfall. Watch how the Lord 'undo' those who seek to destroy you or destroy your reputation.

Let's move on to the New Testament now, and look at Jesus Himself. 

The truth is if you have Jesus, you have this rest and shalom peace inside you, no matter what 'storm' or challenge you may be facing at the moment. Do you notice Jesus never panicked while He was on earth? He never panicked or get anxious even when faced with the fiercest resistance or opposition. You know why? Because He is the Yahweh Shalom. He is The Lord Who Is Peace. And if you have Him in your life, this peace lives in you. 

What's your part? Your part is to allow Him to take over those 'storms'. Your part is to let Him keep filling you with His shalom peace. With this shalom peace in you, I tell you what, the enemy cannot touch you. Where's the proof? 

1 John 5:18 says so. I read from New Living Translation here. 'We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.' 

Notice "God's Son" here. That's Jesus. God manifested in the flesh. He holds you securely, and you are safe in His hands. In fact, your future is safe in His hands. No matter what the 'storm' may be around you, or whatever happens in this world, in Christ, you are deeply and firmly secured in Him. He is the One who covers you. He is the One who protects you. He is the One who watches over you. Amen! 

The word 'touch' here in 1 John 5:18 is interesting.  It is 'haptomai' in Greek. It can mean 'to set fire on something' or 'to deliberately cause something to burn'. 

Maybe the enemy is trying to "set fire" on your works. Maybe the enemy is trying to "deliberately cause the works of your hands to be burned". The enemy doesn't want you to see good success. The enemy doesn't want you to rise up to be who God wants you to be. Now, we are not fighting flesh and blood. But these may be spiritual forces of darkness. And sometimes these spiritual forces of darkness can use human beings to do that against you. 

The word 'touch' or 'haptomai' here can also mean 'to drive a wedge in your life'. What is 'to drive a wedge'? 'To drive a wedge' in this context is 'to cause your life or your situation to fall apart', or 'to cause your good relationship with someone important in your life to fall apart'. 

The word 'touch' can also mean 'to cause a fight or trouble in your life'. When the Lord is causing you to rise up, or when you are on the way to fulfill your destiny, the enemy may try to cause trouble. But fear not, beloved. You know why? Because 1 John 5:18 says, 'The evil one cannot touch you'. But you've got to believe this. Believing, you shall receive. 

Always remember that the Lord who is in you is greater than he that is in this world (1 John 4:4). As I was praying for someone recently, I saw a shield, a light shining over the person. And the arrows sent by the enemy cannot touch that person. So, I want to believe the same for you too. There's a shield over you. The arrows or the darts of the enemy cannot touch you. Because the Lord is with you. As long as you keep looking to the Lord, He will be with you. 

We shall end this message with Luke 10:19. Jesus says, "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." 

Serpents and scorpions here are 'pictures' of the power of the enemy (or the work of the enemy) against you. This can bite. This can sting. This can poison you. But because you have the authority from the Lord, and because you have this anointing from the Lord, nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

What are the enemies in your life? Whatever these are, Jesus has promised that He has given you this authority over all the power of the enemy. Not 'some' of the power. But 'all' the power of the enemy. 'All' means 'all' here. He means what He says. Let's take Him at His Word. 

The Lord says, "Release this message in this time and season." Because He wants to release His anointing and authority upon you. Yes, even the anointing for the supernatural. Receive by faith. Amen!

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Words from the Lord: "I will make things clear for you!"

The Lord says: 

"If you are in a state of confusion or chaos at the moment, seek Me and you will find Me. For I am not a God of confusion or chaos. I will show you the way forward. I will show you the clear path ahead. Things will become clearer and clearer, as you seek Me and look to Me. Let go of whatever past that holds you back, and get hold of Me. You will begin to see clearer and clearer along the way. You will begin to see and understand how I see and what I see for your life and your future." 

This applies whether in your career, in the ministry, in your business, or in any area of your life. So, take heart, beloved, if you have many "questions" about your life that are unanswered at the moment, or if you don't know what to do or how to go about in your life, at this juncture of your life. 

Just look at David when he ended up in the cave of Adullam. It was a chaotic situation prior to that. And he even had to pretend madness. 

Look here at 1 Samuel 21:10-12. That was the time when David was being "hunted" or pursued relentlessly by King Saul who was jealous of him. 'Then David arose and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, "Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" Now David took these words to heart, and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.' 

So, what did David do? 1 Samuel 21:13-14 says, 'So David changed his behavior before them, pretended madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, "Look, you see that man is insane. Why have you brought him to me?"' 

King Achish obviously didn't think that was the David the servants were talking about. Now, you might say, "What happened?" That was a far cry from the time when he slain the ten thousands! 

Or maybe in your situation, you too may be asking, "What happened to the dreams and prophecies regarding myself and my future?" 

Maybe you are struggling with life at the moment. Maybe you are in a state of confusion at the moment. Maybe you do not know what to do anymore, going forward. Now, that was probably how David felt at that time as well. You see, you are not alone.  

If you rewind back to 1 Samuel 16, just about five chapters back, David was at that time anointed to be king by prophet Samuel, and supposedly having a great destiny and future. He was the rising star in his land, so to speak. But what happened now? Has God forgotten His promises and words to David? This was likely in David's mind at that time when he pretended madness. He must be wondering how did he reach such a low point in his life? Wasn't his destiny supposed to be great? Wasn't his destiny was to be king, as spoken by prophet Samuel? It's like the whole world came crashing down on David. He was running for his life. He was escaping from King Saul. He even had to pretend madness, just to conceal his identity! 

See what happened next. 1 Samuel 22:1 says, 'David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him.' Now, 'cave' here speaks of 'darkness, fear, out in the cold'. Indeed, it was a 'cave' experience for David at that time. He was fleeing from King Saul, and he had nowhere to go. So he hid in the cave. 

Maybe you too are feeling the same at the moment regarding your career, your ministry, or in any area of your life. Maybe you don't know what to do and how to go about at this juncture anymore. Maybe you are at a 'crossroad' and you don't know which way to go. Maybe you don't see much hope in your future.

1 Samuel 22:2 says, 'And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to David.' In other words, the outcasts, the overlooked, and the misfits in the society at that time. And some of them were there with David. These were the people bitter in their souls. The broken people. 

Instead of being surrounded by dignitaries or the powerful people in the palace, David at that time saw himself surrounded by these broken people. And the Scripture says, 'So David became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.' Yes, in the cave. Having the same 'cave' experience. And even at the time when David himself was broken, God could still use him to touch the other broken people in the cave and raise them up.

To cut the whole story short, these broken people eventually became some of David's most faithful and powerful men (when David became king later in his life). In the darkness of the cave of Adullam, David became like a 'light' to these people. As time went by, these same people were renewed. Their hope rekindled. They were changed. They were transformed. Hallelujah!

You see, of all places, it was in that cave that God began to make clear David's path, the path that eventually led to him becoming the king in Israel. 

I believe one thing David had inside of him that made the difference is he's a worshiper of the Lord. Deep inside him, he has this deep relationship with the Lord. He has this deep faith and assurance in the Lord that the Lord isn't dead, and the Lord hasn't forgotten him. Deep inside him, he trusted in the Lord, and knew it's not over yet for him. He knew the Lord still remembers His promises and destiny for him. 

This 'cave' experience became like a base where David rose up again. In fact, stronger than ever before. You see, at that time, David could have crumbled and given up everything. He could have regressed into a lonely man, or turned into a miserable man. But, no. He didn't. With the Lord in him and with him; and by the grace of God, he rose up. And it was here that he became the leader of this group of seemingly 'useless' people in the eyes of the society. Not just that. They even turned into mighty warriors of the Lord! 

In 2 Samuel 23, the time nearing the end of David's life, you can see the summary of the great things done by some of these mighty men who served with David. And some of them were actually among the four hundred in the cave of Adullam! 

Cross-reference to Psalm 142:3. David prayed this when he was in the cave of Adullam. 'When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path...' Yes, the Lord knew his path. And beloved, the Lord knows your path too. Now, the word 'overwhelmed' here is 'ataph' in Hebrew. Interestingly, this word can mean 'in darkness, in chaos, in confusion'. Exactly like what the Lord has spoken today!

You see, the Lord will know how to show you the path forward, if you look to Him and seek Him. He always sees the 'big picture'. He always sees the end from the beginning, even when you can't. Your part is to be patient. Keep focusing on the Lord, not on your own situation or your own doubts. Everything will become clearer and clearer when you look to the Lord. 

So beloved, whatever 'cave' experience that you are going through at the moment, take heart. Keep looking to the Lord and trusting in the Lord. Do you know that God does great things in the cave? Let me show you the proof. Elijah was in the cave when God spoke to him further about the details of what's to come, and about what he should be doing, going forward. In fact, Jesus Himself was in the cave where His tomb was (yes, that was a kind of cave), before He resurrected! 

You see? Your 'cave' experience; seemingly in the dark, and seemingly not knowing what comes next; can be where God begins a new dawn in your life, where God begins a new work in your life, and where God prepares you for something great in the future! 

Like David in the cave! 

Like Elijah in the cave! 

Like Jesus Himself in the cave! 

Let us remember Proverbs 3:5-6 that says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.' 

Indeed, things are going to become clearer and clearer, as you seek the Lord, as you surrender yourself before the Lord, and as you continue to put your trust in the Lord. 

He will know how to direct your paths. He will know how to show you the way. He will know how to lead you into His destiny for your life. Amen! 

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Rise above your circumstances!

The Lord says: 

"A time to praise! A time to praise! Breakthrough and victory is waiting for you who keep praising! Never give up praising! Surround yourself with the garment of praise! Praise till you see My glory and My power coming! Praise till you know the enemy is being defeated!" 

The Lord says further: 

"Rise above every news that you hear, and keep praising! Rise above every circumstance that you face, and keep praising! As you lift your voice in praise, I will make the way clear for you! As you lift your voice in praise, I will destroy the works of the enemy against you!" 

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV) says, 'To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.' 

The word 'garment' here comes from the word 'ateh' in Hebrew, meaning 'to array oneself, to decorate oneself'. In the context here, it means to array yourself with the praises of the Lord. And that's how every form of heaviness or burden will be lifted away. That's what the Scripture mean here. 

So beloved, whatever situation you may be facing, or whatever not-so-good news you may have heard recently, continue to put on the 'garment of praise', arraying yourself with the praises of the Lord. Never give up praising. Praise like you have never praised this way before! Why? Because the Lord is saying your victory is at hand, and your breakthrough is on the way! 

Let's talk further about the power of praise, and why praises of the Lord should at all times be in your mouth. 

Psalm 149:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.' 

The words 'high praises' here is 'tehillah' in Hebrew, from the word 'haw-lal', and this word can mean 'to shine, to celebrate, to declare aloud, to make clear the way'. 

As you begin praising the name of the Lord, you are effectively making clear the way in every situation or circumstance of yours! 

Let's look now what happens when you let high praises of the Lord be in your mouth. The answer is amazing!

Psalm 149:7-9 (NKJV) says, 'To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment - this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!' 

So, count it as your privilege that you can praise the Lord this way. This is an honor for you. Because as you praise the name of the Lord, and as you lift up His name, He will begin to do all that have been written here in verse 7 to 9. 

Remember, you are not fighting flesh and blood, but against the spiritual power of darkness that tries to cause all kinds of problems against you. As you begin to lift your voice in praises, and lift your hands toward heaven, watch how the Lord will begin to take over your situation, and watch how the Lord will begin to 'execute judgment' on the power of the enemy against you. This is what the Scripture says here. Let's take Him at His Word! 

In cross-reference, let's go now to a rather familiar passage in the Scripture. 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NKJV) says, 'Now when they (Jehoshaphat and the people of God) began to sing and to praise (the same word 'tehillah'), the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.' 

And look here at 2 Chronicles 20:23. What happened here is amazing. 'For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.' 

In other words, the Lord began to execute vengeance and punishment against the people who came against the people of the Lord. You see, the enemies got so confused that they destroyed one another! This, my friend, is the power of your praises unto the Lord. You are causing the power of the enemies to be shaken!

Today, the Lord is saying that you too are like the 'Jehoshaphat' of today! 

By the way, the name 'Jehoshaphat' comes from two words in Hebrew. 

'Yehow' (or 'Yehovah') means 'The Self-Existent and Eternal God'. Your Yahweh. The I Am Who I Am. The I Will Be Who I Will Be. The Great I Am. The Almighty God. The El Shaddai. 

'Shaphat' means 'To execute judgment'. 

Therefore, never underestimate the power of your praises. As you begin to lift up the name of the Lord, and declare that the Lord is great and greatly to be praised, the power of darkness will tremble. Something good is going to happen. The Lord will know how to turn things around for you! Hallelujah!

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Break free from your past!

I had a dream the other day. In the dream, I saw someone I know who is God's beloved, and he is being constantly "haunted" by a certain idol of his past. The idol would just appear wherever he went, even though he had wanted to move on and forget those past. So, in the dream, I saw him struggling. He was struggling to ward off the idol. But the dream ended well. Eventually, with the help of other godly people, they all caught hold of the idol and broke it into pieces. That beloved of God was then set free. There's a breaking free. There's a new found joy for him. There's a fresh new start for him. 

The Lord then spoke: 

"Whatever from the past that has been 'haunting' you, there's now a breaking free! This is the time for breaking free! Because I want you to embrace the new. The new and exciting things ahead of you. Receive the anointing to break free from the past that holds you back and ties you up. Receive the anointing to break free from whatever curse that has bound you all these while. This is the time to receive such anointing. No more shall you be bound. There's a release right now. Receive also the joy that comes from heaven!" 

What is the meaning of 'to break free'? This can mean 'to escape from someone's hold'. In this case, someone you want to 'escape' from. This can mean 'to escape from the control of a person, group, or practice.' So, 'to break free' is 'to escape or to be released from such control.' 'To break free' can also mean 'to escape from whatever that bounds or imprisons you.' 

For you, beloved, it may not be like that person in the dream. It may not be a certain idol. It may be a certain person in the past. Of course, that person may not even know it. But in your memory, that person has been 'haunting' you. Or it may be an incident in the past that keeps 'haunting' you. Whatever it may be, there's one thing in common that you have with that person in the dream. What is that? You just want to move on. You don't want to be bound and tied up anymore by those memories of the past. Now, it may even be someone you fell in love with in the past or in your younger days, but things didn't work out. And you want to move on from there. 

So, different people different. Different people has different experience in life. Each of us has our own story in life. Today is the day of breaking free from those unpleasant memories. Receive the anointing by faith. I want to declare upon you, by faith, that you can now look ahead to the many new things, good things, ahead of you! Also, receive a new found joy and even new purpose in your life! The power of God is at hand right now to set you free, to cause you to break free, from whatever that has bound you! 

Isaiah 61:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.' 

Here, the prophet Isaiah spoke about Jesus, the Messiah. This has been fulfilled when Jesus came on earth. When He was in the synagogue in His hometown in Nazareth, He opened the scroll and read it, and said this has been fulfilled. That's in Luke chapter 4. 

So, this anointing has come. And in Christ Jesus, you can receive too. Yes, the anointing to set you free! The anointing for you to break free from whatever that ties you up! 

The word 'anoint' here is 'mashach' in Hebrew. It literally means 'to rub or sprinkle on with oil'. It can also mean 'to consecrate (or set apart) for the good works, for what's ahead of you'. 

For example, the priests in the Old Testament were anointed with oil before they began to serve the Lord. The oil that was rubbed on the head of those priests were an outward representation of the real spiritual work that's going on inside of them. That's for the priests in the Old Testament. But for you in the New Covenant, it works the same. It is a sign of the Holy Spirit upon your life, that the power of God is at hand to set you free and to empower you for what's ahead of you! 

If you look at Isaiah 61:1-2 just now, you'd see the word 'liberty'. The word 'liberty' here is 'deror' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to be free (from what bounds you), to move on (from the past), to clear away (from the past), to have a fresh new start'. 

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV) says, 'To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.' 

You see here? Exchanging ashes with beauty. Exchanging mourning with joy of the Lord. Exchanging spirit of heaviness with praise. Instead of ashes, you have beauty. Instead of mourning, you have the joy of the Lord. Yes, your mourning turned into dancing. Dance of joy! And instead of spirit of heaviness, whatever that burdens you, you begin to praise the Lord! Praising the Lord with the liberty in your spirit and soul! And the Lord is right now releasing the oil of joy from heaven upon you! 

Those days, when people were in mourning, ashes would be put on the head. But now, the joy of the Lord is upon you! The oil of the Lord is put on your head instead! 

Now, why 'ashes'? When something gets burned and turned into ashes, it cannot be physically restored anymore. It's hopeless. It's gone. It cannot be turned back to the original shape before it's being burned. But you know what? Here, the Lord is doing a miracle. The ashes turned into something of a beauty again! That's what He is doing in your life right now. Receive this by faith! 

Isaiah 61:4 (NKJV) says, 'And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolation of many generations.' 

Even though this chapter is specifically referring to Israel, but this applies to you too who is God's beloved. You can receive all these promises in Isaiah 61 as well. 

God loves you, and He wants to restore and rebuild whatever in your life that has been ruined and broken down. So, this is your time for restoration and repair. No matter how deep the hurts may be, nothing is impossible for the Lord to repair and restore. Yes, repairing and restoring your life. 

So right now, beloved, surrender your situation to the Lord. Surrender all those past that have been pulling you back and holding you back. Maybe you feel that you have been tied up. Maybe you feel that you cannot move ahead to embrace the new that the Lord has for you. The Lord is saying to you right now that there's hope for you. Today, you can be set free. Today, the anointing has been rubbed on you. You can break free to embrace the new that the Lord has for you! Hallelujah!

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