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." 

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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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