You will rise again!

The Lord says: 

"After the darkest hour, comes dawn and sunrise! I am declaring to you that darkness has gone, and My light has come! This is your time to receive My power and strength to rise again! Rise above and over all those 'desolate' and 'desert' times! Rise above and over all those pains and sorrows! For your time has come to arise and shine!" 

Beloved of God, whatever 'darkness' or 'storm' that you've been going through recently, the Lord is saying to you today: "You will rise again!" 

Isaiah 60:1 (Amplified Bible) says, 'Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.' Amen! 

There can be times God allows a "winter" time in your life, when everything seems to be dormant, and nothing seems to be happening in your life. And sometimes you feel like your life is going nowhere. Take heart. The Lord hasn't forgotten you. 

There can be times God even closes certain doors for you. This is not meant to harm you or hinder you. This is actually to protect you and prevent certain future trouble or danger in your life. Maybe you cannot foresee it yet. And you may not even understand why. Some people may even question Him. Some people may even be angry at Him or have a "cold war" with Him. But you know what? God sees long term. God sees the end from the beginning. God sees farther than any one of us can. God knows better.

Of course, waiting time is never easy. Imagine you wait for the bus or the train, and the bus or the train takes ages to arrive. No one says it's easy. But God is assuring you today that He still has you in His mind, and He hasn't forgotten you. He still remembers His plan for you, which is of future and of hope. 

I mean, you look at Moses. You look at Joseph. You look at David. And many others in the Bible. All had to wait before God's promises came to pass in their lives. Each of them had their "downtime" as well. They saw darker times before the 'dawn' or before the 'sunrise', so to speak. 

Look at the example of Jesus now. After having been baptized by John the Baptist, this was the next thing that happened. Matthew 4:1 (NKJV) says, 'Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.' 

You see, it wasn't that He stumbled into the wilderness, but He was led up by the Spirit of God into the wilderness. So, instead of greater glory of God happening to Jesus after the water baptism, he was now led into the wilderness! In other words, from the cool waters of Jordan River where He was baptized, He was now led into the barren desert! From the water of baptism, now the fire of temptation or testing! 

The word 'wilderness' here is 'eremos' in Greek. It can mean 'solitary, desolate, desert, lonesome, waste'. Have you recently been going through a time you thought has been wasted? Or at least wasted in the eyes of this world? Take heart. To God, it wasn't a waste. It was a preparation time for even greater things for your life! 

Just like Jesus, why would He be led into the wilderness ('eremos') to be tempted or tested? Because God the Father had greater things prepared for Him! So it is the same with you, beloved. Hang on there! Hang on strong! Keep setting your eyes on God! Keep looking to God! Keep your focus on God! You know why? Because your 'dawn' time is coming! Your 'sunrise' time is coming! 

The word 'tempted' here in Matthew 4:1 is 'peirazo' in Greek. This word 'peirazo' is more accurately translated as 'testing' instead of 'temptation'. That is why many Bible scholars actually felt it is more proper to refer this 'temptation of Jesus' in Matthew 4 as 'the testing of Jesus'. 

You know what? Jesus passed this test! He passed with flying colors! How did He do it? He focused on God! He focused on the Word of God! Three times the devil tested Him, and three times Jesus said: "It is written... It is written... It is written..." The devil had no choice but to leave Him. 

See what's next. Matthew 4:13-16 (NKJV) says, 'And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali... The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned."' 

This prophecy of Isaiah came to pass! From that time onwards, Jesus embarked on His earthly ministry, preaching the kingdom of heaven wherever He went. In other words, the time had come for Jesus to arise and shine on this earth! 

The same it is with you, beloved. The time has come for you to arise and shine, whatever God has purposed for you to be and to do! 

Let's continue with Matthew 4:23 (NKJV). It says, 'And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.' 

The word 'healing' here is 'therapeuo'. It means 'to relieve (of disease), to cure, to put in order (what is not in order)'. I like this: 'to put in order (what is not in order)'. 

Today, the same it is with you! The Lord is putting in order what has not been in order in your life! Receive this by faith! Receive that healing! Receive that cure! Receive that 'therapeuo'! Spiritually and physically!

Matthew 4:25 (NKJV) then says, 'Great multitudes followed Him - from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.' In other words, from all over! And you know what? Jesus never looked back ever since. His ministry was effectively launched, and that changed the world like no one else had done before or after!

And it all began with Him being led into the wilderness ('eremos')! So, never doubt God when you seem to have been in your wilderness ('eremos'). Now, what is 'eremos' again? Desolation. Loneliness. Wastage. Desert. A time when nothing seems to be happening in your life. But you know what? These are times to prepare you for greater things! These are times to get you ready to launch! And the Lord is saying that time of 'launching' has come in your life! Amen!

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I have a disturbing dream. Urgent message from the Lord!

I had a dream the other night. This may not be comfortable to some of you, but it is necessary for me to share this. Why? Because the Lord tells me to do so. I just want to obey God's instructions. 

In the dream, I saw a group of believers of Christ in a building. A commotion then broke out. Some gunmen broke into the building and kept shooting at the believers to kill them. It was not a good sight. Like everyone else in the building, I ran to look for cover. While I was doing that, the gunmen kept shooting and killing the believers of Christ. 

It's actually a long dream, but for this prophetic message today, it suffices to only share this part of the dream. Upon waking up, I asked the Lord why this dream. This dream isn't necessarily literal, but this dream can be symbolic in nature. As I woke up from the dream, I prayed in the spirit. I prayed in the spirit for some time. 

The Lord then said: 

"Tell My people... Be alert and be vigilant. For the enemy has begun coming out in full force against My people. It may even be done in a very subtle way. The aim is to destroy My people's faith and trust in Me. The aim is to confuse and to cause losses to My people. The enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. This is not the Lion of Judah. This is a counterfeit. This is the enemy of the Lion of Judah. And he is on a 'mission' to destroy My people who have been caught unaware spiritually. The intention is to assassinate My people's faith and My people's walk with Me." 

Speaking of 'roaring lion' here, 1 Peter 5:8 says, 'Be sober, be vigilant (i.e. be watchful and alert in your spirit), because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.' 

The expression 'seeking whom he may devour' here shows that the enemy actually cannot 'touch' you or devour you, if you don't allow him to do so. The enemy is just seeking whom he may devour. You see, the Scripture never says the enemy will surely devour you. But the Scripture says 'seeking whom he may devour'. This means you can take the necessary steps to prevent the evil and to overcome the evil. And if God is with you, and with God's Spirit with you, you shall triumph over whatever that's being conjured up by the enemy against you. The truth is your God is infinitely greater and wiser than any plan, conspiracy, or strategy conjured up by the enemy. 

And then, one verse later, 1 Peter 5:9 says, 'Resist him, steadfast in the faith...' This is the solution that the Scripture gives us. Resist the devil. Turn away from the devil. And stay strong and steady in your faith and in your trust in the Lord. How? Keep receiving from God. Keep hearing God's Word. Keep receiving from the Holy Spirit. Remember, Word and Spirit, Spirit and Word. Keep worshiping the Lord. Worship Him in spirit and in truth. Keep praying in the spirit. Never underestimate the power of prayer. And as you pray, heaven comes down. God's kingdom come, God's will be done. 

The Lord then said further: 

"This is the time to deepen your walk with Me, and walk ever closer with Me. Wash your heart. Wash your hands. Clear away what is unholy in your life, and begin walking in purity and holiness. Because the enemy cannot 'touch' what is holy. Keep receiving from My Spirit, for My Spirit is the Spirit of holiness. Let it flow into your life, and let Me cleanse what needs to be cleansed in your life. Present your life to Me all over again. And fear not. Because I am with you to help you. See My blood covering you. See Me covering you with My blood that has been shed for you on the cross." 

So beloved of God, fear not! God has a solution for you! 

How to triumph over the evil plans of the enemy? How to prevent those evil? How to overcome those conspiracies of the enemy? 

1. See yourself coming under the covering of God! 

Jesus has become your covering! Psalm 91:1-4 says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.'

The word 'cover' here is interesting. It is 'sawkak' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to shut up (the enemy), to defend (you), or to hedge (you)'. Like the parent eagle that spreads the wings to protect the eaglets. It can also mean 'to join together (with you) in the face of the enemy'. And that's what 'sawkak' means here. He is your covering. He is your defender. He is your hedge. He joins together with you against the enemy. He shuts up the enemy, and shuts out the enemy! 

And then, Psalm 91:5-6 says, 'You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.' 

So, fear not, people of God! If you look to the Lord, the Lord will know how to fight for you. The Lord will know how to shield you. The Lord will know how to lead you and guide you to be at the right place at the right time. Amen!

2. Walk in purity and holiness! 

Why? Because the enemy cannot 'touch' you if you walk in purity and holiness of the Lord. 

1 Peter 1:15-16 says, 'But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. Because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."' 

So, be holy in all your conduct. It means inwardly and outwardly. Not just a facade and for show in the outward to impress others. But holiness in the inward and also holiness in the outward. It means what is in the inside of a person is what is on the outside of that person. It means being consistent when the person is in the private and when the person is in the public. That's what God means here when He says, 'in all your conduct'.

So, right now, beloved of God, allow the Holy Spirit to wash you clean. Allow the Holy Spirit to clear what needs to be cleared in your life. Now, that takes humility on our part. That takes laying down our pride on our part. Present yourself to the Lord again. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord again - spirit, soul, body; mind, will, emotions. 

Let your eyes be cleansed. Yes, spiritual eyes and even physical eyes. There is power in walking in purity and holiness. And you know what? Everything is going to be so clear in your spirit. You will begin to see and understand many things in the spirit. There will be clarity. You will begin to make right decisions in your life. Why? Because there is clarity in your spirit.

3. Walk ever closer with the Holy Spirit! 

You know why? As you walk closer and closer with the Holy Spirit, you become so in tune with the Holy Spirit, and you can 'catch' what the Holy Spirit wants to tell you or even warn you. Yes, the Holy Spirit can warn us. Why? In order to prevent evil, dangers, or pitfalls in our lives. 

The Holy Spirit can give you promptings. The Holy Spirit can give you dreams to tell you in advance what to go ahead and what to avoid, who to associate with and who to dissociate with, and when to move on and when to let go. In other words, when to go ahead and when to stop.  

In my personal walk with God, I thank God that He has helped me so many times in every season of my life through dreams He gives to me to show me my direction in life. At times, I do say this to Him: "What? Time to let go and move on again?" And then I would seek the Lord for further confirmation, and the Lord would show me further confirmation till I am convinced. Till I say: "Okay. Yes, Sir! I will obey, even though I don't fully understand yet why You do so." 

But as I look back in my life, I'm glad I obeyed Him all these while. And by the grace of God and by the help of God, I want to continue to obey Him every step of the way, going forward. 

That's why it's so important to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Walk closer and closer with the Holy Spirit. And that's when you'll be led by the Holy Spirit. That's when you'll be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not led and guided by your flesh, or by your own mind. 

And sometimes, when you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, it may even be illogical to your mind. But you know what? The Holy Spirit will not go wrong. He is all-knowing and all-wise. He sees farther than any one of us can. And He can lead you to be at the right place at the right time, every season of your life. You will not end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Romans 8:14 says, 'Those who are led by the Spirit of the Lord, these are sons of God.' 

You see, true sons and true daughters of God are those who are led by the Holy Spirit in every area of their lives. It means they allow the Holy Spirit to lead them in every area of their lives. Not just one area. Not just two areas. But in every area of their lives. These are the people who would bare their souls to the Lord. They will not keep anything from the Lord. They will not hide certain compartments of their lives from the Lord. They bare it all to the Lord. They worship the Lord in total surrender.  

In cross-reference, Ezekiel 36:27 says, "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." 

This is prophetic of our times now as believers in Christ. The word 'cause' here is 'awsaw' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to bestow upon (you), do a work in (you), bring (you) forth, or lead (you)'. So, the Holy Spirit can do a work in you and can lead you to walk in God's ways. That's what 'awsaw' means here. The Holy Spirit does all this inside of you, so that you will begin to walk in all that the Lord has spoken, instructed, and commanded you. That's what 'cause you to walk in His statutes' mean here. When He says so, you say so; when He says no, you say no. When He says go ahead, you go ahead. When He says let go and move on, you let go and move on. Yes, even at times you don't fully understand yet why He does so and so, or why He says so and so. But one day you will understand. He knows better. He sees further. Because He is God, and we are not. 

And you will also keep His judgments, as you can see in Ezekiel 36:27 here, "You will keep My judgments and do them." This can also mean you discern what is of God and what is not. You judge what is of God and what is not. You know how to differentiate and separate between what is of God and what is not. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, sensitize our spirit to be so in tune with Your Spirit. Show us any area in our lives that hinders us from receiving and hearing from You. Let there be no hindrance anymore. Purify us. Sanctify us. Wash us white as snow. We want to be a people who are walking so close with You. We thank You for Your words today. In a time like this, lead us to be at the right place and right time. Teach us to be watchful and alert to our surroundings, both in the spiritual realm and physical realm. We want to be a people who are overcomers. We want to be a people who triumph over whatever plan, conspiracy, or work of the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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Differentiating between what is of God and what is not

Recently, I dreamt of a person whom I know, a beloved of God, and he was approached by someone whom he has lost touch with for a long time but suddenly reappeared and wanted to meet up. The dream was so real. In the dream, I literally knew there was a red flag. I knew in my spirit that person who reappeared didn't come with good intention, and meant to take advantage of that beloved of God. 

When I woke up, I prayed for protection, wisdom, and discernment for that beloved of God. Now, why do I share this? Because the Lord also has a general message for all of us, His beloved. What is that message?  

The Lord says: "Beware, My people! Be alert, My people! The enemy has begun using very new means and new ways to deceive you and bring you into agreement with him! Do not buy all those deceptions! Do not allow yourself to come into agreement with what the enemy offers! This is the time to receive My wisdom and discernment to deal with all those trickeries of the enemy! I am releasing such wisdom and discernment upon you now!" 

Before we go further, what is the definition of this word 'discernment'? It is 'diakrisis' in Greek. It means 'to separate (what is, and what is not) thoroughly'. In the context of our message today, it means 'to separate what is of God and what is not of God'. In other words, is the 'offer' from God? Or is the 'offer' not of God? Or worse still, is the 'offer' coming directly from the enemy in order to trap you? 

I'm not just talking about financial scams here. It's more than that. I'm talking also about spiritual or religious deception. And all kinds of other deceptions. So, beware, God's people! 

That's why, in this perilous and dangerous time, you need the Holy Spirit in your life all the more! Communing with the Holy Spirit all the more! Walking closer and closer with the Holy Spirit all the more! You see, Holy Spirit should always be your closest friend and best friend in life! You know why? Because Holy Spirit knows all, and is all-wise, and is wiser than all the trickeries of human or the devil put together! 

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said this: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless (innocent) as doves." 

Many people ask this question: "What does 'Be wise as serpents' mean here?" Don't get Jesus wrong. Jesus didn't say you become a serpent! No! That's not what Jesus meant. But what Jesus meant here is no matter how tricky or deceptive the devil or any bad person is, you are still able to handle it, counter it, and overcome it. In other words, God can give you this ability to deal with the most extreme of trickeries or deceptions that the devil or bad people conjure up. 

Now, here's a piece of good news for you. What is that good news? The Lord is releasing His wisdom and discerning ability upon you right now! Receive this by faith, beloved. You know why? Because you are going to need this. As you receive, you can develop it and train yourself to be more and more discerning. With this ability, you can detect and discern who is trying to take advantage of you, use you, or even abuse you. And with this ability, you can also detect and discern what is behind (or beneath) the outward show, facade, or sweet talk of certain so and so. 

But what is the key for you to have this ability? The key is to follow the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit! Remember, for those who are led by the Holy Spirit, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14). So, right now, let the Holy Spirit work in you, in the inside of you. With the Holy Spirit with you and in you, you can sense if you have 'peace' or 'no peace' in your spirit regarding something. You can sense if you have the 'green light' or 'red light' regarding something. The Holy Spirit will show you. Follow the Holy Spirit's leading, guidance, and direction, and you'll be doing fine. Amen! 

Therefore, beloved of God, allow your life to be Holy Spirit led, and not 'sweet talk' led, 'human idea' led, or 'human ideology' led. You know why? Because not every human idea is from God. 

What is the key to receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance? Spend time with the Word and with the Spirit! Remember, Word and Spirit, Spirit and Word! These are pillars in your walk with God! 

In John 8:31-32, Jesus says: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

Free in what? Free in every sense of the word 'free' here. Free not just from any bondage or curse, but also free from any deception or lies of the enemy!

In John 14:26, Jesus says: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name (He has already sent), He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." 

The more you spend time with the Word of God and the Spirit of God, the more likely you'll be able to discern correctly what is of God and what is not of God. There's really no other way around it. That's why the enemy will do anything to distract you from reading the Word of God and praying in the spirit. Because the enemy knows how powerful these are! 

As you read this message today, receive also the impartation of God's wisdom and discernment upon your life! Receive God's wisdom in a greater measure! Receive God's enabling in a greater measure! Receive discernment in a greater measure. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we want to respond to Your words today. We want to walk deeper in Your Word and Your Spirit. We receive Your divine wisdom to know what we ought to do and what we ought not to do. We receive discernment as to what is of You and what is not of You. Lead us, guide us, and teach us to make the right decisions in our lives, going forward. Lead us, guide us, and teach us to avoid the traps and pitfalls that the enemy has set for us. We thank You, O Lord, for giving us the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things, who is all-knowing and all-wise, and who sees farther than any one of us can see. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

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You have a weapon that punctures the enemy!

The Lord says for this time: 

"Never give up speaking My Word over your situation! Never give up declaring My Word over your situation! For My Word is like a sword, like a hammer, like a dagger, and like a fire! My Word slays the enemy! My Word pierces through the darkness! My Word penetrates and punctures the power of the evil one! My Word burns, cleanses, and purges! My Word overcomes!" 

There are many symbols of the Word of God in the Bible. One is sword. The other is hammer. Another is fire. Yet another is dagger. These are, among others, symbolic of the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) says, 'For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword...' 

In Jeremiah 23:29 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Is not My word like a fire? And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" 

For today, let's zero in on 'dagger' as symbolic of the Word of God. You can see this in Judges chapter 3 about this person named Ehud. For the record, there was an era when God's people were ruled by judges who led them through different crisis and challenges. One of these judges was Ehud.  

'Ehud' in Hebrew means 'united, joined, strong'. This reflected the unity and strength that Ehud brought to God's people those days. 

So, let's go to the Bible now and look at Judges 3:14-15. At that time, God's people have been conquered by a king named Eglon (a king of Moab); and they have served Eglon for eighteen years. But when God's people cried out to the Lord because of the oppression they have suffered under Eglon, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them named Ehud.

The Bible tells us that Ehud made himself a dagger (it was double-edged and about one foot in length), and he strapped it under his clothes on his right thigh. One day, after paying a tribute to Eglon, he took the dagger and thrust it into Eglon's belly, and Eglon died.

Now, let me be clear on this. As believers today under the New Covenant, we are not fighting (or wrestling against) flesh and blood, but against all those spiritual forces of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12). Rather, this act of piercing through Eglon's body with the dagger is symbolic of the Word of God piercing through the power of darkness that oppresses us! 

Beloved of God, no matter how weak you think you are, or how dead your situation may be, or how hard-pressed you are right now, the Word of God that you speak and declare over your situation is powerful and alive! Never underestimate the power of the Word of God! It effectively penetrates and punctures the power of darkness that tries to have a hold on you! 

So, go ahead! Speak it! Declare it! Proclaim it! Whatever Bible verse (or Bible verses) the Lord has shown you, given you, or put in your heart in this time and season, speak it and declare it over your situation! There is a reason the Lord shows you all these Bible verses. Use it! Wield it! Like Ehud did against Eglon! Draw it out! Strike it against the power of darkness that tries to oppress you, whatever the oppression may be! You have this spiritual weapon, the Word of God, that is more powerful than any word of darkness or work of darkness that comes against you! 

Like Ehud, you can change the situation that you are facing now, whatever the situation may be. For some, it may be a problem in your health. For some others, it may be a lingering problem in your family. Yet for some others, it may be a sticky situation at your workplace. How? By declaring God's Word into being! By speaking God's Word over your situation! 

So, watch and see what are the words that the Lord has been speaking to you in this time and season. Use it! Speak it! Declare it! Declare it over your life! Declare it over your situation! Declare it over your family! Declare it over every area of your life!

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Words from the Lord: "A time for reset and new beginning!"

The Lord says: 

"There's a refreshing in the spirit and a fresh outpouring being released upon you right now. Whatever that has been stale and stagnant, I am releasing a freshness from My Spirit right now. Do not look back. Do not linger in all those regrets and disappointments that you've had. For I am saying to you there will be many new beginnings as you walk into this new month." 

The Lord says:

"The enemy has tried to break you, and there have been times you are on the verge of giving up, but I have been there with you all along. You may not see it, but I have been there. I am now releasing a new strength and fresh anointing upon you. The anointing that breaks every yoke and bondage. You will have a new authority in the spirit. You will have the authority to overcome what you've not been able to overcome in the recent months. Receive this authority by faith." 

The Lord says for this month: 

"This month, I am resetting many things that have gone wrong in your life. Look to Me and receive from Me. For I have a rescue plan for you. I will know how to draw you out from the miry clay and set you upon the rock. I will know how to pull you out of the pit and the dungeon that the enemy has tried to throw you into. For I have given you the anointing and authority to overcome. I have given you the victory!" 

The term 'miry clay' here is used in the Bible to describe a thick, sticky, and muddy substance that can trap and ensnare you. Therefore, 'miry clay' speaks of a difficult, unstable, or perilous situation that you are facing, and evokes a sense of getting stuck, bogged down, or unable to move on or progress in your life. 

So beloved of God, if you have been stuck, or bogged down, or cannot progress in your life, this message is for you! 

Psalm 40:2 (NKJV) says, 'He also brought me up out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.' 

Psalm 60:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. That Your beloved may be delivered. Save with Your right hand, and hear me.' 

The word 'banner' here is 'nes' in Hebrew. It literally means 'flag'. What does this speak of? It speaks of God's victory for His beloved. And that's you and I! That's why, no matter what you have been going through in your life recently, this is your time to claim your victory! 

In cross-reference, Exodus 17:13-16 (NKJV) says, 'So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." And Moses built an altar and called its name, THE-LORD-IS-MY-BANNER; for he said, "Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."' 

THE-LORD-IS-MY-BANNER here is 'YHWH Nissi' in Hebrew. This word 'Nissi' is from the word 'nes' in Hebrew, which we saw just now, and it speaks of God's victory for His beloved. 

What does 'Amalek' signify here? This name 'Amaleq' in Hebrew speaks of 'unprovoked attack or habitual attack against God's beloved'. In other words, constantly finding any chance or opportunity to attack God's beloved. 

In response to this attack, Moses told Joshua's army to fight a military battle against the Amalekites. If you look at the Scripture, Joshua's army relied on the Lord as they fought this battle. With the Lord's help, and with the Lord's guidance, they eventually won! It was an outright victory. It was a resounding victory. Why? Because the Lord was with them! The Lord is their Banner! YHWH Nissi! 

Back to David now in Psalm 60:4-5. Here, David was also going through a time when he faced attack from the enemy. And what did David do? If you look at Psalm 60, he looked to the Lord! He looked to the Lord who would raise a banner against the attack of the enemy. You see again? A banner! YHWH Nissi! The Lord our Banner! The Lord our victory! 

So beloved of God, whatever the attack of the enemy may be; be it in your health, in your family, in your career, in the ministry, or in any area of your life; look to the Lord who is your YHWH Nissi! He will know how to rescue you! He will know how to give you the victory! 

We've read Psalm 60:4-5 in New King James Version (NKJV). Now let's read from New Living Translation (NLT). This is interesting. This is how the translators put it: 'But You have raised a banner for those who fear You - a rallying point in the face of attack. Now rescue Your beloved people. Answer and save us by Your power.' 

You see, not by the power of man, but by the power of God! 

By the way, what is 'a rallying point'? It is defined as 'someone or something that unites the people in the face of an attack'. In our context here, the Lord is uniting and joining together with us in the face of an attack by the enemy. And if God is joined together with you, if God is with you, if God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

The word 'rescue' here in Psalm 60 is 'khawlats' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to draw you out (from trouble)', or 'to pull you out (from danger)'. That's exactly what God is doing in your life right now! 

Not just that. The Lord is also resetting many things that have gone wrong in your life! Now, different people different. For some of you, it may be in the area of health. For some of you, it may be in the area of finance. For some of you, it may be in your career. And for some of you, it may be in the ministry. Whatever it may be, the Lord is saying to you today that He is resetting many things that have gone wrong in your life! 

The word 'reset' can be defined as 'to set things (afresh and anew) again'. So, today, allow the Lord to reset you! It is like you resetting your password. Why do people reset their password? There are a few reasons. One reason can be to enhance security against any hacker or any cyber attack. Another reason may be they have forgotten their old password. Yet another reason may be simply because they just want to start afresh. 

Whatever your situation may be, the Lord wants to reset your life and your situation. Why? So that the enemy cannot 'touch' you, 'attack' you, or 'compromise' you anymore! That's why the Lord is resetting you! Yes, resetting your situation! Turning things right side up! Turning things for your good! Reversing whatever the enemy has done against you! Rolling it back against the enemy! So that you will come forth even stronger than before! Amen! Hallelujah!

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Entering the realm of miracles and breakthroughs!

The Lord says:

"Tell My people this is the time to declare heaven to open over and above their heads." 

The Lord says further: 

"For My light is shining bright upon My people in spite of the darkness surrounding them in the world. For My glory is coming such as has never been seen on earth. Look up therefore, and receive from Me."

The Lord wants you to enter His realm of victory, breakthrough, and miracles! 

What are the miracles that you need in your life right now? What are the breakthroughs that you need in your life right now? It may be in your health. It may be in your finance. It may be in your career. It may be in the ministry. Or in any area of your life. Let the King of glory come into that area. Amen! 

Remember, He has been resurrected, and in Him is life! He has victory over whatever that's dead or hopeless. So, present to the Lord whatever that's dead or hopeless in your life. Let God breathe life into those situation of yours. 

In John 1:51, Jesus said to Nathanael, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." 

And you know what? The very next moment after that, Jesus performed His very first miracle on earth! What was that miracle? He turned water into wine!

I want to declare upon you that whatever that you are running out of, or whatever that you are lacking, the Lord is filling it right now!

John 2:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."'

'On the third day' here is symbolic of 'the resurrection of Jesus, and the fact that He is very much alive today'. 

'Jesus being invited' here speaks of 'Jesus being invited into your life and even in your situation'. 

'Wine' here speaks of 'the joy and every good thing in life'. 

Just for a cross-reference. In the English Standard Version (ESV), Nehemiah 8:10 says: And he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine, and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

See the word 'wine' there? 

As you receive the joy that comes from the above, you'll also have the strength to carry on and look forward in your life. With a new vigor! With a new hope! 

As a matter of fact, one of the reasons Jesus came on earth is to set you free from every sorrow! 

Beloved of God, surrender whatever sorrow (or even pain) that you have to the Lord. He is here to set you free from all these! 

And whatever your 'sticky situation' that you have right now, the Lord is assuring you that He will always have a solution to all these! Nothing is too difficult for Him. All things are possible to Him. You believe this, and you shall receive. Just do not limit how God is going to do it. 

John 2:6-8 (NKJV) says, 'Now there were set there six waterpots of stone... containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them (those who were serving in the wedding banquet), "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.' 

You see, whatever Jesus said, they did it accordingly. Now, that's the same key for you to enter the realm of miracles and breakthroughs. Whatever He says, you do. 

See what happened next. John 2:9-11 (NKJV) says, 'When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.'

Today, the Lord is saying here right now, that you too are entering such realm! The realm of miracles and breakthroughs! By faith, see yourself walking in it!

Prayer: 

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your words today. You are a God who turns our sorrow into joy, and our mourning into dancing! You are a God of signs, wonders and miracles. We want to walk in this realm of miracles and breakthroughs right now. We want to walk under Your open heaven here on earth right now. We look to You, and we present to You our lives. We present to You our situation right now, especially those sticky and challenging ones. Come and shine Your light on all these. Come and have Your way. We receive Your miracle, by faith. We receive Your breakthrough, by faith. We receive the victory that You have won for us, by faith. Every hindrance, be gone! Every sickness, be gone! Every work of darkness that comes against us, be gone! In the name of Jesus. Amen!"

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Receive peace in the midst of the 'storm'

The Lord says: 

"Receive My peace in the midst of the 'storms'. Look to Me, no matter what you are going through or what you see happening in the world around you. For I am still in control. I am a sovereign God. My perfect will be done. Be not shaken. Be afraid not. Be anxious not. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you." 

No matter what 'storm' you may be facing at the moment, be it 'storm' in your family, 'storm' in your health, 'storm' in your finance, 'storm' in your workplace, or whatever 'storm' you may be facing, take heart, because the Lord is releasing His peace upon you and inside of you. 

In John 14:27, Jesus says, "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." 

No one and nothing can take away this peace of the Lord from you. The peace that the world cannot give to you, but that comes only from the Lord. This peace stays in you. This peace reigns in you. This peace is greater. This peace overcomes whatever 'storm' or 'turbulence' that's happening in and around you. Amen! 

Isaiah 26:3-4 says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.' 

If your mind is stayed on the Lord, He will keep you in perfect peace. So, no matter what you may be facing, trust in the Lord who is your everlasting strength. What does 'everlasting strength' mean here? It means He is like the Rock that cannot be shaken. Ever! He is the Rock of all ages - in times past, now, and forevermore. Amen!

So, set your mind on Him, and let your mind stayed on Him, instead of on the issues or troubles around you. 

The word 'peace' here is 'shalom' in Hebrew. So, 'perfect peace' means 'perfect shalom'. This word 'shalom' can mean 'peace (in every sense of this word), safety, wellness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, favor'. As you can see here, it has a broad meaning. 

This word 'shalom' comes from the word 'shalam' in Hebrew, meaning 'to be completely safe and secure'. You know what this means? This means the peace of the Lord that you receive from Him makes you completely safe and secure, no matter what the 'storm' may be around you! 

By the way, when we say 'storm' here, it means 'anything that is disturbing', 'anything that is troubling', or 'anything that is tumultuous'.

What are the 'storms' around you at the moment? What are the 'storms' that you are facing at the moment? 

Look to the Lord. Receive His shalom peace. Receive His perfect peace. Set your mind on Him. And trust in Him that He is still in control, and He will somehow work things out for you. Amen!

Philippians 4:6-7 says, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' 

What is the meaning of 'peace which surpasses all understanding' here? It means 'peace that goes beyond what the human mind can fully grasp or comprehend', or 'peace that transcends any rational thought and emotional turmoil'. 

And whenever you see no peace around you, what do you do? Pray! Pray the perfect will of God over the situation. Pray that the peace of the Lord will reign over the situation. Yes, pray even for the situation that you see in the world, that God's perfect will be done. Amen! 

Philippians 4:8-9 says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, this do, and the God of peace will be with you.' 

The word 'meditate' here is 'logizomai' in Greek, and in the context here, it means 'to think the same (as how God thinks)'. In other words, think as He thinks. Think the way He wants you to think. Think the way the Scripture teaches you to think. Be of the same mind with His mind! Be on the same wavelength with Him! 

This word 'meditate' here can be a cross-reference to Isaiah 26:3 that says you will have perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him, and you trust in Him. Trust in Him that He is still in control. Trust in Him that He knows how to work things out for you. Indeed, He has the solution to all your situation!

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How to survive and thrive in these chaotic times?

No denying we are living in a chaotic time in the world right now. So, how do you survive and thrive in these chaotic times? How do you rise above the 'storms' that the world is facing right now? 

Economic storms. Geopolitical storms. Wars and rumors of war. Trade wars. Stock market meltdown. Uncertainties all around. Higher inflation. Job losses. Possible recession, or even depression. You name it. 

But you know what? In spite of all these, you can look to the Lord who is a God of wisdom and revelation. We don't look to man. But we look to the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Jesus!  

With the economic shakings and turmoil that's happening right before our eyes, more people are going to suffer. But no matter what happens around you, beloved of God, fear not! Because if you look to the Lord and put all your trust in the Lord, instead of in man, the Lord will show you a way. He will give you the wisdom and revelation that you need to rise above all these mess. 

The good news here is the Lord does have the answer. If you abide in Him and keep following Him (your True Shepherd), you will not need to fear. Like a sheep following the shepherd closely, you will find green pastures. You will be still and know that He is God. Jesus is Lord! You will be at peace in the midst of the storms. Amen! 

What can we do in such chaotic times?

1. Be ready to think 'outside the box'! 

To think 'outside the box' means to think in a different way from the status quo. The key is to ask Him. Ask Him for His wisdom and revelation how to go about. Now, 'wisdom' means 'knowing what to do and how to go about'. And that's when you will find your 'niche'. You will find a way out in the midst of the storms. 

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

If you look at Luke 5:3-6, you would see how Jesus told Simon Peter to 'launch out' and 'spread the fishing net for a catch', when conventional thinking is that it's impossible to get a catch at that time of the day. For the record, Simon Peter and his fellow fishermen had already toiled all night and caught nothing. But you know what? When Simon Peter listened to Jesus and obeyed Jesus' instruction to spread the net again, he saw a great catch of fish! It was a miraculous catch! So much so he had to call his friends to come and help out! 

3. Be ready to change! 

I know change is uncomfortable. But this is a time of major changes. The Lord is in the midst of changing the way we think. The Lord is in the midst of changing the way we do things. The Lord is changing the way we perceive things. And He's saying that this is the time to prepare your 'new wineskins for the new wine'. That's what He said in Matthew 9:17. So, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you to make the necessary changes in your life. Now, different people different. The Holy Spirit will show you the specifics that works for you in this time and season. You see, what used to work in the past may not work in this new season. So, be open. Stay humble before the Lord. Your heart needs to stay soft before the Lord, like a sponge. Stay 'pliable' and willing when the Lord asks you to change certain things in your life or certain areas of your life. 

4. Keep sowing the seeds of love and kindness 

In other words, keep doing good to others. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-10 that we are not to grow weary while doing good, because in due season, we shall reap what we sow. So, if you sow love and kindness  to others, you will receive love and kindness in return. God will take care of that. God will see to it that it will happen. Because He's not dead. He's a God who is alive! But if you sow greed and hatred, you will reap the consequences of it. So, sow what is of the Holy Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Amen! When many people are tempted to do the opposite, you stay in the love of Christ, and keep bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. You will be rewarded openly. The Lord will know how to reward you even in ways you have not imagined yet. 

5. Clear what needs to clear! 

Clear away all those burdens! The Lord wants your life to be light and easy. In other words, clear your clutter! Clear away your unwholesome things! Clear away your sins! Wash your heart. Wash your hands. Let the blood of Jesus continue to wash you clean. Let the water of His Word continue to wash you clean. Let the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness, continue to cleanse you from the inside out. Continue to spend time with the Word of God. Read the Word of God often. Pray in the spirit often. Walk in holiness and purity. Walk in humility and simplicity the way Jesus has taught us to walk. 

6. Be agile and flexible! 

What is 'to be agile'? 'To be agile' means 'to be able to move quickly and easily when the need arises'. Like a deer at the mountain. Even in rocky terraces and at the cliff, the deer is agile, able to move quickly and easily when the need arises. You may ask, "Where is the Scriptural proof?" Psalm 18:33 (NKJV) says, 'He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.' The Amplified Bible puts it this way, 'He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly and tread safely on paths of testing and trouble]; He sets me [securely] upon my high places.' 

7. Pray for the right opportunity and right timing! 

Keep praying in the spirit. Because praying in the spirit is praying in the perfect will of God. Perfect will of God for your life! The Lord will show you many secrets. So, let His Spirit of wisdom and revelation flow. The Lord will show you and guide you, even in dreams and visions. The Lord has been giving me many crucial dreams at night that helped guide me in my decision-making all these years. I'm glad I've obeyed all these guidances and instructions from the Lord. And recently He has also been showing me many things through dreams. And I'm heeding these guidances from the Lord. Now, I pray the same for you too. I pray that God will also speak to you even through dreams. And as you are led by the Holy Spirit, you will be at the right place at the right time, doing the right things, saying the right things, and making the right decisions in your life. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your guidances today. We thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding to reign in our lives, in spite of all the chaos that are happening in the world right now. We thank You for Your leading and guidance. We want to walk in the right direction. We want to walk into the right opportunity, at the right time and at the right place. We continue to receive Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You and Your calling in our lives. We want to walk through doors that only You can open. We look to You, and not to man. For You see farther and You know better than anyone else on earth. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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Time to walk free!

The Lord says: 

"Your chains are broken! Time to walk free now! For My hand has set you free! Free from suppression. Free from oppression. Free from depression. Free to be who I want you to be. Free to walk in My purposes and plans for your life in this time and season." 

Yes indeed, it's time for you to be set free and to walk free! 

Let's look at Peter and how God set him free. 

Acts 12:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church... And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter...' 

Acts 12:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'So when Herod had arrested Peter, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.' 

Acts 12:6-7 (NKJV) says, 'And when Herod was about to bring Peter out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers, and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone into the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.' 

The angel then said to Peter, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals". So Peter did. The angel also said to Peter, "Put on your garment and follow me." So Peter went out and followed the angel. 

You see, Peter didn't know what was done by the angel was real. Peter thought he was seeing a vision. Because this seemed surreal to him. It's like a dream. But mind you, it's real. Nothing is impossible to God! 

Beloved of God, God can do the same for you too, whatever your predicament may be at the moment. Just don't limit how God's going to do it.  

Let's get back to Peter now. Acts 12:10 (NKJV) says, 'When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord...' Hallelujah! Somehow the gate flung open! Of course, nothing is too hard for God. And thanks to the constant prayer of the people who prayed for Peter as well.

You see, when a 'door' is shut and locked on you, what do you do? You pray! Pray like the people prayed those days. Because when you pray, even though the door is shut by men, God's heaven's door will be opened! And when heaven's door is open, His light will shine into your situation! 

The words 'constant prayer' in Acts 12:5 is very interesting. The word 'constant' here is 'ektenos' in Greek. It can mean 'without ceasing'. It can also mean 'earnest'. In other words, 'sincere, intense, from the heart'. So, it's not just a 'lip service'. It's not just 'on the surface' kind of prayer. It's not 'just for show' kind of prayer. 

This word 'ektenos' is related to the word 'ektenes'. What is 'ektenes' in Greek? It literally means 'stretching out a muscle to its limits'. It can also be defined as 'stretching out all you can for something'. So, when you pray, you stretch out all you can to the Lord. Amen! 

Let's move on to Acts 12:11. When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod." And you know what? Peter then went to see the people who were praying for him. He met the people there. Of course, all these people were astonished when they saw him. They couldn't believe their eyes. But after Peter told them what happened and how he was set free from the prison, they believed.

Beloved of God, just as for Peter, the Lord knows how to turn things around for you too. So, fear not! Keep walking in obedience to the Lord. Keep living a life of worshiping the Lord. Keep drawing near to the Lord. 

Even though Acts 12 here is talking about Peter's unique situation, this can apply in whatever situation you may be facing at the moment. Your God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still your miracle-working God. He can and He will do a miracle for you too! Yes, even in ways you've never imagined possible. Amen!

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Receive God's power to prevail!

The Lord says: 

"It's time for you to receive My power to overcome! Overcome and triumph over whatever your bondage may be! Overcome and triumph over whatever evil and wickedness thrown at you by the enemy! Overcome and triumph over whatever curse or disease that has been inflicted upon you! Be set free! And start afresh!" 

Judges 3:7-8 (NKJV) says, 'So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God, and they served the Baals and the Asherahs. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim eight years.' 

Judges 3:9 (NKJV) says, 'When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.'

For every name in the Scripture, there is a meaning. What does 'Cushan-Rishathaim' mean? It is translated as 'double wickedness'. It can also be translated as 'repeating wickedness that comes again and again like a curse'. Now, what does this speak of? It speaks of your bondage in life that seems so hard to be set free from. It speaks of the curse that has been inflicted upon you, or whatever thought of certain bad experiences, hurts, pains, or even guilt of your past that keeps trying to make a comeback to your life. And it comes again and again, attacking and pounding you over and over again, pulling you back to those past. That's what the definition of 'repeating wickedness that comes again and again' means here. 

You see, we all have our "Cushan-Rishathaim". It's like you are trying to forget it and move on, but somehow it still comes back again and again to haunt you. And you feel so helpless, and it's like there's just no way out. 

That's what the people of God experienced at that time as well. They were suffering under the 'double wickedness' of the king, Cushan-Rishathaim. 

Beloved of God, maybe you too are going through a time like this. Your past keeps haunting you, be it those pains, bad experiences, tragedies, guilt, even shame or mistakes in your life, or failures in your life. And the enemy, your "Cushan-Rishathaim" keeps wanting to pull you back to remember those past. 

The name 'Rishathaim' comes from two words: 'Rishah' which means 'wickedness, condemnation, fault'; and 'Ayim' which means 'double, plural, repeat'. See the word 'repeat' here? It means 'repeatedly pounding you again and again, reminding you of those past pains, condemnation, failure, guilt, or whatever bad experiences that you've had'. 

How about the word 'Cushan' here? It comes from the word 'Cush'. Who is 'Cush'? He's the son of Ham. Remember that Ham who uncovered and exposed his father's (Noah's) nakedness? You can see that in Genesis 9:22-23. So, 'Cush' here speaks of 'guilt, curse'. 

Have you been having nightmares or thoughts recently that bring you all the way back to those certain past failures, mistakes, or shame of yours? It's like all of a sudden, all those past bad memories you've wanted to forget suddenly make a comeback to haunt you again. 

You see, the devil, the enemy, always wants to try to pull you back to your past, pointing fingers at you, and reminding you of those bad past of yours. Now, he's good at that. You know what? The Bible says he is the accuser of our brethren, accusing us day and night. That's in Revelation 12:10. 

But look at one verse later in Revelation 12:11. That's the good news. 'And they (God's people) overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...' Who is this Lamb? Jesus! Who is this Word? Jesus! If you have Him, He has overcome for you! By His blood shed for you on the cross! And by His Word, which is like a sword that slays the power of darkness! 

When Jesus' power is at work, the curse is broken! The bondage is broken! The 'spell' over you is broken! By Jesus' blood and by His Word! Amen! And that's where Othniel comes into picture! It is a 'picture' of who Jesus is in your life! 

Judges 3:10 (NKJV) says, 'The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Othniel), and he judged Israel. And so he went out to war, and the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim.' 

You see, the enemy wants you to relapse into your old cycle of repeated failures and pain again and again. The enemy wants history to repeat itself. I mean, those bad history. Those bad past. That's also what King Cushan-Rishathaim of Mesopotamia did against the people of God those days. In other words, he was bringing their memories back to Mesopotamia. And you know where is Mesopotamia? That's the place God had told Abraham to get out of there those days, and go to the land that God had promised him and his descendants.

But right now, praise the Lord and thanks be to God, because Jesus has overcome and prevailed for you! And you are now set free! See Jesus carrying all your curse and all those past of yours on the cross once and for all. 

I want to declare that your bad history doesn't have to repeat itself! I also want to declare that you are now set free, and you can start afresh today! 

Interestingly, 'Othniel' means 'Force of God, Strength of God, Power of God' in Hebrew. This name comes from two words: 'Othniy' which means 'force, strength, power'; and 'El' which is 'the name of God Almighty'. Othniel! Force of God! Strength of God! Power of God! 

This speaks of Jesus who lives in you! This speaks of Jesus who has overcome for you! This speaks of Jesus who has prevailed over all your "Cushan-Rishathaim". Amen! 

Right now, God's power is being released upon you. Receive by faith. Nothing of the enemy can stand this power of God. Declare that all the curse in your life is broken! And for all those bondages in your life, you are now set free from those! 

Receive God's anointing right now! Receive the anointing for you to also start afresh! Yes, a new strength and a new vigor is coming upon you. Amen! 

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Watch this if you are discouraged or burnt out

The Lord says: 

"I remember and appreciate all the good that you've done for Me. And I remember and appreciate all the good that you've done for others whom I extend My hand to. In the open. In the secret. Wherever you are. Anytime. Anywhere. Even if you've forgotten about it. And I will know how to reward you openly." 

The Lord is pointing us to the story of Elijah today. 

After a great exploit for the Lord at Mount Carmel, and after having defeated and executed the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 19:1-2 (NLT) says, 'When Ahab (the king) got home, he told Jezebel (his wife) everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them."'

Elijah was afraid and then fled for his life. As he was alone in the wilderness, he prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." 

At that point of time, Elijah was burnt out and lonely. Not just that. He felt like a failure. In fact, he even felt angry. He felt like nothing has changed. It's back to the same old status quo. The people of God those days, after having seen a great spectacle and miracle from God, seemed to have forgotten the great things done by God. It's back to "business as usual" again. They didn't seem to have a great awakening. The evil king still remained the evil king. The evil queen Jezebel still remained the evil queen. It's like nothing has changed. In fact, the evil queen Jezebel even wanted to kill him! 

And here Elijah was - burnt out, discouraged, disoriented, and even feeling angry - so much so he wanted to die. But look here what happened. As he was sleeping, an angel of the Lord touched him and said, "Get up and eat!" Elijah looked around and saw some bread and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and then slept again. The angel then came again, touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." So he got up, ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 

Something interesting happened here. Instead of judging Elijah for his negativity and defeatism, God did the opposite. God showed care and appreciation towards Elijah. The angel sent food and drink to strengthen him. Obviously, God wasn't done with Elijah yet. God still has new things ahead for Elijah. God still has a plan for Elijah. God still has a future for Elijah. 

Right now, beloved of God, maybe you too are in somewhat the same situation as Elijah. You feel like your life's going nowhere. Or you feel so tired and exhausted with life, or in your career, or in the ministry. You feel like no one appreciates you for all the good that you've done. Or you feel like you have failed and wasted your life, and what you've done so far is in vain, yielding not much result. Whatever it may be, take heart. Even if all these happen, and even if no one seems to see the good in you and appreciate you, the Lord sees and the Lord appreciates you.

Today, He wants to give you the grace and the strength to rise again. Yes, even better than before! So, let Him do His part. Let Him do a deep work in you. He is releasing His Spirit upon you right now. He is releasing His refreshing in your spirit right now. Let your spirit be refreshed and be renewed again. 

Back to Elijah now. With the strength that Elijah received from the bread and water, which speaks of the Word of God and the Spirit of God, he reached the mountain of God, where he was about to have a personal encounter with God. 

After the windstorm, the earthquake, and the fire, the Lord began to speak to him in a gentle whisper. The Lord began to speak new things to him. New direction. New instruction. New purpose.

1 Kings 19:15-16 (NLT) says, 'Then the Lord told Elijah, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet."' 

There's a new role in a new season for Elijah. What is that role? To anoint and to mentor a new generation of kings and prophet! In other words, the Lord moved him on to become a spiritual father and a mentor now. It's not just a re-direction! It's a promotion! A new level! The next level! 

You see, God remembered and appreciated all that Elijah had done in the earlier season or seasons of his life. And now, at this juncture, a new season and a new stage of life had begun to spring forth! Today, the Lord is speaking the same to you too. 

You may say, "That's Elijah. That's a great man of God. How can I compare with him?" But the Lord is saying this doesn't just apply for those serving in the ministry. This also applies to every aspect of your life as a believer. In your career. In your vocation. In the business. In every area of your life. 

God is interested in every aspect, and even the minute detail of your life. God doesn't just care for your spiritual ministry. God doesn't just care for your calling and mission in life. God cares for you in every other area of your life. Yes, in every way. God is interested in your well being. God is interested in giving you the peace that you need. God is interested in giving you the joy that you need.

Let Him fill you again all in all. Let Him fill you with His love, His peace, and His joy again. Let Him fill you with a renewed hope again.

He wants to be in deep union with you. Just you and Him. Here, the Lord wants to meet you. Here, the Lord is giving you a new direction and a new purpose. And here, the Lord is releasing a new strength and zeal upon you to look ahead in your life, like what happened to Elijah!

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Words from the Lord: "Strength is coming upon you!"

As I was praying and worshiping the Lord, I heard the Lord say, "Strength! Strength! Strength!" 

And then, I heard the Lord say: 

"A fresh release of My strength is coming upon you! Receive by faith right now. Do not lose heart. Do not be discouraged. For I am causing you to see your victory and breakthrough as you look to Me. Take heart therefore. You will be on time. You will not be too late. Do not allow yourself to be undermined by the circumstances or challenges that you are facing right now. For I've made you more than conquerors through Me who loves you!" 

Psalm 28:7-8 (NKJV) says, The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed.' 

The word 'strength' here is 'oze' in Hebrew. It can mean 'power, might, boldness, force, security'. The Lord is the power who works in you. He is the might who works in you. He gives you the boldness that you need to rise above all your circumstances and challenges, and whatever the devil throws at you. He is the force who works in you and through you. And of course, He is your security and safety. Therefore, fear not!

Here in Psalm 28, David looked to the Lord in a time of challenges in his life. If you look at Psalm 28:1, he acknowledged that the Lord is his Rock. What does 'Rock' mean here? It speaks of security and stability. It cannot be shaken. You see, a solid rock is like a strong foundation. It is unshakable. Very interestingly, one fact in the whole of Old Testament is that 'rock' usually is symbolic of who God is, not about any human being! 

Maybe you are in a deep despair right now. Maybe you are in a certain crisis right now. Maybe you are facing a certain illness right now. Or maybe it's a difficult financial situation that you are facing right now. Whatever it may be, the Lord your God is saying to you right now that He is your Rock. And He will still be your Rock, now and forever. So, take heart, and be encouraged. 

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

This is a psalm that speaks of our confidence and trust in the Lord's protection, power, and of course, strength. The expressions 'The earth be removed... the mountains be carried... the waters roar... the mountains shake...' here speak of some of the most devastating and frightening things that can happen on earth. Yet, the psalmist wrote that we are not to fear any of these. Why? Because the Lord your God is greater than all these. Now, what more, whatever situation that you are facing now. He is definitely and infinitely greater than all your problems and challenges combined together! Is there anything too hard for God? Is there anything that God cannot overcome? Nothing! 

Because He is your El Shaddai, the Almighty, The Great I Am, The I Am Who I Am, the Great and Mighty God, the miracle-working God. Amen! And He lives in you! 

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV) says, 'He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.' 

The word 'strength' here is 'otsmah' in Hebrew. It means 'power, abundance, numerous (in strength)'. In other words, strength and power, great in number and great in volume! Abundance of God's strength and power! Numerous in strength! And the Scripture says all these are being added upon you! 

What are the areas in your life that you have been weary? What are the areas in your life that you are falling apart? What are the areas in your life that you feel so weak? The Lord wants to release His strength upon you right now! Strength upon strength shall be added upon you! Strength great in number and strength great in volume! That's what 'otsmah' means here.  

Let's go to the New Testament now. Romans 8:35-37 (NKJV) says, 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.' 

Very interestingly, 'more than conquerors' here is 'hupernikao' in Greek. This word is from the word 'huper' meaning 'beyond, more than, exceeding, above', and 'nikao' meaning 'victory, conquer, prevail, subdue, overcome'. 

When you combine these two Greek words, 'huper' and 'nikao', 'hupernikao', it literally means 'more than a victory'. You know what? It is a decisive victory. What is a decisive victory? It is a military term. It is a military victory that effectively ends a war. It is a victory that is definitive and gives outright victory to you. That's what decisive victory is. In other words, it is done, and it is concluded. This victory has been concluded, and there's no way the enemy can rise up against you anymore in that situation! Wow! Now, that's powerful! And that's what Paul wrote here, 'you are made more than conquerors'. 

How do you walk in this realm of 'more than conquerors'? It's when you know how much God loves you and how much God is fighting for you! And that's also when you know you have no more fear, whatsoever, knowing that you have been made a 'hupernikao'. More than conquerors!

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Words from the Lord: "It's your launching time!"

While I was praying recently, I saw a vision of a spring. As God's people jumped onto the spring, they're being launched and catapulted onto a higher ground. I'm surprised to see the people being launched and catapulted so high, and with such power! It's as if the people just defied gravity! 

Then, I heard the Lord say these words, and this is for you, His beloved: 

"I am doing a work to 'jumpstart' what has become stale, stagnant, or dormant in your life. Surrender these areas of your life to Me at this point of your life. For the time has come for you to be launched and catapulted into a 'higher ground'! You will begin to see yourself moving on to a greater manifestation of My blessings in your life. You will begin to even walk through new doors that I have prepared for you. Look to Me, and seek Me. Commune with Me. For I am showing you the 'blueprints' that you need to launch into the new and into the breakthrough realm. Your time of launching is at hand!" 

If you look at the dictionary, 'to launch' means 'to start or set in motion' or 'to get going'. In the context of God's words for you today, 'to get going' with the power of God and the anointing of the Lord working in your life! 

What is 'jumpstart'? It can mean 'to start a car, a boat, or any vehicle (that hasn't been working)'. That's what 'jumpstart' means, literally. It can also mean 'to improve a situation (that has been powerless or weak)'. Another definition of 'to jumpstart' is 'to start something with the help of something else'. In this case, with the help of God's power and anointing being released upon you! 

Very interestingly, the Lord gave this word 'jumpstart' for this time. Indeed, He is in the midst of doing a work of 'jumpstarting' your life, your career, your God-given ministry, or in any area of your life. Now, 'car' is a 'picture' of your career, your ministry, your vocation, your enterprise, your business, etc. It speaks of 'a vehicle through which you express yourself on this earth, and to fulfill God's plans for your life on earth'. In today's prophetic message for you, God is saying that He will help you to 'jumpstart' your 'car'. Amen! 

Yeah, He is releasing from heaven His grace, His ability (which is greater than yours), His power, His anointing, His wisdom, His revelation, His supply, and whatever that you need to get 'jumpstarted' and be launched into greater things in this time and season. So, ask for such, and you shall receive.

One example of 'launching into greater things' and 'to jumpstart' can be found in Luke chapter 5, on how Jesus launched and 'jumpstarted' Peter into the realm of breakthrough and the beginning of greater things in his life. 

Luke 5:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'So it was, as the multitude pressed about Jesus to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and Jesus saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.' 

Luke 5:3 (NKJV) says, 'Then Jesus got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.' 

Here, Jesus chose Simon Peter's boat as a 'platform' to teach the Word of God. You know what? It's a blessing and a privilege for Simon Peter that Jesus chose his boat to use. The same it is for you. Will you allow Jesus to come onto your 'boat'? Blessed are you if you let Him do so. 

Luke 5:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'When Jesus had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Jesus, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."' 

You know what could have been playing in Simon Peter's mind at that time? He may be thinking, "What? Are you sure, Jesus? I've worked all night and I'm so tired, and now You're asking me to launch out again?" Simon Peter could have questioned Jesus further, "Are You sure You know what is fishing? The best time for fishing is night time. Not now. Not at this time!" Simon Peter could have been thinking further, "I've been a fisherman for so long, and You're not even a fisherman. You're a carpenter!" 

But Peter said, "Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." Notice that Peter called Jesus "Master" here. This shows his willingness to obey and take orders from Jesus, even though he didn't see the logic behind Jesus' instruction to launch out his net again.

In Luke 5:6-7, when Peter had let down the net, a miracle happened! He caught a great number of fish, so much so the net was breaking! In fact, Peter had to signal to the partners in the other boat to come and help out! In other words, that was a miraculous catch, at a time these fishermen never thought they could. And the Scripture says they were astonished at the huge catch! 

Beloved of God, it is the same with you. Never rule out what God can do in your life, going forward, no matter how much of a failure you think you've been. Maybe at this time you think you are no good in anything. Maybe at this time you feel like you are so stuck and stagnated. Or maybe you think you're just not meant to be successful in anything.

But take heart. Nothing is impossible with God. Just look at what the Lord has done for Peter here. The Lord your God will know how to guide you, lead you, and speak to you His specific instructions and 'blueprints' for your life, going forward.

So right now, beloved of God, let Jesus step onto your 'boat'. Just as Peter did. Peter didn't question Jesus, thinking that he knew about his profession as a fisherman better than Jesus. Peter's faith and trust in the Lord was then greatly rewarded!

What is the key to being launched and catapulted into the realm of miracles and greater breakthrough? Just one word: Obedience. A complete and total obedience to what the Lord says. When He says so, you say so. When He says no, you say no. When He says do, you do. When He says move, you move. When He says stay, you stay. 

That's why it's so important to commune with the Lord. Spend time in the Word of God. Spend time praying in the spirit. Let your heart be washed, purified, and cleansed. That's how your spiritual "antenna" will be cleared to receive more from the Lord. And you'll begin to hear His specific instructions and 'blueprints' for your life. And you'll be in for some wonderful surprises. That's for sure. Amen! 

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Receive discernment for this time and season

The Lord says: 

"My people need to discern! My people need to discern what I am doing in their lives right now, and in this time and season. This is the time to ask for discernment and understanding of the times. Ask, and you shall receive. As you receive from Me, you will know how to avoid the pitfalls and dangers around you. As you receive from Me, you will know how to prepare and walk in the new works that I am doing in your life. Stay in tune with Me. Stay aligned with Me. Commune with Me." 

In the context of God's words today, 'to discern' means 'to be able to understand, perceive, see, and recognize (something)'. Is it from the Lord? Or is it not from the Lord? Is it time to move ahead? Or not to move ahead? What you ought to do? And what you ought not to do? 

Many things are going to change this year. The way we do things. The way we see things. The way we understand things. That's why discernment is the key right now. But the Lord will help you, if you look to Him. Amen! 

The last time a major change of season was in the year 2020. But this year 2025 is the beginning of another big change. For you, I want to believe and pray it will be a change to the better. A time of breakthrough in your life! 

I heard the Lord say further: 

"Like in the days of David, it is time to bring My glory back to your home or wherever you are." 

Yes, this is one area I heard loud and clear from the Lord in this time and season.  It's time to bring His glory back into your life. It's time to bring His glory back to your home. It's time to bring His glory back to your household. Welcome Him. Let His glory fill your life again. Let His glory fill your home again. Let His glory fill the land where you are, wherever the Lord puts you in this time and season.

Let's go all the way to 1 Chronicles 13:2-3. David said to all the assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brethren everywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites who are in their cities and their common-lands, that they may gather together to us, and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul." 

Now, 'the ark of the covenant' here speaks of 'the glory of God or the presence of God being with you'. David and God's people those days eventually brought the ark back. To cut the whole story short, they never looked back ever since. They went on to see great victories and success. God's name is glorified! 

So beloved of God, like David, the same it is in your life, in your family, and in your household. Open your home and open your household to His glory filling all in all. Amen!

You see, David knew the time and season. David knew it is the right time. David gave priority to this. Just one chapter before that, you see there lies the key! Let's look at 1 Chronicles 12 now. There's a tribe among God's people those days whom God specifically mentioned about knowing their time and season. 1 Chronicles 12:32. '...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...' The New Living Translation (NLT) puts it this way: 'From the tribe of Issachar... All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.' 

Interestingly, the name 'Issachar' (or 'Yissakar' in Hebrew) can mean 'he will bring reward, he will yield reward'. Like the sons of Issachar, as you walk in God's timing for your life, you will see good reward and good result too! In other words, right timing brings right results! Therefore, it's so important to ask God for discernment and to understand the right timing in your life, especially in this unpredictable time in the world right now.

Many people underestimate the importance of the sense of timing. For example, when to go ahead on something, or when not to go ahead on something. You see, timing is the key! There is a time to prepare, and there is a time to launch. There is a time to advance, and there is a time to retreat. There is a time to release, and there is a time to hold back. But one thing for sure: God knows better and sees farther! So, you can count on the Lord in this. 

If something is from the Lord, and it is the right timing to go ahead, the Lord will give you the sense of peace inside of you. He can give you the confirmation about it. Confirmation can come in many ways. It can even come through dreams from God to show you what to do and what not to do. I personally have been guided by dreams from God many times at different junctures of my life. It saved me from a lot of trouble, when I heeded those dreams. 

Let's move on to Proverbs 3:5-6. I read from The Message version. 'Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He's the One who will keep you on track.' In Ecclesiastes 3:1, The Message version puts it this way: 'There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.' 

So beloved, listen to His leading and guidance in your life. You may ask: "How?" Go deeper in the Word of God. Dig into the Word of God. Pray in the spirit often. Set your mind on the Lord. Set your mind on the things above, and not on the things below. Commune with Him. Go deeper in your relationship with Him. That's how you can stay in tune with the Holy Spirit inside of you. Of course, stay aligned with Him and His Word. Heed what He says. And let His blood wash you clean, cleansing you white as snow. Cleanse your heart. Cleanse your hands. Clear yourself from any entanglement or sin in this world. Ask God to teach you and help you how to clear all those mess. And you know what? Many things are going to be made clearer and clearer in your life. There will be clarity! 

The Lord is also saying to you right now: 

"Do not fear what comes in this world! Do not be tossed to and fro by the media or by the news of this world. Shut your ears from the noises of this world. But listen to the still small voice inside of you. I want to speak to you! I want to show you many secrets that you know not of before! Do not trust in the 'chariots' and 'horses' in this world. But trust in Me. Let Me fill you with My Spirit. For you shall begin to walk in My wisdom and My revelation, going forward. Take heed, and no matter what 'shakings' that you see in this world, you shall be spared! For I'm going to teach you how to see according to My way. Not according to how the world show you. Not according to how the world say to you."

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