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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Don't buy the lies of the devil!

Words from the Lord: 

"Just as in the natural realm, the biological father is connected (or tied) to the biological son by blood, your Heavenly Father is connected (or tied) to you His son or daughter by the Holy Spirit." 

The Lord has been speaking this statement during the week.

So today, we are going to talk about the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit in you bears witness that you are a son or daughter of your Abba Father. We are going to talk about your sonship and your relationship with your Abba Father. 

The Lord also wants you to go deeper in your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Your relationship with Him is what matters the most. Not any position on earth. Not any material thing on earth. These are not as important as your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Why? Because when you have Him, you have everything. Yes, everything you ever need in this life! He is your lifeline and your only real hope, especially in this perilous time. 

Many believers or even ministers of God have this fear that God will give up on them, abandon them, or 'disown' them whenever they've made a mistake or didn't fulfill what God had told them to do. 

But today, the Lord is giving you this assurance that He is a Good Father. He doesn't get disappointed with you that easily (the way humans in this world do), simply because He already knew your weaknesses and inadequacies even before you knew Him or you knew His calling for your life. 

The enemy will try to make your relationship sour with the Lord. The enemy will try to throw accusations about Him, and throw condemnation at you. But be rest assured that your Heavenly Father, your Abba Father, will always have your best interests in His mind.

Let's go to the Scripture to back up what we are saying today. 

Romans 8:14 (NKJV) says, 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.'

Romans 8:15-16 (NKJV) says, 'For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit (the Holy Spirit) Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.' 

Ephesians 1:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.' 

The expression 'adoption as sons' here in Greek is 'uihothesia'. This is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted heir. 

Galatians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, 'And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.' 

The word 'heir' here is 'kleronomos' in Greek. It simply means 'a sharer of an inheritance' or 'inheritor'. In other words, you can have a rightful share in all of His inheritance. Why? Because you are a son or daughter of your Abba Father in heaven. 

1 John 3:1 (NLT) says, 'See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know Him.' 

This love of your Abba Father for you never fails. When everything else in this world fails, this love never fails. So, beloved, whatever you may be facing at the moment, or you feel as if God has given up on you or abandoned you, the Lord is saying to you right now that He loves you. He is your Abba Father, your Daddy in heaven who loves you. Let Him embrace you right now. Let Him assure you right now.

Reject every form of accusation or condemnation against you. Don't buy the lies of the devil. Don't buy the lies of those who do not know who God is. 

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV) says, 'Now He who established us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) in our hearts as a guarantee.' 

See the word 'guarantee' here? A guarantee! What is a guarantee? A formal assurance that a promise is fulfilled and kept!

What is 'sealed' then? It means putting His very own signature, His name, on you! That you are His! That you belong to Him! That you are His son or daughter! And He is your Abba Father who loves you! 

Let's look at another version now. The Contemporary English Version. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (CEV) says, 'And so God makes it possible for you and us to stand firmly together with Christ. God is also the One who chose us and put His Spirit in our hearts (in our spirit) to show that we belong only to Him.' 

I like this version. To show that we belong only to Him! And this, beloved, is the work of the Holy Spirit who works in you, and who bears witness inside of you. Bears witness of what? That you belong to Him, and you are His son or daughter! That He is your good Daddy in heaven! 

With all these promises in the Scripture, there is no reason for you to be afraid of anything, knowing that if God is with you and you are His beloved child, who and what can come against you? 

Know and remember always, that no matter what you may be facing at the moment, your good Daddy in heaven is here for you and with you. And the Holy Spirit is here living in you and bearing witness in you, that you are so deeply loved, and you are God's very own child!

Let us pray:

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your assurance in the Scripture today. We look to You, because You are our Abba Father and we are Your sons and daughters. Because of the Holy Spirit living in us, we have this assurance that we are deeply loved by You. We have this assurance that we are not alone and we will never be abandoned by You. We can also be assured that You will always know how to lead us and guide us in every season of our lives. This is the assurance of our Abba Father for us today. In this, we are grateful. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

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Vision from the Lord: I saw 4 shields at 4 corners!

While praying, I saw a vision of four shields at four corners protecting God's people from any form of curse words or attacks of the enemy. Each of these shields has words on it. One shield has the words YHWH Rapha. One shield has YHWH Yireh. One shield has YHWH Tsidkenu. One shield has YHWH Shalom. These four shields surrounded God's people, protecting them from all kinds of fiery darts and arrows shot from the enemy's domain. 

Indeed, this is a deep assurance for God's people who look to Him, especially in a time of chaos and turmoil like this. 

YHWH Rapha (The Lord your Healer): In spite of all the diseases or pestilences that you see in this world, even new strains of diseases, you need not fear, because you have this assurance of His divine health and healing. 

YHWH Yireh (The Lord your Provider): In spite of all the economic shakings and uncertainties that you see in this world, you need not fear, because you have this assurance of His provision in your life. He will still know how to provide for you, if you look to Him and walk in His ways and instructions for your life. 

YHWH Tsidkenu (The Lord your Righteousness): Whatever curse or ill words spoken against you, whatever attack, whatever witchcraft, and whatever work of darkness that comes against you, the Lord your Righteousness is your shield. His righteousness reigns. Your part is to stay innocent like a lamb, and your Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, will know how to shield you and protect you. 

YHWH Shalom (The Lord your Peace): Last but not least, He is your peace. In spite of all the chaos or turmoil, on the macro level (on the world level), or on the micro level (in and around your life), the Lord is assuring you that He is your shalom peace.

The Lord then says: "Be still and know that I am God. I am your shield and your refuge. Whatever chaotic situation or toxic environment that's surrounding you at the moment, receive My shalom peace. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Nothing can take away this peace that I have given you. Therefore, let not your heart be troubled, and let not your heart be afraid." 

Beloved of God, if you are in the midst of a toxic environment around you, or you've been on the receiving end of some verbal abuse or curse words against you (and you don't even know what wrong you've done, and it's so unfair to you), this message is for you. This message will assure you. This message will comfort you. This message will set you free.

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." 

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

The word 'still' here is 'raphah' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to cease (from anxiety or worry), to find rest (in the midst of chaos or turmoil), to let go and let God'. In other words, let God be God. Your part is to be at rest and be blessed. 

Why you can be at rest and let God take over? Here's the reason. Because Psalm 46:1-3 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 may be literally, but this can also be symbolically in any area of your life. He is present right now in your life. He is not absent. He is for you. He is covering you. He is shielding you in the midst of all the chaos around you. So, whatever you may be facing right now, be it in the ministry, be it in your career, be it in the business, be it in your neighborhood, or be it in your community, the Lord is saying He is your refuge and strength, a very present help. 

Let's go all the way to 1 Kings 19:11-12. 'The Lord said (to Elijah), "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small voice.' 

The word 'still' here is from the Hebrew root word 'damam', meaning 'in calmness, in quietness, in stillness (in spite of the noises all around you)'. The same it is for you right now. There is a still small voice inside you, speaking to you and assuring you. The Lord is saying He wants you to be at rest and receive His shalom peace, in spite of the chaos, stress, and tensions of this world. Because Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Lord who is your shalom peace, lives in you.

When the windstorm came, Jesus said, "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:37-40 says, '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 a 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. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"' 

In other words, He was saying, "How is it that you do not believe that I am the Prince of Peace, I am in control, I am Sovereign?" 

What are the areas in your life that you are going through a 'windstorm' right now? Surrender that situation to the Lord. Let go and let God. Let God take over. He reigns over that situation. Even if it seems impossible for you to find a solution right now, the Lord is saying He knows how to make a way for you, and He knows how to clear the way for you. 

No one on this earth may be able to fully understand what you are going through. But the Lord is saying right in your still small voice now, "I saw all these. I know exactly what you are going through. Surrender that situation to Me. Surrender that mess to Me. Surrender that problem to Me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Therefore, let not your heart be anxious, and let not your heart be afraid." 

Back to Elijah's still small voice now. This still small voice inside him eventually produced in him a renewed strength and a renewed vigor. His courage was revived. His depression was gone. His calling was restored. He heeded and answered God's call again. And that's how He was able to rise up again. 

Beloved of God, like Elijah, it is the same for you today. This same still small voice is also speaking to you and assuring you right now. There's nothing in this world that He cannot solve for you. There's no burden in this world that He cannot carry for you. There's no mess in this world that He cannot clear for you. Because His peace, this YHWH Shalom, now lives in you, inside of you. Amen!

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5 ways to overcome disappointment

We all have disappointment in life. This is part and parcel of life. We can get disappointed with life, we can get disappointed with people, we can get disappointed with our leaders, and if we are leaders, we can get disappointed with our followers or disciples. 

What is the definition of disappointment? 

We can define it as 'sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations'. 

It means something that you've hoped for, or something that you expect, whether in other people, or in any area of life, are not fulfilled. And that's how people get disappointed. Of course we can also cause disappointment to others. So, it can be two ways. We can get disappointed. But we also can disappoint others. 

We can cause disappointment to others in our decision on something. And who we are or what we do may disappoint some people who have certain expectation of who they want us to be or what they want us to do. If we are not who or what they have expected us to be or to do, they get disappointed with us. 

So you see, there are two ways - we can get disappointed, but we can also disappoint others. Our expectation of people, and people's expectation of us. 

However, we must remember that we do not live to please people or please people's expectation of us. We live to please God. We follow His instructions for us, even if some people are not happy with us or are disappointed with us. The most important thing is to stay true to who God wants us to be and what God wants us to do, and keep looking to God. We please God, and not man. 

But here's the good news. There are ways to deal with disappointment. There are ways to alleviate disappointment. There are ways to overcome disappointment. Here are 5 ways you can do so:

1. Learn to let go and forgive

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, 'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' 

Cast all your care upon the Lord. And this includes casting all your disappointments upon the Lord. And let Him begin the process of healing in your life, whatever may have disappointed you, or whoever may have disappointed you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, 'Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.' 

Just as God in Christ has forgiven you, therefore you forgive others. Forgive those who have disappointed you. Forgive those who have not met your expectation regarding who they are and what they do. You know why? Because if you allow disappointment inside of you to fester, it will lead to bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and even evil speaking. And this is definitely not good for health. It's only going to hurt you more. So, learn to let go and learn to forgive. And that's how your life will be happier, healthier, and more peaceful! 

Psalm 30:5b says, 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.' 

Whatever disappointment that causes sorrow to you, let the bygone be bygone, let the past be past. Today is a brand new day. You know what? This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Indeed, joy comes in the morning. It's a brand new day for you. So, look forward, look ahead, and look not behind you. 

2. Learn to release and bless

This is just as important as Point Number 1. Because without a release, your life will be held back. You cannot move forward the way that you should be. And without blessing, there will be no closure to the situation that you are disappointed with. So, learn to release and learn to bless. That's how you can move forward in your life, and that's how your life can be light and easy. 

Psalm 34:18 says, 'The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite heart.' 

Whatever sorrow or sadness due to your disappointment, whether at your life, at people, at the authority, at your leader, or even at your follower, release them and bless them. Bless, and not curse. The Lord is near to you. The Lord understands your situation. And the psalmist wrote the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart. Indeed, He is here to set you free. He is here to help you to overcome. He is here to heal you and restore you. 

Romans 8:28 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.' 

Sometimes, a certain disappointment in your life can be turned around into a great new appointment. God will know how to work things out for good for you. After leaving one phase of your life, the Lord will know how to move you on to the new phase of your life. And sometimes the Lord allows certain things to happen that causes you to be disappointed, so that you can be released to walk into the new, the brand new appointment that the Lord has for you. 

So, take heart, beloved of God. The Lord knows what He is doing in your life. You keep looking to Him. You keep loving Him. You keep allowing His unfailing love to fill you. And He will know how to lead you from here. 

3. Look to God, not to man

Man can bound to disappoint you, but God will not disappoint you. If you flow with Him, if you align with Him, if you humble yourself before Him, and if you live a yielded life to Him, He will not disappoint you. He will always show you a way. And He will always guide every step of your way. 

Colossians 3:23-24 says, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart, from the heart), as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.'

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, 'Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.' 

Man may overlook the good that you have done, but the Lord will not. Therefore, look to God, and not to man. 

The Lord is a great Rewarder. The Lord knows exactly how to reward you for every thing that you do as unto the Lord, even those things that you think are trivial or minor.

Romans 5:5 says, 'Now hope does not disappoint. Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.'

Because the Lord your God loves you so much, He gives you hope. And this hope that He gives to you will not disappoint, when you look to Him and put all your trust in Him. 

4. Put your trust in God, not on the world

The world can bound to disappoint you. The people in this world can bound to disappoint you. Remember, you are living in a fallen world. You are living in an imperfect world with imperfect people around you. Whether these are your family members, your relatives, your neighbors, your boss, your leaders, your colleagues, or even your followers, your subordinates, or your staff, all these people may disappoint you. That's why it is so important to learn to put your trust in God who is your solid Rock, who cannot be shaken. 

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

Trust in the Lord, and lean not on your own understanding. Because the Lord sees further than us. Because the Lord knows better than us. Because the Lord knows what is ahead of us, when no one else in this world can. 

Psalm 27:14 says, 'Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!' 

The word 'wait' here can also be translated as 'hope'. So, as you put your hope on the Lord, He will know how to strengthen you. And you can therefore mount up again with wings as of eagle. You will run and not be weary. You will walk and not faint. 

5. Readjust your expectation on people

Readjust your expectation on certain so and so. It can be a family member, a friend, a leader, or a follower. 

Maybe we have too high hopes or too high expectation on somebody. And if that somebody does not meet what we expect of them, we get disappointed.

Psalm 73:23-26 says, 'Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.' 

It is so reassuring what the psalmist wrote here. Indeed, sometimes our flesh and our heart may fail. But the Lord our God is the strength of our hearts. The Lord our God will forever be the strength of our lives, if we do not give up looking to Him and putting our trust in Him. That's why this psalmist wrote in verse 23, 'Nevertheless I am continually with You'. See the word 'continually' here? 

Beloved of God, this is your time to be set free! Be set free from whatever disappointment that you have, whether it's due to people's wrong, or due to your own expectation and hopes are too high on certain so and so, or on a certain circumstance or situation. 

I declare by faith that you will come forth victorious, come forth happier, and full of the shalom peace of the Lord, ready for what's ahead of you, and ready for what He has in store for you. The best is yet to come! Amen!

Click here for the full message in TiC's YouTube Channel

Look up! There will be ingathering and reunion!

Words from the Lord: 

"Comfort one another as you keep looking to Me and fix your eyes on Me. Because I will never leave My people nor forsake My people, no matter what has become of this world. My promises for My people is not slack, and I am in the midst of preparing My bride for My glorious coming. There shall be a great ingathering and reunion of My people - for those who have fallen asleep together with those who are alive!" 

Hallelujah! The Lord says there will be a great ingathering and reunion of His people - those who have fallen asleep and those who are still alive - together!

So, will you meet your loved ones or good friends again up there in heaven? Yes! For all of us who are in Christ - Yes! There will be a reunion for all of us! 

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NKJV), apostle Paul wrote, 'But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus.'

See? Sleep in Jesus! It's not just 'sleep', but 'sleep in Jesus.' The word 'asleep' here is 'koimao' in Greek. It literally means 'to fall asleep', and in the context of our study here, it can mean 'to cease', 'to cease from this earth', or in other words, 'deceased'. So, 'fall asleep' here means a person has been brought home into the arms of the Lord.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 (NKJV), apostle Paul wrote, 'For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.'

In 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (NKJV), apostle Paul wrote further, 'Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.' 

Notice the word 'together' here? 'Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them'. Now, the question here is who are these 'them' here? Those who have fallen asleep, but whom the Lord will resurrect! 

Let's go to The Amplified Bible for 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, 'Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died].' 

See the word 'reunion' here? Reunion with believers who have fallen asleep, i.e. those who have gone before us! Do you see that? Reunion! Ingathering for all those who have fallen asleep (who have gone before us) and those who are alive and remain! 

You know what this means? It means for those of you who have lost your loved ones or good friends who are in Christ, you are going to have a reunion with them, meeting the Lord together with them! Hallelujah! 

The word 'together' here is 'hama' in Greek. It means 'at the same time'. It means we, at the same time with those who have gone before us, will be meeting the Lord together! Another definition of 'hama' is 'closeness (in being together) with one another'. It means you will see and meet each other, together, even as you meet the Lord in the air, up there! 

Now I'm going to show you the words 'caught up' that you see in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. What is this 'caught up' here? In The Amplified Bible, there's a bracket that says 'raptured'. 

The word 'caught up' here is 'harpazo' in Greek. It can mean 'being pulled away, being seized away, being caught away, being taken away'. And in the context of 'being caught up' here in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, it means you are being pulled away by the Lord, seized away by the Lord, caught away by the Lord, or taken away by the Lord from this earth to meet Him face to face, to be in His presence, in His glory; to be in His arms, the Heavenly Father's arms. 

Now, that's how the word 'rapture' in English is derived from, i.e. from this word 'caught up'. The word 'caught up' here is 'raptura' in medieval Latin. By the way, 'medieval age' is a period between Roman empire and the Renaissance, and that's between the 5th century and the end of 15th century. And this word 'raptura' is where the English word 'rapture' comes from, which means 'an act of carrying away, carrying off, seizing away'. 

So, as you can see here, the word 'raptura' in medieval Latin has the same meaning as the word 'harpazo' in Greek. Both speaks of 'being carried away by the Lord'. It means the Lord carries you away from this earth to meet Him in the air! 

From our Bible study today, the Word of God says there will be an ingathering and reunion for those who have deceased and those who are still alive - together! It means you will be meeting your departed loved ones or good friends, even as you meet the Lord in the air! And that's good news, especially if you have lost a loved one or a good friend before (i.e. they have passed on). But if they are in Christ, you are going to meet them together! This is an assurance and comfort that the Lord wants you to receive today. And that's why the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 'Therefore comfort one another'. 

Another assurance you can have regarding those in Christ who have departed from this earth, is that they are merely sleeping, and are actually not dead! That's why apostle Paul wrote 'fallen asleep'. Now, the Bible says so. This is not a fantasy. This is not a make-believe. This is the reality in the spiritual realm. Those who are in Christ, who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, when their spirit depart from their body, they are not dead, but they are just asleep! And you'll be meeting them again! 

Let me explain the word 'asleep' here in the context of what apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. We actually have a glimpse of eternity while we are on earth. Imagine you have been running around and you have been so busy the whole day. By the end of the day, you are so tired. And say, you sleep at 10pm. You're so exhausted, so tired, and the moment you lie down on the bed, you fall asleep. And the next thing you know is you wake up and it's already 6am! From 10pm to 6am, 8 hours passed by just like that! Now, you have just experienced a glimpse of what it is like in eternity. In the spiritual realm, in eternity, we are not time-bound anymore. Just with a twinkling of an eye, and just like that, 8 hours! 

Just as when you sleep while you are on earth, it is the same with those (your loved ones or your good friends) who have departed. They are now fallen asleep in Christ, and the moment they wake up, we shall all meet again! That's what the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18!

Therefore, be comforted if your loved ones or good friends have gone home to be with the Lord. Recently even for me, a good friend and a fellow minister of God of mine has gone home to be with the Lord. God brought him home after he has fulfilled His purposes on earth. Surely I will miss him. But I can be comforted because it's actually not a permanent loss, because as the Scripture says, there will be a reunion one day!

Isn't this a deep comfort and assurance for all of us who are in Christ? Yes, we may have missed some of our loved ones or good friends who have departed, but that is just temporary. Now, this is not my idea. Check it out in the Bible yourself. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says so!

That is why it is so urgent and important to share about Jesus to your loved ones, to those whom you care, to those whom you love. You want to see them in eternity together. So, this is the time to share the love of Jesus, pray for them, pray for their spiritual eyes to be open, so that they will see that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let them see that Jesus is the Lord, and only Jesus, the Salvation, can save them from this fallen world! And that's how we all can be together in eternity! 

After all, the earth is only a temporary place. You know it very well. We are just sojourners or pilgrims on this earth. The Bible says so in 1 Peter 2:11. Our permanent place is up there, where we will see no more pain or suffering. And we will all be in the loving arms and embrace of the Lord. Indeed, once we have fulfilled our God-given purposes on this earth, He will bring us home. There will be a homecoming! 

So, take heart, be encouraged, and stay strong, no matter what happens in this world. Keep running this race of faith. Keep fulfilling all that God has purposed for you to be on this earth. Keep focusing on the Lord. Keep fixing your eyes on the Lord. Keep trusting the Lord. Keep putting your hope in the Lord.

In John 14:1-4, Jesus Himself said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." 

It is then written in John 14:5-7, 'Thomas (one of His disciples) said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."'

It means Jesus was saying, "If you see Me, you would have seen My Father as well." Because Jesus and the Father are One! You see, God the Father was being revealed through Jesus who came!

Let us pray: 

"We thank You Lord God that You have reminded us of all these verses, that we will be together with those who have 'fallen asleep', to meet You in the air, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Therefore, we receive Your assurance, we receive Your comfort, as we keep looking to You and fix our eyes on You, till the day of Your glorious coming. We thank You Lord God that You have shown us there will be a great ingathering and reunion of Your beloved, for those who have 'fallen asleep' together with those who are alive and remain. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

So there you have it, today's message is a message of comfort for you to keep running the race of faith and keep fulfilling all that God has purposed for you on this earth! 

Encourage one another, comfort one another, and continue to share about Jesus, about the love of Jesus. When everything else on this earth fails, the Lord's love, Jesus' love, never fails!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

"Do not be afraid!"

The Lord spoke these words recently:
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you, and I will never leave you nor forsake you! Do not be afraid, for even in times like these, I am still the Great I Am, and I have overcome! Do not be afraid, for weeping is for a night, but joy comes in the morning! As I have done for Mary, and as I have done for Joshua, watch how I will also do greater things through your life!"

Notice that before the Lord does greater things through some of His people, He would say, "Do not be afraid!" He said these words (through the angel Gabriel) just before He did greater things through Mary, and He said these words just before He did greater things through Joshua. I believe the Lord is saying the same to you too in this time and season: "Do not be afraid!"

Let's look at the Scripture now. 

Luke 1:26-31 (NKJV) says, 'Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus."' 

In the Old Testament, the Lord said in Joshua 1:9 (NKJV), "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:10-11 (NKJV) then says, 'Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"'

People of God, your time for such has also come! Do not be afraid to take steps of faith, moving forward! If the Lord has spoken, He will see to it that He will go with you! Do not be afraid to walk into the new things that the Lord has prepared for you! He will know how to clear the way for you, and even raise up the right people to favor you!

Your part is to respond to Him according to what He has spoken, just as Mary who responded to the angel Gabriel, saying, "Let it be unto me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Hearing these words, the angel Gabriel knew his job was done, and he departed. Or just as Joshua who responded by taking steps to prepare the people to cross over the Jordan, and to go in to possess the land which the Lord had given them.

May you also walk according to what the Lord has spoken in this time and season, and see many good days ahead of you. This is a time of many dreams and visions, and even angelic visitations. This is a time the Lord is showing His plans to those who would look to Him and trust Him. This is a time the Lord is releasing many of His secrets to His people, such that 'no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9).

And for many of God's people, this is also a time of many breakthroughs, in spite of those disappointments, sorrows, or even mistakes in your past. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) says, 'For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning'. Let go of those things that have ensnared you, and behold, a new joy is coming, and a new door is being opened for you. Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!

No longer forsaken, nor shall your land be desolate!

Isaiah 62:4 (NKJV): You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.

The word 'Hephzibah' in Hebrew means 'My delight is in her', whereas 'Beulah' in Hebrew means 'Married', which speaks of all of us (the bride of Christ), married to the Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!

Isaiah 62 is a chapter on the Lord's assurance for 'Jerusalem' (the city, literally). But 'Jerusalem' here can also be a 'picture' of you and I (the people of the Lord). In Isaiah 62:1, the Scripture says, 'For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace (keep silent), and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns'.

I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"Tell My people I will not give up on them, even if they feel like giving up! Tell My people I will not cease until I see My light and brightness fall upon them! Tell My people I will not rest until I see them established according to My purposes in their lives! For I am a God who never leaves them nor forsakes them!"

The word 'Jerusalem' ('Yeruw-shalayim' in Hebrew) has two parts in it, namely 'Yeruw', meaning 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and 'shalayim', meaning 'founded peaceful'. In other words, 'Jerusalem' is a city founded on a flow of (living) water, and a city founded with peace! This is what the Lord had intended for this city to be! The flow of (living) water (i.e. 'a river') here represents 'the Holy Spirit flowing', as this city awaits for the coming of the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself), who is the Prince of Peace!

Your life, by the way, is like a city! Each city has a unique personality and identity. So are you! Each city has unique features and characteristics. So are you! And there are twin cities or sister cities too, just like some of you who have twins or sisters!

People of the Lord, what 'city' are you? The Scripture tells us that you are meant to be like 'Yeruw-shalayim', a city 'founded on a flow of (living) water', and a city 'founded peaceful'! This is what the Lord had intended for your life to be! So, no matter what problem (or issue) you may be facing in your 'city' at the moment, and no matter how troubled your 'city' has become, there is hope for your 'city'! Indeed, this is your time to boldly ask and receive all the promises of the Lord in Isaiah 62!

In Isaiah 62:8-9, the Scripture says, 'The Lord has sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength; "Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored. But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts."'

And in Isaiah 62:10, the Scripture says, 'Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway! Take out (remove) the stones; Lift up a banner for the peoples!'

People of the Lord, this is your time to 'go through the gates', and walk into greater things in life! This is your time to 'take the highway route', because a time for acceleration is at hand! This is your time to 'lift up a banner', because a time for victory has come! Receive all these for your time and season right now! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Fear not the 'adversity'! Your 'promotion' time is coming!

I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:

"Fear not! Even when you are faced with opposition, persecution, or 'storms' in life! Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil! Because I am with you, and My grace is sufficient for you! When you are weak, that's when I am strong! I have been there for you, and I will still be with you! Those 'storms' will pass away, and your promotion time is coming!"

In Psalm 23:4, David wrote, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me'. The expression 'the valley of the shadow of death' here speaks of 'the darkness (or challenges) one walks through in life at times', and the word 'evil' here is 'rah' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'adversity, trouble'.

People of God, if you are faced with any 'adversity' or 'trouble' in the world right now, fear not, because the Lord your God is with you; and His rod and His staff, they comfort you. He uses His rod to chase away your 'predators', and His staff to lead (and guide) you to the right direction. Like sheep to the shepherd, keep looking to Him and trusting in Him, your Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3), no matter what happens around you. He has been there for you, and He will still be with you! Be rest assured. David knew this very well, and no wonder he wrote at the beginning of this psalm, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want' (Psalm 23:1).

By the time David wrote Psalm 23, he must have already seen much in life. He was no more a youngster. How do I know? In Psalm 23:5, he wrote, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' This means he's old enough to have enemies. I mean, real enemies in this world! In the same verse, he also wrote, 'You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over'. This means he's old enough to have experienced abundance in providence. In Psalm 23:6, he wrote, 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. This means he's old enough to have tasted much of the Lord's goodness and mercy for him to write this way!

He must have also reminisced how the Lord had been there for him in his earlier days, even as far back as the time when he faced Goliath! He was still in his youth when Goliath came out from the camp of the Philistines and challenged Israel to choose a man to fight him (1 Samuel 17:8). However, all the men of Israel fled from him (Goliath) and were dreadfully afraid (1 Samuel 17:24), for he was a giant, and his height was 'six cubits and a span', equivalent to 'nine feet and six inches' in modern-day measurement!

But David 'stepped up to the plate', even though Goliath was about twice his size, and as 'intimidating' as can be! David knew the battle wasn't his, but the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47), and he prevailed (1 Samuel 17:50-51). When king Saul heard about it, he sent Abner, the commander of the army of Israel, to inquire about him (1 Samuel 17:56-58).

You see, what the enemy meant as an 'opposition' against Israel, the Lord turned it around as a 'promotion' time for His beloved, David!

The name 'Goliath' comes from the Hebrew word 'galah', meaning 'to shame, to strip (in a disgraceful sense), to remove'. So, if your 'Goliath' comes against you in order to shame you, strip you (in a disgraceful sense), and remove you (from God's plan and purposes in your life), fear not, because just as He was with David those days, the Lord is now here with you, fighting the battles for you. In fact, the Lord has a good news for you: "Your 'promotion' time is coming!"

A time to worship like you have never been before!

2 Kings 17:36 (NKJV): But the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship...

2 Kings 17:39 then says, '... Worship the Lord your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies'.

The word 'worship' here is 'shachah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to prostrate, to fall down (flat), to bow (self) down, to humbly beseech, to humbly surrender'.

Notice these two verses on worship appear in the Bible just before Hezekiah began to reign as the king of Judah (see 2 Kings 18:1). Indeed, the Lord God was preparing a man who would lead the whole nation to return to worshipping Him again! For the record, Hezekiah was one of those kings of Judah who did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and one who trusted in the Lord. He also held fast to the Lord and did not bow down to the king of Assyria who worshipped other gods (2 Kings 18:3-7).

As I was seeking the Lord for His prophetic words for this month, I heard:
"Worship! Worship! This is a time to worship like you have never been before! And I will show you how real I am. I will show you My glory. Prepare for My glory and anticipate My glory this month!"

Not that you never worship at other times, but I believe the Lord is saying this is a crucial time to worship! In fact, it is a time to worship like you have never been before! There will be new songs! There will be new melodies from heaven for this earth! Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs shall flow in such ways that you have never heard before!

I then saw a vision of an 'anchor' being firmly and strongly 'planted' in the seabed as I was praying for one of God's beloved in our midst. I asked the Lord what this vision means, and He impressed upon me that His strength is being 'anchored' deep in His people as they worship.

I then heard further:
"As you worship, I am planting My 'anchor' in you. I am your 'anchor'! I am your strength! I am releasing supernatural strength upon you and deep in you this time and season, and you will overcome every wave sent by the enemy against you. I will even use you to be a strength to many around you."

'Anchor' is made of strong metal (e.g. steel), and it speaks of 'strength' and 'assurance', no matter how the waves may be beating and hitting. Therefore, as you worship, know that He is releasing His supernatural strength and assurance upon you then and there. You will then be a strength and assurance to many other 'vessels' (or 'ships') around you that have been tossed and hit likewise by those 'strong waves'.

Back to Hezekiah now in 2 Kings 18 and 19. Interestingly, the name 'Hezekiah' means 'Strengthened of Yah' in Hebrew, from the words 'chazaq' (pronounced 'khaw-zak') which means 'to strengthen, to be strong', and 'Yah', which is 'the name of the Lord, the Most High God'.

In the fourteenth year of his reign as the king of Judah, Hezekiah was then faced with 'strong waves' that seemed hard to overcome. 2 Kings 18:13 says, "... Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them'. 'Sennacherib' here speaks of 'the wave sent by the enemy to rock your boat/ship/vessel', the enemy who tries to make you think that your God is small and He is not strong enough for your situation.

Mockeries, lies, and even threats followed thereon (see 2 Kings 18:17-37), and all these were meant to deceive God's people and to shake their faith in the Lord their God.

People of God, are you also in a situation where there's just no more strength to carry on? Or there's just no more strength to bring forth what God has put in you (say, a dream or vision you have received)? Or maybe you are already on the verge of giving it all up, as the 'storms' (or 'strong waves') around you seem to be too overwhelming for you.

2 Kings 19:1 says, 'And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it (i.e. all those mockeries, lies, and threats), that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord.'

'To go into the house of the Lord' is 'to enter God's presence in worship and total surrender'. Indeed, in a time of worship and total surrender, you will also find strength and assurance. And that's when the Lord spoke through Isaiah His prophet: "Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him (Sennacherib), and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land." (2 Kings 19:6-7)

'Isaiah' ('Yesha Yah', meaning 'Yah has saved' in Hebrew) here speaks of 'the Lord who saves (delivers, rescues) you'.

2 Kings 19:14-15 later says, '... Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it (all those troubles and threats) before the Lord. Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, "O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim. You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth..."'

The word 'spread' here is 'paras' in Hebrew, and in this verse's context, it means 'to lay all your troubles (before the Lord), to break down (before the Lord)'.

And you know what? The Lord heard Hezekiah's prayers (2 Kings 19:20). He then literally shut out Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:27-28), and all His words against him (Sennacherib) eventually came to pass (see 2 Kings 19:35-37).

People of God, just as in Hezekiah's days, know that He is also now here for you, ready to embrace you and incline His ears to you. Know that He will never despise a heart that is broken before Him, and He will never turn down a heart that is totally 'spread' before Him. Indeed, one cannot worship the Lord with a hardened heart, or with a heart that puts up a 'front', a 'facade', or a 'mask'. This is the time to lay it all down.

May our hearts be so tender and soft before the Lord in worship and in total surrender. Amen.

God's righteousness leads to peace, quietness and assurance

Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV): The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

The word 'righteousness' here is 'tsedaqah' in Hebrew, which means 'rightness, rectitude (correctness), or justice', from the word 'tsadaq' meaning 'to be right, to make right, to cleanse, to clear self'. Isaiah 32 here speaks of the reign of God's righteousness, and of course, the work and the effect of God's righteousness for those who believe and walk in it.

The word 'peace' in this verse is 'shalom' in Hebrew, which encompasses 'peace, safety, wellness, wholeness, happiness, health, prosperity'. From the verse above, I can therefore say wherever and whenever God's righteousness reigns, there will be shalom peace.

The word 'quietness' here is 'shaqat' in Hebrew, which carries the meaning 'being settled, being still, or being at rest', while the word 'assurance' here is 'betach' in Hebrew, which means 'security, confidence'.

Today, in the New Covenant, this righteousness of God has been revealed through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus when He died for you on the cross (and His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins) some 2,000 years ago. Indeed, He is in the Old (Covenant) concealed, and in the New (Covenant) revealed!

Romans 3:21-24 (NKJV) says, 'But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus'.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the apostle Paul wrote, 'For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him'. The word 'righteousness' here is 'dikaiosune' in Greek, meaning 'justification', from the word 'dikaios', which can mean 'to be innocent, to be holy (set apart), to be justified, to be made right, to be clear'. 

Like one’s name is being cleared, the Lamb of God (i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ) who takes away your sins (John 1:29) has also cleared your name before the throne of God. Thus, you can now come boldly to the throne of grace (into His presence), that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), and it is by grace (not by works, or by trying to earn it) through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Bible also says this righteousness of God is a gift for you to receive. As a believer in the New Covenant, you receive this gift (of righteousness), and that's how you reign in life through Him. Romans 5:17 (NKJV) says, 'For if by the one man's (i.e. Adam) offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ'.

Let's go back to Isaiah 32 now. The first verse says, 'Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice'. This king mentioned here is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who is the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Psalm 45:1-7, Revelation 19:16). And because He reigns (Isaiah 32:1), you reign too! The Word of God says, 'As He is, so are you in this world' (1 John 4:17). By the way, the word 'reign' in this context means 'to have the authority, or to rule with authority', even over all the power of the enemy in this world (see Luke 10:19).

A life, a home, a ministry, a business entity, or even a nation that is filled with bickering and strife (i.e. disharmony) is the exact opposite to the promises of God in Isaiah 32:17. The only way is to return to the Lord, and allow His righteousness to reign again. That's how the shalom peace of the Lord will also return and reign again! And as a matter of fact, where there is shalom peace, there will also be prosperity! Isaiah 32:15-16 says it so aptly, 'Until the Spirit (of righteousness) is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest (i.e. rich, lush greenery). Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field'.

Notice that things weren't good (read the verses prior to Isaiah 32:15-16), until the Spirit (of righteousness) is 'poured upon us'!

May any 'wilderness' of yours be also turned into 'a fruitful field', and 'the fruitful field' is counted as a 'forest' (which speaks of 'the richness of heavenly treasures on earth'). This is my prayer for you for the rest of this year. Amen.

Isaiah 32:18-19 (NKJV) then says, 'My people will dwell in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet ('undisturbed' in KJV) resting places, though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation'. 

People of God, be fully assured His will for you is that 'you will dwell in peaceful habitation', and to find security and refuge in Him, no matter what you see (or hear) on this earth, or no matter what happens in these last days. ‘Hail comes down on the forest’ here speaks of 'natural calamities', whereas ‘the city is brought low in humiliation’ here speaks of 'economic downturn, or political turmoil'.

The Bible says, 'If He is for you, who can be against you?' (Romans 8:31) To know that you are the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus Christ) is to know that 'God is for you'.

And because 'God is for you', you also know that you have the shalom peace, security, and quietness in Him as well - in your life, in your home, and in all that you put your hands to do. The Word of God in Isaiah 32:17 says so! Believe, and you'll have it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You will not be put to shame!

Isaiah 54:4 (NKJV): "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore."

Recently, I heard the Lord say, "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame. The enemy may try to bring shame to you and cause your name to be smeared, but fear not for I have given you an assurance in Isaiah 54:4. Never let the enemy shake you no matter what, and because My light has come, I am also visiting you in a very special way this year, and put My anointing and enabling on you."

This word 'widowhood' in Isaiah 54:4 comes from the Hebrew word 'al-maw-naw', which also means 'a desolate place, or a desolate house'. 'To be desolate' is 'to be deserted, miserable, lonely, sad, or incomplete'. So, this word 'widowhood' here figuratively speaks of being 'deserted, miserable, lonely, sad, or incomplete'.

Never mind if you have been a 'widow' in the past. Because Isaiah 54:5 then says, "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth." In other words, your Maker is your 'husband' who completes you, or makes you complete in Him! No more will you be alone in facing the fiery darts of the enemy, and no more will you be put to shame, because your Redeemer, Jesus Christ has already carried all your shame when He was nailed on the cross! In fact, His face was even 'smeared', 'disfigured', and 'disgraced', so that you will not be disgraced anymore! Isaiah 52:14 says, "So His visage (appearance) was marred more than any man, and His form (was marred) more than the sons of men." Isaiah 53:2 then says, "He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."

And you know what? He suffered all these so that you will have Isaiah 54:4!

This year, because His light has come (Isaiah 60:1-2), know that He is also visiting you, the way Jesus came on Simon Peter's boat (Luke 5:1-6). The Bible says Jesus is the Light (John 1:7-9).

'Boat' here speaks of one's vehicle, livelihood, vocation, or even life itself. Simon Peter was a downcast figure then, a picture of dejection, and in rather low spirits. He had toiled all night but caught no fish. And if there's not going to be any fish in his net, it means there'd also be no food on his family's dining table!

But God! And He came! And out of the many boats by the Lake of Gennesaret, Jesus (Yeshua, meaning 'salvation, rescue, aid, deliverer, restorer') chose to come on his boat!

Today, He wants to come onto your 'boat' as well! Will you allow Him? Blessed are you if you do. 

You see, Simon Peter could really have said, "Sorry, but I'm about to finish washing my net, and I'm too exhausted to entertain anyone today. Maybe next time? Or you can choose another boat to use instead?" But he did not, and it marked the beginning of a great and tremendous blessing in his (Simon Peter's) life!

When Jesus comes on board, He also brings with Him great and tremendous blessing to you! 

Religious people may turn Him into an obligation, or a duty to fulfil. Some others may turn Him into a religion of many steps in order to (hopefully) reach Him. But that's not what the Word of God says! In the New Covenant, what you need to do is simply just let Him come in, just as Simon Peter did!

When Jesus visited Simon Peter, it wasn't an obligation for him, but instead a blessing to him! In other words, God is not an obligation (or burdensome), but a blessing to you! (see also Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus then said to Simon Peter, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch." And indeed, blessing did come, even 'exceedingly abundantly above all that he could ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). In fact, his life was also about to change forever! (see Luke 5:6-11)

People of God, the Lord is also calling you to 'launch out into the deep' this year, where the abundance of fishes are! 'Fishes' here speaks of 'His great blessing and providence'. May your spirit be sensitized to listen to the leading and instructions of the Holy Spirit as He tells you to launch out. Amen.

This is also the time to receive and meditate on Isaiah 54.

Isaiah 54:1 says, "Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman."

Isaiah 54:2-3 follows, "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes, for you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited."

And as you 'launch out into the deep' or 'enlarge the place of your tent', Isaiah 54:4 then says, "Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore."

In cross-reference to 'widowhood' here, a widow's life was greatly blessed and tremendously changed when Elijah came into her life! (see 1 Kings 17:8-24) Similarly, another widow's life was also greatly blessed and tremendously changed when this time, Elisha came! (see 2 Kings 4:1-7) By the way, 'Elijah' means 'God of Yahweh, or God your Redeemer', and 'Elisha' means 'God of salvation, God of supplication, or God who is rich toward you'. Praise God!

People of God, no matter what may have happened in your past, or what shame you have had to endure in the past, will you give and entrust every area of your life to Him again? When Simon Peter allowed Jesus onto his boat, something great happened because it was given and entrusted to Jesus.

Psalm 34:8-10 says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."

'To trust Him' is to give and entrust your entire life and future to Him, like a child throwing himself/herself into the arms of his/her loving daddy. Today, know that your Abba Father loves you and is always (and will always be) here for you, and He is also assuring you that His arms are big and strong enough to carry you through, no matter what the enemy may try to conjure up against you (see Isaiah 54:14-15, Isaiah 54:17). Amen.