Feeling overwhelmed? Resort in the Lord!

The Lord says: 

"For you who have been overwhelmed, stressed, burdened, worried or anxious in your life, or you are facing a situation that you don't see any hope, look to Me and lean on Me. Like John who rested on My bosom, and like the man at the pool of Bethesda who trusted and believed in Me, I will carry your burden, and I will bring you through. There is no burden or situation in your life that I cannot carry. Cast all these care to Me, for I am the Lord who cares for you." 

We all know that we are living in a very uncertain time. But there's a good news for you. The Lord is saying that He notices you, He cares for you, and He is here to carry all your burdens, whatever your burdens may be at the moment. 

In reference to what the Lord has spoken just now, let's go to John 13:23 first. This verse says, 'Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.' And of course we know that he is John. You see the word 'leaning' here? Leaning on Jesus' bosom! The same it is for you right now. The Lord wants you to just rest in Him, lean on Him, and look to Him. Different people different. Your situation may be different from another person's situation. But the Lord knows it. The Lord notices it. And the Lord will bring you through. I declare that everything's going to be alright for you. Amen! 

The word 'leaning' here is 'anakeimai' in Greek. This word can mean any of these: 'to rest on, to lie on, to eat together with, to have deep fellowship with.' In other words, the Lord is calling you to just rest in Him, lie on Him, lean on Him, come to a deeper communion with Him and in intimacy with His Spirit. And that's how even in the midst of the 'storm' around you, you can still have peace and calmness in your life. 

John 5:2-4 says, 'Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.' 

As you can see here, 'Bethesda' is the name of a pool near the Sheep Gate at Jerusalem. And Bethesda is where its waters was believed those days to have healing and curative power to heal every kind of sickness. The sick, blind, lame, paralyzed, and people with all kinds of troubles and diseases would converge there to wait for their turn to be healed. 'Bethesda' in Hebrew can mean 'house of mercy, house of kindness, house with flowing water'; where people received the mercy of God, the kindness of God, and the healing water of God. 

But you know what? The problem is this: There's a long queue, and many people were waiting for that queue, waiting for their turn to receive their healing at the stirring of the water!

John 5:5-6 says, 'Now a certain man was there, and this man was there who had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to this man, "Do you want to be made well?"' 

Beloved, whatever situation you may be facing at the moment, the Lord is asking you the same. He loves you. He wants to heal you. He wants to restore you. It doesn't necessarily have to be a health condition like this man at Bethesda. It can be a soul problem. It can be a spiritual problem. It can be any problem you are facing in life at the moment. Whatever it may be, the Lord wants to visit you and meet with you. 

John 5:7-9 says, 'The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.'

Do you see the scenario here at that time? Everybody wanted to be the next person to receive the healing touch of God, but there's just no opportunity for this sick man. But you know what? Jesus came along. Jesus saw him. Jesus noticed him. Jesus healed him.

Maybe you too are in a situation where no one notices you, no one cares for you, and no one takes a second look at you. But the Lord is saying to you right now He is here for you. You see, in this world where everybody is after their own things; it is a rat race, it is a dog-eat-dog world, it is a world that can be cruel; and you feel that you have been forgotten, you feel that no one notices you; I have a good news for you. God is here. God notices you. You are not just one among many in the crowd, like what happened to that man in Bethesda. When no one else notices you, Jesus notices you! 

You know what? There's nothing in this life that cannot be solved when you are in Him, and when you learn to rest in Him, lean on Him, and look to Him. I believe this is the time He is going to minister to you directly. Yes, even if you are among a crowd of people, He notices you. And He is here to minister to you directly in your specific and unique situation. 

You see, one beautiful thing about the Lord your God is He has never forgotten you, and He has never stopped working in your life - whether you see it with your physical eyes or not - whether He is working literally or working behind the scene in your life. 

So, like the man at Bethesda, receive His touch right now. Receive His love. Receive His healing. Receive all that He wants you to receive right now. 

I sense that in this time and season, the Lord is opening the window of heaven and releases the rain from heaven, releases the rain of the Holy Spirit right into your life. This rain will bring blessing from heaven right into your life. Receive this heavenly rain. Receive on behalf of your household as well. Receive and be blessed. Amen! 

Now I want to point you to Psalm 71:1-3 that says, 'In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually. You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.' 

Do you notice there's this word 'resort' in the Scripture? And here you find it in Psalm 71, New King James Version. The word 'resort' here is 'bow' in Hebrew, and this word can mean 'to enter in, to run towards, to fall on (Him), to abide in, to confide in, to entrust something to someone for safe keeping'. 

For the record, this psalm was written by David in a time of uncertainty and trouble. Notice that David was writing, 'O Lord, I can resort in You continually...' And David means 'Beloved'. And you too, as a beloved of God, you can enter into His presence continually, you can run towards Him continually, you can fall on Him and lean on Him continually, you can abide in Him continually, you can confide in Him continually, and you can entrust your situation to Him for safe keeping continually. 

Isn't this good news in a time of uncertainty and trouble around us? 

You see, many people in this world seem to not know what to expect in life, or what to expect for their future. They are worried. They are anxious. They are feeling hopeless. They are feeling troubled. But you need not be one of them. You can still have peace and calmness. You can still rest in the Lord, even in the midst of all these uncertainties and trouble, even in a great storm on this earth, whatever the storm may be (e.g. economic storm, political storm, etc). It's like being in the eye of the storm, at the center of a storm, yet you are not affected by the storm. Now, this is what happens when you lean on Him, when you rest on His bosom, and when you rest in His presence.

So, do you see that? All these verses that I've shared with you today, it all ties up. And at the end of the day, you know that the Lord has this message for you, that He wants to meet with you, and He wants to encounter with you. Why? Because He loves you. He wants to heal you. He wants to rescue you. He wants to make a way for you. Amen! 

Let us pray: "O Lord God, we look to You. We lean on You. And we rest in You. Like John who rested on Your bosom, or like the man at the pool of Bethesda who trusted and believed in You. Whatever situation we may be facing at the moment, we can cast all these care to You, for You are the Lord who cares for us. Indeed there is no burden or situation in our lives that You cannot carry. You will see to it that You will carry our burdens, You will bring us through, You will know how to create a better future for each of us. We are grateful to You. We thank You for all that You have done in our lives. And we thank You in advance for all that You are going to do in our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

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Learning to let go

The Lord says for this time: "Cast all your cares to Me, and cast all your worries and anxieties about your future to Me. Learn to let go, and flow with Me and My timing in your life. For I know your future more than anyone else, and I have plans of peace and not of evil for you, to give you a future and a hope." 

The outlook in the whole world at the moment seems to be bleak, and everywhere in the world, many people have lost hope in human governance. They can't see any solution, and they can't see any future.

But I have a good news for you. The truth is no matter what happens around you in the world, or how bleak people may say regarding the future, you can look to God! You can look to the Lord God who knows the future more than anyone else - any learned man or learned woman, any academia, or any politician in this world. 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

You see? God's plans and God's thoughts for you are plans and thoughts of peace, to give you a future and a hope. I know this is a very familiar verse, but the Lord wants to remind His people at the moment, that no matter what happens in this world and no matter how bleak the future may be in the eyes of the world, His future for you is bright! You've got to believe this.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden (in other words, burdened), and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) says, 'Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' 

Now, the word 'care' here is 'merimnah' in Greek, and it can mean 'concern, distraction, or anxiety'. 

So, cast all your concerns, anxieties, or whatever that distracts you (from putting your focus on the Lord) upon the Lord! Cast all these to the Lord. Exchange all these with the Lord. And in return, you receive His love, His joy, and His peace. These are unshakeable. Whatever that is in the world can be shaken. But all that's from heaven, all that's from Him, these are unshakeable and unfailing. His unfailing love, His unshakeable peace, and of course His unspeakable joy. Amen!

Learn to let go. There are times in life we need to learn to let go. Forgive and forget all those past hurts, betrayals, bitterness, wounds, disappointments, or certain past incidences in your life that you wish to forget, so that you can move on in life. This is your time to release and to bless. I tell you what, you will be a much happier person, going forward. Not just that. A much healthier person - spirit, soul, body! 

So beloved of God, let go of your worries and anxieties. Let go of all those past that have held you back. And of course, let go of your care or concern regarding your future - be it in your life, your career, your vocation, or even your country. Let God take over. He knows exactly what is to come, and He knows exactly how to lead you according to His perfect will for your life! 

So, what's your part then? Your part is to align with Him and commune with Him. Flow with Him. And He will know how to set the path for you. Remember, the steps of a good man (or a good woman) are ordered by the Lord. So, let the Lord order your path, going forward. Amen! He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Ecclesiastes 3:6 (NKJV) says, 'A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.' 

You see, there's a time and season to everything. I know it may not be easy to let go and let God. No one says it's easy. But if it has to be done, it has to be done. If the time comes, the time comes. Learn to let go of the past season, so that you can embrace the current season. Learn to let go of the old season, so that you can embrace the new season. This may apply in any area of your life.

For some of you, the Lord is saying it's even time for you to let go of the 'rat race' that you are in. And you know this 'rat race' isn't going to lead you anywhere. For some others, it's a time to let go of certain fame or publicity. Maybe you've been so stressed up. Maybe you are not happy anymore. Maybe for some of you, you don't even know who you are anymore. You do not know yourself anymore. Let go of whatever that the Lord wants you to let go, if that makes your life happier, healthier, and more peaceful. 

Now, different people different. For some, it's to let go of your 'rat race'. For some, it's to let go of your fame or your publicity. For some others, it's to let go of your past hurts, betrayals, disappointments, bitterness, or wounds. And of course for some others, it's to let go of your current care or concern, your anxiety, or your worry. 

I pray, beloved of God, that whatever you may be facing at the moment, whatever care or concern you may be facing at the moment, or whatever that causes you to be so burdened, God's grace will be so rich for you to let go and let Him take over. Indeed, He is here to embrace you.

You may say, "But pastor, you do not understand." Yes, I may not fully understand. But whatever your situation may be, I know that the Lord understands you. The Lord knows you more than anyone on earth knows you. So, you can put your trust in the Lord. He will know how to take it from here. He will know how to make a way for you, no matter how impossible it may seem to you at the moment. 

Now don't get me wrong. There is a place for perseverance or tenacity, of course. But there is also a place for letting go and letting God, when you know it's time to let go and let God, or when you know He already has something new for you and ahead of you. Now of course you need to discern and know the difference between when to persevere and when to let go. That's why communing with the Lord and aligning with the Lord is so important. 

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

Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV) says, 'Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' 

Here, apostle Paul wrote that he has learned to let go of those things which are behind him, and he has learned to reach forward to those things which are ahead of him. In other words, learning to let go of those past, in order to walk into something greater that God has in store for him. Now it is the same with us. In order for us to walk into something greater that God has in store for us, we've got to just let go of what's in our past. Do not allow what's in the past to hold you back or to stop you from embracing the new, embracing your new season, or embracing the new things that the Lord has for you. 

So, now, beloved, it is time to make that switch. Make that switch in order to be happier and healthier, be it your spirit, your soul, or your body. It's not too late yet. Make that switch! Choose God! Choose to walk in the joy of the Lord! Choose to walk in the divine health that the Lord wants to give to you! If there's any need for you to change, maybe it's a certain lifestyle change in your life, make that switch! The grace of God is super rich, super abundant for you to make that switch. And that's how you will come forth happier, healthier, and even more prosperous in your life! 

Let us pray. "O Lord God, we learn to cast all our cares to You, and cast all our worries and anxieties regarding our future to You, for You are a God who cares for us. We learn to let go, and flow with You and Your timing for our lives. You know our future more than anyone else, and indeed You have plans of peace and not of evil for us, to give us a future and a hope. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

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Lost your way and direction in life? There's hope for you!

I was praying the other day and the Lord released these words:

"For many of My people, the enemy has been trying to cause them to lose their way and lose their direction in life. But I am telling you this is a lie of the enemy. I am still your Good Shepherd and I am still your Guiding Light in times of need. I hold the keys to your doors and I hold the keys to your breakthroughs. Look to Me, hear My voice and follow Me, and I will show you the way to your open doors and breakthroughs."

This is going to be a very pastoral message, a message that's going to minister to some of you, especially if you have lost your way in life, lost your purpose in life, or even lost your direction in life during this prolonged time of pandemic. 

Luke 15:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." So He spoke this parable to them, saying: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?"'

Here, Jesus was explaining to the Pharisees and scribes why He chose to associate with "sinners and tax collectors". So, He told them this parable of the lost sheep where He identified Himself as a 'shepherd', and the people as 'a flock of sheep'. The 'ninety-nine sheep' here represent 'the righteous', whereas the single 'lost sheep' (in the context here, a lost sheep of Israel) represents 'the secularized and godless among the people' those days. 

Even though the main context of Luke 15:1-4 is about the 'lost sheep of Israel', this parable can apply to all of us too. Maybe you aren't lost in sins, but you feel lost in life, in your purpose in life, or even in your direction in life. In fact for some of you, you don't even know who you are anymore! I know of some people, especially during this time of prolonged pandemic (or prolonged lockdown in some places) who are actually feeling this way. 

Beloved, if you are one of these, take heart and be encouraged. The Lord your God hasn't forgotten you nor forsaken you. He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. And He is still your Good Shepherd (John 10:14) and your Guiding Light (John 8:12).

In John 10:11-14 (NKJV), Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

Before that, in John 10:1-4 (NKJV), Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

Do you see that? He calls you by name! The truth is He is a personal God, and in every situation (or any unique situation) you are going through, He cares for you. No one may fully understand what you are going through at the moment, but He understands. 

You see, the world may dump you or sideline you when you are deemed to be useless. Your employer may retrench you when you are not as useful anymore. Your customers may dump you when they find another better source. This is unfortunate, but this is a fact we all face in this fallen world. 

But Jesus your Good Shepherd will never dump you or sideline you. Why? Because He loves you and cares for you like none other, like no one else on earth. He is not a hireling. When danger comes, the hireling will flee and run away. But He the Good Shepherd will never flee or run away. He is still with you and He is still for you, even in times like these. And know this: He doesn't treat you like an impersonal robot or machine to be dumped when you become useless or incapable. No way!

Not only is He your Good Shepherd, He is also your Guiding Light. 

In John 8:12 (NKJV). Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

His light expresses His great love for you. His light, "the light of the world", guides you from the gloom of sin, and makes a way out for you. And whatever the gloominess may be in this world at the moment, be assured He knows how to make a way out for you. 

Therefore, look to Him and walk in His light no matter what happens around you, and you'll be sure to find the bright path to your open doors and breakthroughs. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

When times are tough, what do you do?

When times are tough, what do you do? This is a question many people ask, especially in times like these. But the answer from the Lord may surprise many.

Here's the answer, and here's what the Lord says, "Keep loving. Keep sowing seeds of love and care. Help anyone who needs genuine help. Look out for one another and look after one another."

There's no denying the fact that the world (I mean, the people of the world) has become 'colder' and 'colder', even though the earth is getting warmer and warmer (due to climate change). People are getting more and more selfish (lovers of their own selves without considering others or to the detriment of others), and more and more inward-looking.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God'.

But how about you who are the disciples of Jesus?

In Matthew 5:15-16, Jesus says, "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

In tough times like these, the Lord's answer for us is all the more let our light shine brighter and brighter, even as the world gets darker and darker! 

But how do you shine your light? 

Through acts of love and kindness from a genuine and sincere heart!

1 John 3:18 (NKJV) says, 'My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth'.

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) says, 'He who does not love does not know God, for God is love'.

1 John 4:12 (NKJV) says, 'No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us'.

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus says, "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

You see, as you scatter seeds of love and kindness wherever you are, as you help those who are helpless, and care for those who are uncared for, the Lord will know how to reward you and honor you, even in ways that no man can! The Lord sees it even when man never sees or recognizes it!

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) says, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart'.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

It doesn't necessarily have to be giving in the form of money. It can be using your spiritual gifts, your talents, your time, your energy, or in any way that you can be a blessing others! It goes a long way in bringing hope to many, and you'd never know how much this means to some who are in dire situations at the moment!

So, beloved of God, go ahead and love others! Make a difference in this world! Not just in words, but also in deeds! Your 'light' will shine ever brighter in the spiritual realm! And you will reap the good that you sow! Amen!

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The Lord notices and cares for you

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

The word 'cares' in 'He cares for you' here is 'melo' in Greek, which means 'to be of interest, to concern, to take notice, to take care'. This word is different from the word 'care' in 'casting all your care upon Him', which is 'merimna' in Greek, meaning 'anxieties, distraught, feeling troubled in mind'.

People of God, whatever care ('merimna') you may have at the moment (in your life, your family, ministry, business, or career), the good news is Jesus takes notice and He is interested to take over all those cares. That's what the Word of God says He is! Jesus Himself says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

At the time of writing, I also feel there are a number of you out there who are going through a time of loneliness, or worse still, the feeling that no one cares. In fact, some of you have even become rather tired of this, and you are already on the verge of giving it all up. But take heart if you are reading this, because the Lord has a message for you today.

I heard these words from the Lord, and I want to release them to you by faith:
"There are people in the midst who feel they have been forgotten, but tell them I have not forgotten them. Tell them that they are not insignificant, even if they think they are. I have a plan for them, and I have noticed them. I will do a great work for them, and I will bless them, the way I did for Leah."

Now, who is Leah? Hardly anyone talks about Leah! It's as if she has been forgotten, because people tend to talk more about the grand love story of Jacob and Rachel (Leah's sister). In short, Leah was someone who has been 'overshadowed' by her more illustrious (i.e. famous, distinguished, showing remarkable qualities) sister!

By the way, the name 'Leah' in Hebrew means 'weary', from the word 'laah' meaning 'to tire, to be weary, to grieve'. Maybe some of you are also feeling wearied, because you have recently been 'sidelined' by others, ignored, forgotten, unloved, uncared for, unwanted, abandoned, or even been unfairly treated. Or maybe you feel you are 'good for nothing', unimportant, or insignificant in this world.

Beloved of God, you are not alone in this. The Lord wants you to know that He has taken notice and He has a plan to bless you, just as He has done for Leah those days. Will you be willing to surrender and cast all those 'merimna' to Him? Because He does care for you. And He backs it up with His words in 1 Peter 5:7.

Now let's look at Leah herself in Genesis 29. She was the forgotten one, the ignored one, and the unloved one at that time. Genesis 29:16-18 says, 'Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah's eyes were faint (i.e. unlikely to have much effect, lacking attractiveness), but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance. Now Jacob loved Rachel (instead of Leah)...' And the story went on that Jacob was even willing to serve Laban (Leah's and Rachel's father) seven years just to marry Rachel!

Genesis 29:20-25 then says, 'So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled..." And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. Now it came to pass in the evening (of the feast), that Laban took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?"'

Imagine how Leah felt at that time! That rotten feeling of being shunned, unwanted, unloved, and being compared to her more 'popular' sister! Was it her fault that this had to happen? No, not at all! It wasn't her fault that her dad (Laban) did this to her! And it couldn't be her fault that Jacob loved Rachel more than her!

If you have been going through a situation like Leah, I want to write to you and encourage you that the Lord indeed has great compassion for the Leahs of today. He hasn't forgotten you, and He hears and takes notice of every heart cry of yours. Your breakthrough will come if you don't give up on Him.

Genesis 29:31 says, 'When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb...' The phrase 'He opened her womb' here actually means 'He enabled her womb'. In other words, when the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He enabled her womb. 'Womb' here is a 'picture' of 'the ability to produce, the ability to be fruitful, or the ability for a breakthrough'. And the word 'enabled' here speaks of God's grace, because God's grace is 'His ability (same root word as 'enabled') to do for you what you cannot do for yourself'.

As you can see above, there is tremendous hope for the Leahs of today! And of course, God's grace is more than enough for the Leahs of today!

For the record, Leah then went on to move from breakthrough to breakthrough, and great indeed was her fruitfulness! She eventually gave Jacob six out of his twelve sons! That's 50%! The rest of Jacob's sons were through Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah put together.

Here is the list of the fruits of Leah's womb:
1. Reuben (Genesis 29:32)
2. Simeon (Genesis 29:33)
3. Levi (Genesis 29:34)
4. Judah (Genesis 29:35)
5. Issachar (Genesis 30:17-18)
6. Zebulun (Genesis 30:19-20)
7. Dinah, the daughter (Genesis 30:21)

'Womb' speaks of 'fruitfulness'. The Lord heard Leah's heart cry and He blessed her womb greatly, so much so one of her sons was Judah, and it's from Judah's lineage (out of all the sons of Jacob) came forth Jesus!

Matthew 1:1-2 says, 'The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, Jacob begot Judah and his brothers...' See the name Judah here? And no other names among Jacob's sons were mentioned! It surely goes to show that the Lord hears Leah's heart cry and the Lord surely remembers Leah and the fruit of her womb! And I believe He will do so to you likewise, whatever your situation may be at the moment.

"It's easy for you to say, but how would you be able to understand what I've been going through?"

I may not be able to understand your situation fully, but I know I have a God who does. Why? Because I know He is a faithful God, and His faithfulness is great. I have gone through many 'Leah situation' myself, yet I have always been in awe of how faithful He can be whenever I look to Him and cry out to Him. And I am writing this from the very bottom of my heart.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJV) says, 'Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul. Therefore I hope in Him'.

The word 'compassions' here is 'raw-kham' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'to show love'. And out of so many other books in the Bible, the above verses have to be found in a book called Lamentations (meaning 'an expression of sorrow, grieving, weeping, and regret'). The Lord wants to show you that in the midst of your sorrow, grieving, weeping, and regret, know that His compassions for you fail not! And He will surely show up if you look to Him and cry out to Him.

So, take heart, beloved of God, because if He takes notice and is interested even in the number of hair on your head (Matthew 10:30), you can be sure He will also take notice of every other area of your life.

Receive His great love and grace for your life today, and watch how He is going to turn your weeping into a time of rejoicing. Amen!

Yes, He does care for you!

Luke 10:33 (NKJV): But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he (a certain man) was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Luke 10:25-37 tells us about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus was answering a lawyer who tested him with questions, and He then shared this parable to him. As a matter of fact, Jesus was actually speaking about Himself here. The Good Samaritan here is therefore a 'picture' of Jesus Himself, who was also despised by the Jews.

Note: Who were the Samaritans? These were people living in Samaria (some 40 miles north of Jerusalem), a race formed when the Jews married the non-Jews. In those days, the Jews intensely hated them and refused to set their feet in the Samaritans' territory. In other words, the Samaritans were avoided (and despised) by the Jews (see John 4:9). In fact, they even had their own place of worship (in Mount Gerizim, near Shechem), when the Jews had their Mount Zion in Jerusalem. However, Jesus came to demonstrate that God loves the Samaritans the same, just as God loves the Jews (see John 4:20-26).

In Luke 10:30, Jesus said, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

'Jerusalem' here speaks of 'blessing', while 'Jericho' here speaks of 'curse'. Note that in Joshua 6:26, this city was cursed by Joshua. So, as this man left the place of blessing (i.e. 'God's presence'), he then fell among the thieves, who then stripped him of his clothing (i.e. 'glory') and wounded him. 'The thieves' here speaks of none other than 'the devil', who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10).

Jesus then continued, "Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:31-33)

In cross reference, Matthew 9:36 says, 'But when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd'.

Jesus went on to say, "So he (the Samaritan) went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (Luke 10:34)

This speaks of Him coming to you, bandaging your wounds whenever you are down and out. He also takes your sorrows upon Himself (see Isaiah 53:4), and in exchange, you have His joy. 'Oil and wine' here speaks of 'joy and celebration'.

'He set him on his own animal' here is a 'picture' of Him taking your place of 'discomfort', so that you'll have His 'comfort'. 'Inn' here speaks of 'a place of safety those days, where thieves cannot come in.' In cross-reference, Psalm 91:1-2 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"'.

And to culminate it, He also assures you that He is here to take care of you.

Have there been times when you ask some of these questions?

"Do You not care that I've been all alone taking care of the children?"

"Do You not care that I've been suffering financially?"

"Do You not care that I've been having this problem at work?"

"Do You not care that I've been struggling with this illness, and there's still no breakthrough?"

"Do You not care that I'm fighting this battle alone?"

No doubt, these are real questions and concerns to many. But whatever your situation (or concern) may be at the moment, His assurance for you this day is He still does care for you. People of God, never allow the 'enemy' to take this truth away from you, no matter how you may be tempted to think that He doesn't really care.

In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (who neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns)." And in Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Wow! Five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And then two sparrows sold for a copper coin? Did God make a mistake in maths here? Absolutely not! What Jesus meant was sparrows were so easily gotten (and therefore, so cheap) those days! In other words, if you were to buy four sparrows, you'd get one sparrow free! 

And He meant you (whom He calls beloved) are definitely of more value than those little sparrows!

And if He does care for the very number of hairs on your head, what more other areas of your life?

Yes, He does care, no matter what happens, and no matter how big your 'problem' may be at the moment. Well, that's exactly what happened to the disciples when they asked Jesus this same question, “Do You not care?” in the midst of a great windstorm when their boat was about to sink (see Mark 4:35-41). Jesus then arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!". The windstorm then ceased and there was a great calm.

Yes, He cares, and He can also calm the 'windstorm' in your situation too. He is, after all, above all the 'storms' (or 'mountains') of this world, and nothing is impossible to Him (Luke 18:27). He is still your miracle-working God, yesterday, today, and forever. Somehow, someway, I believe He'll see to it that there's going to be a way out for you too. Amen. Only believe and do not doubt.

So, cast all those care of yours (including all your worries and concerns) upon Him (see 1 Peter 5:5-7). Well, it does take humility on your part here. The Bible says God gives grace (i.e. His supply and help) to the humble (those who realise the need to depend on His ability, and not merely their own), but He resists the proud (those who still believe they can do it with their own intelligence and self-effort, and with no need for God). 

Give also your future to Him, and in return, receive His love and peace this day. Let Him take care of your future from now on. In fact, He IS your future! When you have Him, you have everything! And that includes your future! Of course there's nothing wrong in planning for your future, but let Him also take over from here, and worry not (see also Matthew 6:25-34).

Recently, Psalm 16 has been speaking much to me. I therefore pray this whole Psalm 16 for you too, whatever you may be facing at the moment. In Psalm 16:7, the psalmist wrote, 'I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel'. Yes, indeed. Let Him be your wise Counsel in your every situation as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Casting all your care upon Him

1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 

According to Webster's dictionary, 'to cast' means 'to throw'. So, whatever 'care' you face now, or whatever the devil 'throws' at you, 'cast all these upon Jesus', for He loves you and cares for you.

You may ask, "Just how much does God care for me?"

Matthew 10:30 says 'but the very hairs of your head are all numbered'. You know what? God cares for you so much and in such great detail, even the very number of your hair is counted! And as much as I love & care for my daughter Sophia (& hugging her, kissing her, smelling her hair, playing with her hair, etc), I've never thought of 'counting' the number of her hair! But God makes it a point to do so! In fact, He knows every 'minute' detail of every strand of her hair, precisely! That's how much He cares. And what more with any other areas of your life?

In Luke 10:30-35, Jesus shared a story of a good Samaritan on how much God cares. Here was a man who came down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and 'fell among the thieves'. He was robbed, stripped, wounded, and left half-dead (Luke 10:30). No one was willing to help; not even a priest or a Levite who passed by. But a certain Samaritan man then saw him and had compassion (Luke 10:33). So, he bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him (Luke 10:34). Then, on the next day, he gave two denarii (two days' wages) and gave them to the innkeeper, and told him to take care of him till he's back (Luke 10:35).

Let me explain the meaning of all these.

The 'Samaritan' here is a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. Just as a Samaritan was despised and rejected by the Jews, Jesus was rejected by His own too! And 'Jerusalem' here is a 'picture' of 'a mountain' (in fact, in Hebrew, 'Yeru-sha-la-yim' means 'a city founded peaceful, flowing as waters', on a mountain, i.e. Mount Zion), while 'Jericho' is a 'picture' of 'a valley' (in fact, Jericho is near Dead Sea, the lowest point anywhere on earth at 1,300 feet below sea level). Whether you are at the 'mountain' or at the 'valley' of your life, God still cares for you (Psalm 23:4).

And even when you are 'down' (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc) in your 'valley', He cares to 'bandage your wounds', pour His Spirit (i.e. 'oil'), and His joy (i.e. 'wine') on you. 'Oil' here is a 'picture' of the Holy Spirit, and 'wine' has to do with 'joy or celebration'. The Bible says He turns your mourning into dancing, sorrows into joy! Also, instead of you suffering, He suffered on the cross for you (Isaiah 53:3-6). That's what 'he set him on his own animal' means. Not only that, He brings you into a place of 'safety' (Psalm 91:1-2). Notice 'inn' here is a 'picture' of safety (thieves those days only 'attack' at the streets, but not in an 'inn'), and 'innkeeper' here is a 'picture' of angels. He gives His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:10-12), so no evil shall befall you!

Because He cares for you so much, He’s willing to take all your cares upon Himself, big or small. There's really nothing too big or nothing too small (or trivial) for Him to handle.

Will you allow Him to ‘take over’ all those 'cares' of yours? Maybe you are facing a 'challenging' time at the moment. Or maybe it's an 'anxiety' or 'worry' over a business, career, or ministry decision. Whatever it may be, cast this care upon Jesus. 'To cast your care upon Him' is not 'being irresponsible', or 'running away from responsibilities'. After you've done 'your part', leave the rest to Him and let Him do His part. Cast it to Him & see His 'hand' take over. He'll always be, because the Bible says He is your 'ever present help' (Psalm 46:1). Amen!