Words from the Lord: "You will find your rightful place!"

The Lord says: 

"This is the time of My great outpouring in many places like you've not seen before, in spite of the woes that you see on earth. The knowledge of My glory shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. Prepare yourself for the next level of My anointing, My wisdom, and My glory in your life! Ask of Me and you will receive. For those who have not found it, you will begin to find your rightful place in My kingdom!"

Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.' 

The word 'knowledge' here in Hebrew is 'yada', and it can mean 'to know by seeing', 'to know by recognizing', 'to know by comprehending', or 'to know by discovering'.

Do not be disillusioned by whatever you see the enemy or the power of darkness does on earth right now, and do not be anxious. You know why? Because the Lord's glory that's coming is greater! The Lord your God will triumph in the end! And His glory knows no bounds! His glory is infinite, unlimited, and unstoppable! No power of darkness can stop Him!

You may ask, "What is God's glory?" This can be defined as 'God's greatness, God's magnificence, God's presence, and God's power that you can see, you can sense, and you can experience'. 

This glory can be upon your life, your family, or over your locality, your city, or even a nation or nations!

The key in this current time and season is to continue to look to Him, to embrace Him, and to cling to Him! 

You will see yourself moving into the next level, a new level of His glory, His power, and His wisdom in your life!

The Spirit of wisdom and revelation is flowing to you, and His glory is falling upon you right now! Receive by faith. 

You will begin to see many things in different light. There will be new perspective. There will be new understanding of things and what God is currently doing in your life.

Blessed are you!

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You can count on the goodness and faithfulness of God!

The Lord says for this time:

"Count on My goodness and faithfulness in your life. Yes, even in the midst of the situation around you and the situation that you see in the world right now. Look to Me, for I am still your faithful God. My faithfulness towards you has never changed." 

The Lord wants you to know today that He is still your faithful God, and He will still be. So, trust Him that He will continue to show Himself faithful in your life and in every situation you face in your life. 

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) says, 'But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.' 

The word 'faithful' here is 'pistos' in Greek, which can also mean 'trustworthy, sure, truthful'. As you can see here, the Lord isn't just your faithful God, but He is also your trustworthy, sure, and truthful God!

From this word 'pistos' here, notice that 'to be faithful' is 'to be truthful'. You see, He is a God who cannot lie. Hebrews 6:18 (NKJV) says, '...in which it is impossible for God to lie...' Like a relationship between husband and wife, one cannot say he or she is faithful unless he or she is truthful. The same it is with God, whom the Scripture says is the Bridegroom, and we His bride. 

The word 'establish' here is 'sterizo' in Greek. This word can mean 'to strengthen you, to steadily set you on the right path, to set you resolutely in the right direction'. So, to establish you is to strengthen you, to steadily set you on the right path, and to set you resolutely in the right direction. And of course, 'to guard you' is 'to watch over you, to preserve you, to be on guard for you'. And that's who God is to you, beloved, no matter what happens around you or what happens in the world around you. 

You can personalize this verse to yourself: "The Lord is faithful to me, and the Lord establishes me, and the Lord guards me from the evil one." You can say this again and again. Amen! 

You may have heard the teaching about your faithfulness to God, and there is definitely a place for such. But today, the Lord is talking about His faithfulness towards us. It's a two-way relationship between you and God, God and you. He is faithful to you, and you are faithful to God. In fact, He is still our steadfast and unchanging God, even if at times we may have been unfaithful to Him. Why? Because He is a God who is patient towards us, even in our weaknesses and unfaithfulness. We thank God for that. We thank God for His mercy and grace towards us. 

Beloved of God, if you may, read both 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians in a time like this. These two books are not just about you being faithful to Him and He is faithful to you, but these two books also speak of our time now, the end-time, and how we can prepare for the return and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

You see, we don't want to set date of the Rapture and the return of the Lord. Why? Because the Scripture says that 'of the exact hour and day, no one knows, except God the Father'. We don't want to overstep God's Word. But we can prepare our lives. We can prepare ourselves by living holy lives, ready for Him any time. Why? Because He can return at the hour we never expect. 

In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." And then, in Matthew 24:42-44, Jesus said further, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming... Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." 

So, according to 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, what can you do in a time like this? 

1. Continue to receive His love and be abound in His love

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

2. Continue to receive His sanctification and walk in holiness

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).

3. Focus on your God-given calling and God's vision for your life

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner; not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

4. Be sober, watchful, and vigilant 

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep (i.e. 'slumber in our spirit'), as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8).

5. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

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How to respond and prepare in a perilous time like this?

We cannot deny the war that's currently happening in the Middle East will likely have a chain reaction in the rest of the world. In other words, it's going to spread like wildfire. In short, the world is at war!

When you see what's happening in Israel and the surrounding nations, and it's happening like never before seen in the past fifty years, then you can't help but to take note. Why? Because Israel is like a time clock. The clock is ticking! 

One of the biblical ways how the Lord reveals the times and seasons is through the events that are happening in this world. 

So, in a perilous time like this, how do you (as His people) respond and prepare yourselves? 

Of course, you can pray. Pray for the nations that He has put in your hearts to pray for. And never cease praying.

Let's go to what Jesus has said in the Scripture regarding the time and season, particularly the last days. 

In Mark 13:28-30 (NKJV), He said: "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near - at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." 

In Mark 13:32-34 (NKJV), He said further: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch." 

In Mark 13:35-37 (NKJV), He then said: "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming - in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning - lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" 

So, this is the key word now: "Watch!" 

The word 'watch' here in Greek is 'gregoreo'. It can mean any of these: 'Be vigilant, be watchful, be alert, to take heed, to keep awake, be on guard, be discerning'. 

Even though different believers and Bible scholars may differ on the events leading to Jesus' coming, and what must happen first before Jesus returns, no one can deny that Jesus is coming soon! How soon is soon? I would say looking at the events happening in the world nowadays, the time is near! 

I'm going to show you five ways to respond and prepare in a time like this:

1. Be on guard and be discerning

In Mark 13:5-8 (NKJV), Jesus said: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows." 

In Mark 13:21-23 (NKJV), Jesus said: "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, He is there!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand." 

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV), the apostle Paul wrote: 'Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.'

In all the Bible verses you've read here, the warning of the Scripture is consistent, and that is to be on guard and be discerning. 

2. Don't lose hope

In Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV), the apostle Paul wrote: 'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ...' 

The apostle Paul reminded us that Jesus' first coming brought salvation, and he also instructed us to live soberly, live righteously, and live a godly life in this present age.

And see the words 'blessed hope'? What is this 'blessed hope'? The expectation of Jesus returning and receiving us. That is the blessed hope! 

3. Encourage one another

In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV), the 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. 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.' 

You see, the promise that the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout in 1 Thessalonians 4 here is followed by this command to comfort one another, or in other words, to encourage one another.

4. Keep doing what God has asked you to do

Whatever vision, mission, and purpose that the Lord has spoken for you to be and to do, keep doing it. Yes, in each time and season, keep doing it. At different junctures of your life, the Lord may re-strategize you, and the Lord may re-direct you. Your part is to follow Him. Be led by His Spirit.

In Mark 13:7-10 (NKJV), Jesus said: "But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations." 

The good news of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His kingdom must first be preached to all the nations, and then the end will come. This is God's commission and mandate for each of us as a believer of the Lord. You see, Jesus warned of troubling events as we near the end of the age, and that includes the persecution of believers. But Jesus also added that nothing, not even persecution, should distract us from this one essential thing, that is to continue to preach the gospel to every tribe and tongue. 

In Acts 1:8 (NKJV), Jesus said: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

5. Look up! 

Look up to Him and His Word! Do not let your eyes depart from looking to Him and His Word! Be vigilant and be ready, as if the Day is today! Turn away from your sins. Clear what needs to clear in your life. Don't delay, people! Cleanse your heart. Cleanse your hands. 

In Psalm 24:1-6 (NKJV), David wrote: 'The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.' 

In Psalm 24:7-10 (NKJV), David wrote: 'Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.' 

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Perilous times? The Lord already has the solution!

How to prepare for perilous times and perilous men? 

To start off with, what does 'perilous' mean? It can simply mean 'very dangerous' or 'hazardous'. 

As a matter of fact, we are now living in a time that is very dangerous and hazardous. Economic shaking, political shaking, war and rumors of war,... all these are happening in many places on this earth. Even the weather has gone berserk, has gone crazy, in many places, whether in the east, west, north, or south of this whole earth. 

Man-made systems, or the Babylonian systems of this world is indeed shaking.

But I want to tell you something. Fear not! Because the Lord always has a solution for you, if you look to the Lord. There's nothing in this world that the Lord has no solution for. So, fear not, in spite of all the happenings in these perilous times. And you have Jesus who has overcome the world. Stay close to Jesus. Abide in Him, and He will abide in you. He will lead you through this time, and you will come forth victorious, triumphant in Christ. Amen! 

We are going to focus on the 2nd epistle of Apostle Paul to Timothy, his spiritual son. 

Let's start off with 2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NKJV), '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...'

All these are indeed happening right before our eyes nowadays.

Before we go further, 2 Timothy is a very relevant book in the Bible for this time, the end of the end time. Here, you can find some of the keys on how to prepare for such times, on how to prepare for perilous times, and even perilous people. For the record, 2 Timothy was the last epistle written by Apostle Paul. It was written to his spiritual son Timothy as he was reflecting on his life. Through this epistle, he encouraged Timothy to stand firm and keep fighting the good fight. 

Let's continue with 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV), 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' 

To explain this verse, let's go to King James Version (KJV). 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says, 'Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' 

In the original Greek, the word 'study' here in King James Version (KJV) is 'spoudazo', which can mean 'to make haste, to speed, to be diligent, to be earnest, to be zealous'; and it comes from the word 'spoude', meaning 'speed or eagerness'. 

This speaks of promptness, responsiveness, eagerness and quickness towards something. In the context here, to carry out a matter with speed, with eagerness, with enthusiasm; in contrast to apathy, laziness and slothfulness. 

So, to apply back to 2 Timothy 2:15, 'Study to shew thyself approved unto God', it can mean 'to make haste, to speed, to be diligent, to be earnest, to be zealous; or to be quick and prompt to be at God's side, to stick to God, to stick with God; no matter what happens around you in this world. 

As you can see here, this verse is not just about 'studying the Word', but it's about 'to make haste, or to be quick to stay close to God, to God's Word, and to God's way'. Because His way is higher than this earthly way. You know it, that no one knows exactly how to solve the earthly problems anymore, whether it's a problem with the political systems of this world or economic systems of this world.

But I tell you what, the Lord has the solution. The Lord has the solution for you, if you stick close to Him, and if you make haste and be quick to stick to Him and His Word!

How about this expression 'rightly dividing the word of truth'? 

It can mean 'putting the Word of God in the right context'. It means knowing what applies to the Old Covenant and knowing what applies to the New Covenant, and not get it all mixed up. Because what applied in the Old Covenant may not apply to the New Covenant anymore. And mind you, you are living in the New Covenant, as a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

So, 'rightly dividing the word of truth' is knowing where you are in God's time (you are in the New Covenant) and knowing what applies to you as a believer in the New Covenant; in contrast to what used to apply to the people those days in the Old Covenant. So, that's one of the ways to interpret 'rightly dividing the word of truth'. 

Another definition of 'rightly dividing the word of truth' is 'correctly analyzing'. Now, the Holy Spirit is your best Teacher. Thank God for some good Bible teachers and good Bible commentators. But nothing beats the Holy Spirit who can teach you personally, directly, from the inside-out. So, when you read the Word of God, be open in your mind and be open in your spirit for the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read the Word. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you and even reveal to you the many secrets in the Word of God. 

Another way to define 'rightly dividing the word of truth' is 'accurately dividing'. It means accurately dividing what is specific for you and what is generally for everyone. It's the same here. Let the Holy Spirit teach you, guide you, and show you which part of the Scripture that the Lord wants to speak to you specifically; and which part is in general for every believer. 

Last but not least, another definition of 'rightly dividing the word of truth' is 'rightly handling the word of truth'. It means knowing how to apply the Word of God into your situation. You know what, it's just like a warrior knowing how to handle the sword. The Word of God is like the sword, the sword of the Spirit. So, just like a warrior who knows how to handle the sword and to wield the sword effectively and efficiently, so the Holy Spirit can teach you how to apply each of the verses that God has spoken to you in your everyday life and in your practical life. 

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NKJV) says, 'Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me (Apostle Paul wrote), in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.' 

You see? 'Hold fast the pattern of sound words'. In your context here, hold fast to what the Word of God says to you, and all the good things which was committed to you and promised to you, as written in the Word of God.

And you see? 'Keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us'. It means let the Holy Spirit guide you, teach you, and lead you on how you can apply the Word of God into your life, and in every situation that you face.

By the way, 'hold fast' can mean 'hold on, stay true, remain in, continue to believe'. In this context, hold on, stay true, remain in, and continue to believe in what God says about you and what God says to you, especially those words that you know (that you know that you know) the Lord has spoken to you specifically for your situation. 

So people of God, hold fast to the Word of God, and let the Word of God continue to fill your life. And as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, teach you, and guide you, you are going to be prepared for whatever that is to come, or whatever trouble that is to come in the future ahead of us. 

But fear not, as I've written earlier, because the Lord always has a solution for you. He has a way out for you, and He knows how to make that way for you. 

Let's continue.

2 Timothy 2:20-22 (NKJV) says, 'But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work...' 

This is also a time of cleansing. 

The Lord allows a lot of shaking that's happening in the world right now, not because the Lord is cruel, but because He is preparing His Bride for the coming of the Bridegroom. The Bride has to be pure, unblemished. When exactly the Bridegroom will come, no one knows, because Jesus Himself said, 'No one knows the hour and the day'. But as far as you are concerned, make haste, as has been taught in 2 Timothy 2:15. 

So, this is a time of cleansing. And this is a time of preparing. 

2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NKJV) says, 'But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will (to do the devil's will).' 

And that's why the Lord allows shaking - so that our eyes will be opened, that we may be set free, we will come to our senses, and escape the snare (or the trap) of the devil. 

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV) says, 'Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.' 

But as for you beloved, because you have made haste to the Word of God, you will not be so easily deceived and be turned away from the truth; when everywhere around you, people have itching ears, people are being deceived by sensationalism, and they will hear only what they want to hear and not hear what they don't want to hear, even though that's the truth. 

And again, as for you beloved, you are firm, you are strong in the Word, and you will not be so easily turned aside to fables or even to some sensational quote-unquote "prophecies"; but you will stand on the truth and nothing but the truth. Amen! 

So all these are the keys for you to withstand these perilous times. As I've written just now, fear not! This is not a doom and gloom message. But this is saying that in spite of all that you see, i.e. the perilous times and the perilous people around you, you stand strong on the Word and you flow in the Spirit. Word and Spirit. And you are going to overcome. 

To conclude, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (NKJV), 'But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.' 

So beloved, for you too, the Lord can deliver you from every evil work and from every deception; and the Lord will know how to preserve you for His heavenly kingdom, as long as you look to Him, as long as you make haste towards Him, as long as you allow Him to cleanse you and sanctify you. 

So you see, you are different. You are a holy nation. You are a royal priesthood. Yes, you are a peculiar people. The world will look at you peculiar. But you are God's people who have been taken out from darkness into His marvelous light. And therefore you will overcome, because Jesus in you has overcome. Amen!

Let's pray: 

"O Lord, in spite of the shaking that's happening in the world right now, You have a solution for us. Therefore, we fear not. Because when we look to You, You will stand with us, You will strengthen us, You will deliver us out of the mouth of the lion, You will deliver us from every evil work, and You will know how to preserve us for Your heavenly kingdom. Therefore, we give thanks to You. We will not be so easily deceived by the words of men, by sensationalism, or by the words that entice our senses. But we will stay true and we will hold fast to the foundation of God's Word. And we are led by the Holy Spirit. That's how we are well prepared for what is to come. We will fear not, because Jesus who is in us is greater than whatever that is in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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Why you shouldn't be worried in a time like this

Every week we seek the Lord for the timely revelation in the Word to be released to you. 

This is what the Lord says for this time: 

"No one knows the day or the hour of My coming, not even the angels. So, do not worry as you wait for My coming, but keep looking to Me, keep walking in My plans for you, and make full use of your life on earth. Keep holding on to My Word, because My Word will always lead you to all truth. Do not allow yourself to compromise, even when many around you compromise. Let Me continue to sanctify and purify you by My Word, by My Spirit, and by My blood."

We are living in a very exciting time, the end time. But just do not fear, because in Christ you have the final victory. There's a paradox of what is happening right now in the world. In some parts of the world, people are compromising in their faith, and some even fall away. The Bible calls it apostasy. Yet in some other places on earth, at the same time, great outpouring of the Holy Spirit is happening as well. Indeed, the gospel of the kingdom is being preached to all the world like never before! (Matthew 24:14)

At the time of this writing, the Great Tribulation is not yet, and the Antichrist has not yet been revealed. But the time is near. Of course people would ask this question, "How near is near?" You know what, God's answer is this: "Don't worry." 

So the message is clear today. Don't be worried and don't be engrossed with when the Great Tribulation will happen, who will be the Antichrist, or when will the Antichrist be revealed. Just continue to walk in God's plans and God's calling in your life faithfully. Continue to make full use of all that God has given to you (His giftings and His talents for you), so that you can continue to be a blessing in this world. You know why? Because even many centuries ago, people have already asked this question: "When is the Great Tribulation?", "Who is the Antichrist?", "When will the Antichrist be revealed?", or "When will the world end?" And even many centuries ago, people have already said, "The end is near!" 

But of course remember this: Live your life as if Jesus is returning tonight. It means be ready even if He returns tonight! Cleanse your heart and cleanse your hands. Let the Word and the Spirit continue to wash you and cleanse you. But yet keep walking in God's calling every day and keep planning ahead for your life. Yes, still have savings and still invest wisely. Because you'd never know when the end will actually come. Because Jesus Himself said no one knows the hour or the day. It can be anytime now, but it can also be many years from now. So don't worry when people say, "The end is near!" Your part is just to be prepared, to continue to live a life that is pure before the Lord, and continue to allow the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the Blood of the Lamb to wash you. You know why? Because you gain nothing by being worried or being engrossed with when the Great Tribulation will be, who the Antichrist is, when will the Antichrist be revealed, and how near is near! No one can claim they know exactly. But of course I want to tell you this. The signs are there already, especially since Israel became nation again in 1948. And you know it, if you have lived long enough, many things have accelerated since then. You can see this with your own eyes. 

Jesus says in Matthew 24:36, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."  You see, if anyone claims to know the date, they are directly contradicting this verse. And also, God's way of seeing time is very different from our human way or human logic of seeing time and calendar. 2 Peter 3:8 says, 'But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.' In other words, what humans can achieve in one thousand years, God can accomplish it in just one day! 

I continue with 2 Peter 3:9, 'The Lord is not slack concerning His promise (i.e. His promise of His coming for you, the Bride of Christ, the church), as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.' And this is the heart of God. He tarries, He hasn't come. Why? Because He wants to see more lives on this earth be saved. His will is that none should perish! Therefore this is a very important time to continue to be the 'light' to the world, to keep preaching the gospel, to share the Word of God to as many people as you can.  

2 Peter 3:17-18 then says, 'You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand (you know of this promise of God), beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.' 

No matter what happens in the world, no matter how the spirit of deception wreak havoc in this world, as a believer, you have the blessed hope of His coming for you. But Peter has also reminded us to keep our watch, lest we fall from our own steadfastness in the faith. 

Paul wrote this in 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 'Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith (and that's the falling away or apostasy), giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.' Here, Paul wrote that in the latter days (i.e. in the end time which we are living in right now), many people's conscience become numb (no more feeling). It's like hot iron touching the skin, and there's no more feeling on the skin. So it is the same with one's spirit. There's no more sense of right and wrong anymore for some people. In other words, wrong becomes right, right becomes wrong. In fact, some people call the Bible outdated or primitive. They only want to hear what they want to hear. They don't want to hear what they don't want to hear, even though that is the word of truth which will bring blessings to them! 

But as far as you are concerned, beloved, keep looking to Jesus, keep looking to all that He has done for you on the cross, and keep pointing people to Jesus, till He returns for you, the Bride of Christ, the church! 

Keep putting your trust in Him, and as long as you keep walking in the Word and in the Spirit, He will know how to establish you and guard you. And that is the assurance God gives to all of us today. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 says, 'Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you (i.e. the word of the Lord will continue to spread quickly, and people will honor it), and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.' 

The word 'establish' here is 'sterizo' in Greek. In this context, it can mean 'the Lord strengthens you', 'the Lord steadies you (i.e. make you 'steady' in a volatile time)', or 'the Lord sets you in the right direction'. When the spirit of the world keeps luring the people (even the people of faith) into the wrong direction (or 'pitfalls'), the Lord will know how to 'set you in the right direction'! That is a great assurance for those who keep looking to Him and keep trusting in Him!  

The word 'guard' here is 'phulasso' in Greek. In this context, it can mean 'the Lord keeps you', 'the Lord watches over you', 'the Lord preserves you (till the day of His coming)', 'the Lord saves you', or 'the Lord rescues you'. In other words, the Lord will know how to make a way of escape for you, and the Lord will know how to shield you from the evil one! 

And this is wonderful. 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 says, 'Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.' See the words 'always in every way' here? Not sometimes, but always! Not only in some ways, but in every way! Remember Jesus said in John 16:33, "In Me you will have peace, even though in the world you will have tribulation. Therefore, be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world." 

The word 'peace' here in Greek is 'eirene'. It can mean 'peace, quietness, rest'. In other words, the Lord gives you peace always in every way, the Lord gives you quietness (even in the midst of the storms or troubles in this world), and the Lord gives you rest (in spite of all that happens in the world). And in this context, 'eirene' can also mean 'being at one with Him'. It means 'you in Him, and He in you' always in every way. Blessed are you! 

So no matter what happens in the world, know this: Jesus has already carried your judgement when He died for you on the cross! So now you are blessed! And you have the shalom peace in you. Shalom peace can literally mean 'nothing broken, nothing missing' in your life! So, fear not and worry not! As long as you keep walking in His grace and in His plans (and purposes) for your life, you will have this 'peace always in every way' - till you see the Lord Himself descending from heaven with a shout, with the voice of archangel, and with the sound of His trumpet! And that's when you shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) 

What a glorious time that will be! This is the blessed hope that we have in Him. So, let's not give up, but keep hanging on to the Word of God, keep hanging on to the promise of God, and comfort one another, knowing that all that God has spoken in His Word, He will bring them to pass! Hallelujah! 

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

You must not be deceived in this end time!

Welcome to our weekly message! Every week we seek the Lord for the timely revelation in the Word to be released to you.

This is what the Lord has spoken for this week: "Focus on My calling and plans in your life, not the enemy's plans or conspiracies. Set your mind on the things above, and not on the things of this earth that is passing away. Be anxious not of the works of the antichrist, because I am still the God who is in full control and I have the final victory. Seek Me with all your heart, and I will show you the way forward. There is so much more that I want to show you and do in your life!" 

People of God, in times like these, in these last days, it is so important to set your mind on the things of God. There are so many distractions all around us, whether in the social media, in the world around us, or even in the news. But this is the time the Lord wants us to stay focused on Him, on the things above, and not on the things of this earth that is passing away. 

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.' 

You know why? Because the things of this earth are temporary. They will all pass away. But the things above, the things of God, are permanent and forever. So stay focused on the Lord. Stay focused on the things above, the things of God, God's calling and God's plans in your life. And that's how you are going to reach your God-given destiny! 

Right now, let the Lord release His anointing on you. This anointing of the Holy Spirit destroys every yoke and every bondage, and you are now set free! And you shall receive the Spirit of the Lord that will always lead you and guide you into all truth!

And that's what 1 John 2:20 (NKJV) says, 'But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.' It means the Spirit of the Lord that dwells in you and fills you, will teach you to be wise, especially in these last days. 

1 John 4:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.'

Notice the capital letter 'A' here for the Antichrist. There are many antichrists (small letter 'a'), but there is 'the Antichrist' (capital letter 'A'). And this spirit of the Antichrist does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and does not confess that Jesus Christ is God's Son, the True Light.  

1 John 2:18-19 (NKJV) says, 'Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming (capital letter 'A', the Antichrist), even now many antichrists have come (small letter 'a'), by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.'

In Greek, this word 'Antichrist' here is 'Antichristos'. Now, what does 'anti' mean in Greek? It can mean 'opposite, contrast'. In this context, it means 'opposite of Christ' or 'contrast to Christ'. It can also mean 'instead of' (i.e. trying to take the place of the real Christ), or 'substitution' (i.e. trying to be a substitute of the real Christ).

In other words, the spirit of the Antichrist tries to deceive people of this world to turn away from the true Christ! And you know it very well, whether you are in the western world or the eastern world, there are many who have been deceived. That is why you need the anointing of the Holy One! You need the wisdom of God. You need the Spirit of God living in you, so that you will not be deceived by whatever lies or even lying signs and wonders of the enemy!

Notice in the Scripture here, it says there are many antichrists (small letter 'a'), but there is one Antichrist (capital letter 'A'). So now you know many antichrists have come. They have infiltrated all over the world. That's why all the more you must be vigilant and watchful. Do not slumber in your spirit, but be alert in your spirit, because they are like those 'roaring lions seeking whom they may devour'. But they will not be able to devour you if you are watchful and vigilant; and strong, founded in the Word of God. Remember, Word and Spirit. These are the two pillars that you must build and keep building in your life till Jesus returns. 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.'

Now, 'the man of sin' or 'the son of perdition' here speaks of the Antichrist (capital letter 'A'). 

How about 'the falling away'? Has this part started to happen already? I believe so. I believe the falling away of believers has already begun. It means the end is near. 

But has 'the man of sin', 'the son of perdition' been revealed yet? The answer at the moment is 'No'. Because you don't see someone who 'sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God' yet, at the time of this writing. 

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 (NKJV) says, 'And now you know what is restraining that he (the Antichrist) may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.' 

By the way, who is this who 'restrains'? The Holy Spirit! And when He is taken out of the way, all hell break loose! And that's when the Antichrist will be revealed!

So the question here is "Has the Antichrist (capital letter 'A') been revealed?" From the Scripture here, the answer is "Not yet" (at the time of this writing). But the time is very near. Be ready. Be prepared. Live your life as if Jesus is returning tonight. Yet continue to walk faithfully in His calling and in His plans for your life. Allow the Lord to cleanse you. You are the Bride of Christ, supposedly holy and unblemished. Cleanse yourself. Cleanse, church, cleanse yourself!

How do you get yourself ready? Be strong in the Word and in the Spirit! 

Will you still be hungry and thirsty for more of God's Word and God's Spirit (even when many others lose their passion for God)? Blessed are you, if you are! My prayer is you will stay strong, and even stronger and stronger, till the day when you meet Jesus face to face. Amen! 

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NKJV) says, 'The coming of the lawless one (the Antichrist) is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.' 

You see, if you think only God can do signs and wonders, the Bible is clear here that even the Antichrist or the spirit of the Antichrist can do signs and wonders. But their signs and wonders are lies. There's a precedent here. Remember in Moses' days, do you realize that the Pharaoh's magicians initially did what Moses did? Whatever Moses did, they did it as well. Moses turned the rod into a snake, and all these magicians did likewise. Moses turned water into blood, and all these magicians did likewise too. But if you look at Moses' days, all these magicians could only match what God did through Moses to a certain extent, but not in the later plagues. You know there were ten plagues. And they couldn't match all the way. And that's good news for us! Our God is greater!

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (The Expanded Bible) says, 'So, brothers and sisters, stand strong [firm] and continue to believe [hold fast to, grasp firmly] the teachings we gave you in our speaking and in our letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and through His grace gave us eternal comfort [encouragement] and a good hope, encourage [comfort] you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.' Amen!

Prayer: "Father God, we thank You for these words that You have released to us today, that we are to focus on our callings and plans that You have given to us. We are to set our minds on the things above and not on the things of this earth that is passing away. We do not want to be anxious of whatever that the enemy throws into this world, because we know You are a God who is in full control and You have the final, ultimate victory. Therefore, we seek You with all our hearts. We receive Your Spirit of truth. You will lead us into all truth. And we want to stand firm in the Word of God. We want to stand firm, founded, rooted, built up in Your Word. And nothing can deceive us, not even signs and lying wonders of the enemies. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

The end is going to be good!

As I was seeking the LORD for the message for this week, this is what He says: "Many of My people are hurting. Many of My people are disappointed. But bless one another, not curse."

Indeed, this is a time to bless one another in the Body of Christ. There's been too much division in the Body of Christ recently, and everywhere you see God's people 'drawing swords against one another'. 

The LORD is also saying to 'stop shooting at one another', lest the whole Body of Christ will implode. This is an urgent and important message. The real enemy is not within, but outside the Body of Christ.

It is better to choose to walk in humility, rather than to be forced to walk in humiliation one day. You see, there is a difference between 'walking in humility' and 'walking in humiliation'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Amplified) says, 'With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Expanded) says, 'Always be [or Be completely] humble, gentle, and patient, accepting [putting up/bearing with] each other in love'.

This is also a time to bless your nation. Pray that God will teach and guide your nation's leaders to do the right thing and have divine wisdom to make the right decisions.

We all may have differing political views (that is our right, and that is everyone's right), but God is the One who raises up and God is the One who pulls down. He knows what He allows to happen and what He doesn't allow to happen. He is, after all, a Sovereign God. He knows what He is doing. He sees further than anyone of us human can.

1 Timothy 2:8 (Expanded) says, 'So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner [their hands in reverence; holy hands], without anger and arguments [quarreling; disputing]'.

1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV) says, 'I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling...'

Let's go to Daniel chapter 7 now. This is an important chapter to read in this time and season. In this article, I shall write about the fourth beast (signifying the fourth kingdom), because we are still living in this time of the fourth kingdom, before the coming of the Ancient of Days (the LORD our God) to rule and reign forever and ever.

Daniel 7:19-22 (ESV) says, 'Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom'.

You see, all the kingdoms of this earth come and go. These kingdoms are not permanent. They rise and they fall. Look at the Babylonian kingdom. Look at the Medo-Persian kingdom. Look at the Greek kingdom. But the time is coming when the kingdom that the LORD shall establish is forever and ever.

Daniel 7:23-25 (ESV) says, 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time'.

This fourth kingdom is the current kingdom on this earth, that speak 'pompous words' against the Most High God, wear out the saints (persecuting God's people), and even think to change the times and law of the LORD our God.

But let's see what happens next. 

Daniel 7:26-27 (ESV) says, 'But the court (of heaven) shall sit in judgment, and his (fourth kingdom's) dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'

In the end, God's kingdom shall rule and reign, and His kingdom shall be the everlasting kingdom. Mark these words: This kingdom shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. And who are these 'saints of the Most High'? You and I who are in Christ!

Daniel saw all these long before our time. Daniel saw the sovereignty of the LORD, and that the LORD sees the end from the very beginning.

You see, it is so important to persevere in times like these and keep your eyes fixed on what the Word of God says, because the end is going to be good!  

James 1:2-4 (Expanded) says, 'My brothers and sisters [fellow believers], when you have many kinds of troubles [trials; testing], you should be full of joy [consider it all/pure joy], because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience [perseverance; endurance]. [And] Let your patience [perseverance; endurance] show itself perfectly in what you do [have its full effect; finish its work]. Then you will be perfect and complete [mature and whole; or completely mature] and will have everything you need [lack nothing]'.

In other words, to persevere through difficult times will cause you to come to a place of greater spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

Let us pray:

"O LORD God, we ask for Your divine encouragement and divine touch in a time like this, when there's so much uncertainty about the future. We know You are a Sovereign God and You are still in control. You see further than anyone on earth can see, and You know the end from the beginning. Therefore, we take heart in this truth, and we take courage, knowing that You already have the ultimate victory for us, your saints. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full video in TiC YouTube Channel

Stay faithful till the very end!

The Lord says, "My people, stay faithful till the very end. Stay faithful no matter what you see around you in this world. For many in the world, their hearts will grow cold and their hearts will turn away from Me. But as for you and your house, stay faithful and look to Me in times like these. I will know how to save you and I will know how to deliver you. Your future is in My hands and I will know how to secure your future." 

Indeed, the Lord knows how to secure your future, and only in Him (and Him alone) do you find true security in turbulent times like these.

Therefore, let's not give up looking to Him and trusting in Him, even when you see many around you are giving up hope for the future. Stay focused on Him no matter what! Keep your eyes set on the Word of God and pray in the spirit often. WORD and SPIRIT. These are your spiritual food and spiritual drink to sustain you, whatever happens in the future! Till Jesus returns! 

Matthew 24:3 (NKJV) says, 'Now as He (Jesus) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"'

Question 1: "Tell us, when will these things be?" (i.e. the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem)

This has already come to pass in AD 70, when the Roman soldiers destroyed the temple in Jerusalem - just as Jesus said would happen.                  

Question 2: "And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (i.e. the second coming of Jesus)

This, of course, has not fully come to pass (as of now), as we await for His coming again. But the sign of His coming has been spoken of by Jesus, as written in Matthew 24:4 onwards. You see, the literal fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in turn sets the tone for the rest of Jesus' prophecies in Matthew 24 to be fulfilled, before His coming again.

Let's continue with Matthew 24:4 onwards, and see what Jesus said, as He answered the disciples' Question 2.

Matthew 24:4-5 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Jesus answered, "Be careful [Watch out] that no one fools [misleads; deceives] you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ [Messiah],' and they will fool [mislead; deceive] many people."'

Jesus warned that many would be deceived as they anticipated His return. There have been many times in the history of the church when rash predictions were made regarding when the world will end (and when this or that will happen), but many of these predictions never came to pass - causing great disappointment, disillusionment, and falling way. Jesus warned us to be careful. No matter how human predictions failed, never allow yourself to be affected. Look To Him, and Him only.

In Matthew 24:6-7 (Expanded Bible), Jesus said, "You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming [rumors/reports of wars], but don’t be afraid [alarmed]. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight [rise up] against other nations, and kingdoms against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat [famines], and there will be earthquakes in different [various] places."

In the midst of any great war, great famine or great earthquake, it is natural to believe that the world is coming to an end. But Jesus said there are far more specific signs that would indicate His return, and He would describe these further in the coming verses.

In Matthew 24:9-11 (Expanded Bible), Jesus said further, "Then people will arrest you, hand you over to be hurt [persecuted; tortured], and kill you. They [The world; all nations] will hate you because you believe in Me [you follow Me; My name]. At that time, many will lose their faith [turn/fall away], and they will turn against [betray] each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come [appear; arise] and cause many people to believe lies [deceive many]."

Jesus has said that before His coming again, there will be persecutions against God's people, and many will fall away. And not just that, many will also fall into the deceptions of false prophets. 

People of God, prepare yourselves therefore. Stay strong in WORD and SPIRIT, as mentioned earlier. Let no one deceive you, and let no one pull you down into the 'mud'. That is why it is so important to meditate on the Word of God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in you will lead you, teach you, guide you, and even make a way for you in times like these. So, fear not!

In Matthew 24:12-14 (Expanded Bible), Jesus continued, "There will be more and more evil [sin; lawlessness] in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other [the love of many/most will grow cold]. But those people who keep their faith [endure; stand firm; persevere] until the end will be saved. The Good News [This Gospel] about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, [as a testimony] to every nation. Then the end will come."

In spite of more and more evil in the world, and the hearts of many growing cold, Jesus promised that before the end comes, the gospel of His kingdom will be preached in all the world - to every nation. Let us also do our part to spread His love and spread the gospel of His kingdom in times like these. In times of darkness, we are the light. In times of hopelessness, we bring hope. Persecutions (of all kinds), false prophets, or even deterioration of the society would not be able to stop the spread of the Gospel of His kingdom.

Prayer for today: "O Lord God, teach me and show me Your way in a turbulent time like this. Help me and guide me as I stay faithful to You till the very end. I look to You and put my trust in You, because You are my only hope in a time like this. You are my Savior and my Deliverer, and no one else is. I hide under the shadow of Your wings and I take refuge in You. I surrender my life and my future into Your hands, knowing that only You can give me true security in my life and in my future. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full message in YouTube

Prospering in the end time

I heard the Lord say these words recently:

"Prepare for a time of prospering! Do not look at the world, but look to Me! And I will show you the way to prosperity! Prepare for a time of wealth transferring to My people, for My kingdom's sake and for My kingdom's expansion! Some have begun to see it happening. But more will begin to see it. This is a time to receive this anointing and enabling from Me!"

People of God, when the world is striving, that's when the Lord is thriving! Many in the world will not know what to do (and how to go about) in their lives anymore, especially in these challenging and perilous times. Not even the foremost of politicians or economists. And that's when many will begin to look to the Lord God for help. This is a time of great awakening! This is a time of great revival in our land!

Isaiah 60:1-3 says, 'Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising'. And Isaiah 60:5 says, 'Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you. The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you'.

Notice 'darkness shall cover the earth', but not God's kingdom on earth; and 'deep darkness the people', but not God's people! Contrary to what some people think, the above verses in Isaiah 60 are not just for Israel (or the Jews), but ALSO for those who are in Christ. In Him, you and I (the believers in the New Covenant) have been 'grafted in' (see Romans 11:16-18), as written by the apostle Paul.

What is true prosperity in the Lord?

The Bible says in Proverbs 10:22, 'The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it'. Walking in true prosperity in the Lord is not like the world's way of seeing prosperity. The world measures 'prosperity' solely by the amount of money/assets/properties/lands/luxuries one possesses. But the Bible says true prosperity in the Lord has no sorrow attached to it! No sorrow, no worry, no fear (because your conscience is clear), no anxiety, no feud, no strife, no sleepless nights! What's the point of having loads of money (or material things) but one comes back home only to see feud, strife, sorrows, and infighting? Or being surrounded by people who are only after one's money?

True prosperity is not attained by selfish means/gains, or sinful means (e.g. cheating, conning, gambling), but upon the instructions (blueprints) given by the Lord for those who seek Him! And that's when you'll also be rightly positioned to receive prosperity from the Lord! 

When the Lord prospers you in this end time, the Lord meant it primarily for the expansion of His kingdom, and not for a person to own more and more luxuries (houses, cars, yachts, etc) on earth, or to indulge in the flesh (e.g. parties, parties, and more parties).

Does God want you to prosper?

YES! As good parents, do you wish your grown-up children to prosper or to suffer (lack, poverty)? Of course to prosper! No parents in the right mind will want otherwise! How much more your Abba Daddy in heaven want to see you, His beloved children prosper! 

3 John 2 says, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers'. See the words 'in all things' here? And the word 'prosper' here in Greek literally means 'to succeed in reaching (something), to succeed in business affairs'. 

Luke 4:18-19 says, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (Christ), because He has anointed Me to.... proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord'. The word 'acceptable' here in Greek comes from the word 'dechomai', meaning 'to receive (providence)'.

2 Corinthians 8:9 says, 'For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich'. The word 'rich' here is 'plouteo' in Greek, and it means 'to be wealthy, to increase with goods'. You see, this verse isn't just talking about being rich in your soul, but also being rich with goods. 

As a matter of fact, when you prosper in the Lord, He gets the glory! But when you live in lack and poverty, He doesn't get the glory! Notice Isaiah 60:6-7 says, 'Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall serve you; they shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory'. 

The ways to prosperity is by sowing seeds

Not just financial seeds, but seeds of love and kindness! The seeds that you plant will in turn germinate and grow into trees with many fruits. Your sowing of seeds unconditionally will eventually grow into reaping of many fruits. The Lord is looking at your heart, and He will know how to reward you, even in ways you can never imagine possible. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, 'But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully'. 

As for financial seeds, sow to ministry/ministries that feed you spiritual food (i.e. the Word) and to ministry/ministries that have blessed you. Is there any biblical support for what I have written here? Yes. Genesis 14:18-20 says, 'Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine (speaks of 'spiritual food and drink'); he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him (Abram) and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he (Abram) gave him a tithe (one-tenth) of all'. 'Melchizedek' (who was the priest of God Most High) here is a 'picture' of  'ministry/ministries that represent Jesus Christ who is the King of all kings'.

There is no scarcity in heavenly economy!

There is a big difference between 'walking in divine providence' and 'walking in worldly providence'.

'Divine providence': 

In heavenly economy, there is no scarcity of resources, i.e. 'If you have more, I can have more too'. It means one is walking in the (unlimited) supernatural realm.

'Worldly providence':

In worldly economy, there is scarcity of resources, i.e. 'If you have more, it means I have less'. It means one is walking in the (limited) natural realm. 

The apostle Paul understood this, and he wrote it very aptly in Philippians 4:19, 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. Notice the words 'in glory' here? It means 'in the (unlimited) heavenly realm'! In other words, 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in the (unlimited) heavenly realm by Christ Jesus'! Not according to the (limited) worldly standards!

People of God, this is a time to receive the anointing and enabling to walk in divine providence of the Lord, because you don't belong to this fallen world that operates under the Babylonian system/structure. You may be in the world, but you are not of the world (John 17:16). The way of the world is always 'confusion', and that's what the name Babylon means. But the way of the Lord is perfect, His Word is proven, a shield to all who trust in Him (Psalm 18:30). The Lord will show you how, and He will lead you every step of the way. Ask, and you will receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them!

Isaiah 3:10 (NKJV): "Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them..."

The word 'righteous' here is from the Hebrew word 'tsadaq', which means 'to be right, to be just, to be in the truth (or to be truthful), to be cleansed (or to cleanse), to be clear (or to clear self)', whereas the word 'well' here is 'towb' in Hebrew, meaning 'beautiful, bountiful, cheerful, favorable, pleasant, prosperous, sweetness'. It describes a person who was ill, but now have regained health, or a person who was suffering lack, but now have received providence.

As I was praying in the spirit the other day, the Lord spoke these words:
"In the midst of judgment, tribulation and perilous days in the world today, do not allow yourselves to be disheartened or discouraged, and do not allow yourselves to be upset. I am the Lord your God and I will still be. And I say to the righteous that it shall be well with them. Look to Me, and look to My Word! Hang on to Me, and hang on to My Word! You will rise above every obstacle, and you shall see Me in all My glory!"

The Lord is assuring us that the ending of world history will be well for God's people. In other words, you and I (the believers) will have happy ending, in spite of all that happens in the world today! Have you ever watched a drama series where the hero and heroine went through every obstacle and finally found themselves living 'happily ever after'? Well, this kind of ending isn't always a 'fairy tale'. It will happen to you and I (the believers). Isaiah 3:10 says so! Jesus in all His glory will come and receive His bride, the church!

If you read Isaiah chapter 3, you'd have noticed this whole chapter is about judgment, tribulation and perilous times for Jerusalem and Judah. Isaiah 3:8 mentions about the stumbling and falling because 'their words and their deeds are against the Lord'.
'To be against the Lord' is 'to be against what He has spoken (i.e. the Word of God)'. 

Isaiah 3:16-17 then mentions about the consequences for those who are 'haughty (i.e. proud), walking with outstretched necks (i.e. heads held high, instead of arms held high in worship and surrender to the Lord), and wanton (i.e. seductive) eyes'. In short, this chapter shows how God's people were 'plundered' by the enemy when they departed from God (and His Word)!

But yet, in the midst of all these, there's a bright light, and there's hope! As can be seen in Isaiah 3:10! Let's read this verse again: "Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them..."

Are you righteous? Yes! 
You are made righteous through what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you on the cross! 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, 'For He made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him'. Romans 5:19 says, 'For as by one man's (Adam's) disobedience many were made sinners, so also by One Man's (Jesus Christ's) obedience many will be made righteous'.

Is the Lord righteous! Yes! Of course!
In 2 Timothy 4:8, the apostle Paul wrote, 'Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing'. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, 'But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption'.

As He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) Therefore, walk as He walks! It can't be that you are called the righteousness of God and clothed in His righteousness, but you don't walk in righteousness! It's like saying a person who is called an army personnel and clothed in his army uniform, but he doesn't walk as an army! Be ye not just hearers, but doers of the Word (James 1:22). His Spirit in you will lead you, teach you, and guide you to walk in righteousness (Philippians 2:13). Let us not be like the Pharisees whom Jesus called as hypocrites, who 'cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence' (Matthew 23:25-28).

There is a clarion call for God's people these days! A time to awake to righteousness, and sin not! (1 Corinthians 15:34) You can make that choice! Let His Spirit (the Spirit of grace, i.e. His ability and His supply from heaven) help you and set you free! Hebrews 12:1-2 says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight (burden, hindrance), and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

This is also a time to return to the Word! A lesson we can learn from Isaiah chapter 3 is God's people were plundered when they came against the Lord! (Isaiah 3:8) To come against the Lord is to come against the Word! Why? Because He is the Word! (John 1:1-4, John 1:14) It means to say God's people were plundered when they departed from the Word, and began walking in the ways of the world!

The key to your wellness is in the Word! Proverbs 4:20-22 says, 'My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh'. Proverbs 6:20-23 then says, 'My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teachings. Bind them upon your heart forever; and fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light...'

Romans 8:1 says, 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit'. Know that the Lord is not condemning you. He loves you so very much, and He yearns for you to walk in His righteousness (Galatians 5:16-18) and be mindful of His Word (2 Peter 3:1-2). Why? Because He is getting you ready for the best that's yet to come for you!

As I was praying in the spirit and preparing for this message the other day, I also heard the Lord say: "Tell My people don't settle for the second best, or the third best. Tell them to get ready for the very best that I have prepared for them!" 

Indeed, God's promise for you is not slack! People of God, it's never too late to know you are clothed in His righteousness, and begin walking in it! And it's never too late for you to return to His Word, and begin walking according to all that is written in it! (Joshua 1:8, 2 Peter 3:7-9, 2 Peter 3:13-14, 2 Peter 3:17-18)

He can 'undo' and 'redo' your situation (however bad it may be at the moment), and turn things around for you. In Jesus' name. Amen!

5 keys to your protection from deception in this end-time

2 Timothy 3:13-15 (NKJV): But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise...

The epistle (letter) of 2 Timothy is widely believed to be the last epistle written by the apostle Paul before he was martyred in the year AD67. The above was some of his last words to his spiritual son, Timothy.

The word 'deceiving' or 'being deceived' here is 'planao' in Greek, which means 'causing (a person) to go astray from the truth (or from safety)'. Indeed, this is a picture of the end-time we are living in now. And the apostle Paul wrote that evil men and impostors (i.e. persons pretending to be somebody else, usually in order to deceive others) will grow worse and worse.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the apostle Paul described the last days in detail. He wrote, 'But know this, that in the last days (i.e. in the end-time) 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, having a form of godliness but denying its power...'
Note: The words 'perilous times' here can also mean 'difficult times, dangerous times, furious times, or fierce times'.

But praise God! Know that no matter what happens on this earth in these last days, we need not fear, because an antidote has already been given to us the believers! Back to 2 Timothy 3:13-15, the apostle Paul urged his spiritual son, Timothy to 'continue in the things which he had learned and been assured of'. So, what are 'the things' that the apostle Paul talked about here? The Holy Scriptures! The Word of God! And he wrote 'these' are 'able to make you wise'! By the way, the word 'wise' here is 'sophizo' in Greek, from the word 'sophos' which means 'to be clear', i.e. knowing 'what is right, and what is wrong', or 'what to do, and what not to do'.
Note: 'Antidote' is defined as 'substance that acts against the effects of a poison (or a disease)'.

Interestingly, right after these verses in 2 Timothy 3:13-15, the apostle Paul wrote, 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Timothy 3:16-17). See what the Holy Scriptures can do for you here? The Bible says 'that you may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work'! As a matter of fact, there's really nothing else on earth that makes you 'complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work', except by the Word of God!

As I was seeking the Lord (as we cross over the half-way mark of this year 2015), I heard these words:
"My people shall not be deceived! This is a key time to watch and pray, to hear and see in the spirit!"

People of God, may the light of God shine in your heart in a very special way as you enter the second half of this year 2015. This light shall in turn enlighten your spiritual ears and spiritual eyes, so that you will be able to hear and see in the spirit clearly. This is also a season for many dreams and visions for many of you in the Body of Christ. He who loves you will also direct you and guide you. I declare that you will never run out of revelation from the Lord in this second half of the year 2015. In Jesus' name. Amen.

By faith, believe also that the Lord can protect you from any form of deception, whether from the evil one, or from men who may have impure motives (even false teachers, false prophets, or false businessmen with offers that seem too good to be true).

To shepherds who are overseers of the sheep entrusted to you, this is an important time to meditate on 1 Timothy 3:1-7 again. As shepherds for the Lord, we should never take advantage of (or make use of) the sheep for our own selfish gains.

Here are the 5 keys to your protection from deception in this end-time:

1. The Word of God
Every word of man, every teaching of man, and every prophecy released through man is to be 'screened' with the Word of God, simply because His Word is truth, and this truth shall set you free (John 8:31-32).

2. Humility
The Word of God says, '...be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...' (1 Peter 5:5-6). The word 'grace' here can also mean 'supply', even supply of His wisdom (in living in this end-time).

3. The fear of the Lord
The Word of God says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...' (Proverbs 9:10). The word 'fear' here is 'yirah' in Hebrew, which means 'reverence', and the word 'wisdom' here is 'chokmah' (pronounced 'khok-maw') in Hebrew, which means 'being wise (in mind, word, and act)'.

4. Keep looking to Jesus
The Word of God says, 'Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle' (Psalm 24:7-8). 'Gates' here speaks of 'your mind', whereas 'doors' here speaks of 'your heart'. Notice Psalm 24 comes right after Psalm 23 (that He is your Shepherd)? Indeed, the sheep hears the Shepherd's voice, and the Shepherd knows the sheep (John 10:14, John 10:27). Therefore, set your mind and your heart on Him (your Good Shepherd), and as a result, no one will be able to snatch you out of His protective hand (John 10:28-29).

5. Trust in His mercy
The Word of God says, 'For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need' (Hebrews 4:15-16). Trust that even at times when you may be 'a little careless' or 'off-guard' (we all have such times, don't we?), He is still sovereign in His mercy towards you. Be rest assured that your Abba Father in heaven who loves you (His beloved children) is also faithful, and He will deliver you from every evil work and preserve you for His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18). Amen.