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."

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

Keep running the race!

The Lord says,

"Keep running the race that I have set for you! Let it not be aborted! Do not lose focus! Do not lose heart! Do not doubt! Do not waver! Keep your eyes set on the road map that I've shown to you! Keep your mind set on the words that I've spoken to you! And the good work that I have begun in you, I will bring it to full completion!"

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) says, 'Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ'. The word 'complete' here is 'epiteleo' in Greek, and it carries the meaning 'to accomplish it, to fulfill it, to finish it, or to bring it to perfection'. And this is God's promise for each of us whose eyes are set on Him!

Therefore, in challenging and perilous times like these, keep running the race that He has set for you! Never lose sight of Him and His 'road map' for you! And never let any adverse circumstance of yours cause you to abort all the good work that He has begun in your life! By the way, the definition of the word 'abort' (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary) is 'premature termination of a flight, a mission, or an action'.

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'.

So, people of God, no matter what happens around you, and no matter what challenges you may be facing at the moment, take heart that you have a 'cloud of witnesses' surrounding you! This 'cloud of witnesses' can be those men and women of faith who have gone before us, or even the angelic realm, and they are cheering you on! Imagine you are a marathon runner, and you are entering a stadium filled to the brim with people, and all of them are cheering you on as you run towards the finishing line!

In life, sometimes we just don't feel like wanting to continue anymore, or we find it too hard to carry on, or no more strength to keep going. We all have such times and seasons in life. We all do. Maybe in recent times, you too have been waiting and waiting for the 'breakthrough' (that the Lord has spoken) to come, and it hasn't come. And you are beginning to lose hope, or even question whether it is worth it at all! Beloved, you are not alone.

The Lord is assuring you that He sees all these and He understands exactly what you are going through. Don't lose heart. Don't give up. If He has spoken, He will surely bring it to pass. In His way. In His sovereign way. The truth is He has not forgotten you and He has not forsaken you. He is in fact sending His angels to minister to you right now, and He is sending them to even clear the way for you. So, take heart, and keep your focus on Him!

He is also in the midst of giving you a new strength and a new hope as you run this race. Receive His love that never fails, and receive a new strength to keep going, no matter how the enemy tries to humiliate you or put you down all these while. Remember, you are made more than conquerors through Him who love you! (Romans 8:37) Not just conquerors, but more than conquerors!

I therefore declare in Jesus' name that you are going to see even greater victories and breakthroughs than you've ever seen in life, going forward. Believe and receive. Amen!

For the preaching video of this message, click to watch

For more information about this ministry, visit https://www.triumphinchrist.today/

Stay strong and positive in times like these

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV): 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.

The word 'weight' here is 'ogkos' in Greek, which means 'burden, hindrance', whereas the word 'ensnares' here is 'euperistatos' in Greek, meaning 'beset, afflict, discourage'. People of God, you and I are living in dangerous, stressful, and uncertain times. The Global Uncertainty Index reached a record level this year, and the recent Gallup's Global Emotions Report states that people around the world are becoming more and more angry, stressed, and worried in life. According to Gallup's new global survey for the year 2019, of some 150,000 people interviewed in over 140 countries, one third suffer from stress, and one in five persons suffer sadness and anger. That's a lot of people!

With the recent spate of hate crimes and terrorism, and adding to these, climate change, general economic and political uncertainties, and even persecutions in some countries, the verses in Hebrews 12:1-2 are definitely encouraging, in that you and I are not alone in facing all these, because we are 'surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses'. These are the saints who have gone before us, listed in Hebrews chapter 11, who have walked the walk of faith, and who are testimonies of God's faithfulness that He is a God who would see us through all the vicissitudes of life.

How about those loved ones who have gone before us, and even the heavenly angels? Just imagine yourself running a marathon race, and the crowd around you cheering you on, as you continue running with endurance the race that is set before you!

I like the way New Living Translation (NLT) translate the verses in Hebrews 12:1-2, and Hebrews 12:3 as well, 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up'.

Question: How do we keep running this race with endurance in spite of all that we see in this world?
Answer: Notice the expression in the above verse 'We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus'.

People of God, indeed, there's no other hope but to look unto Him, the One who begins your faith, and the One who completes your faith. Not looking at the troubles around you, not looking at the negative news around you, and of course not looking at whatever that burdens or discourages you, but looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. This is a very important time to stay strong and positive no matter what. He is more than enough for you, and His grace (i.e. ability, supply) is sufficient for you. In fact, you will rise up even higher than before, and you will triumph! Therefore, let's declare by faith that 'your latter days are going to be greater than your former days'! These are the words I was led by the Spirit to proclaim when I prayed for some people recently. Let it be so for you too!

I end this article with Hebrews 12:12-13 (NKJV) that says, 'Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed', and with Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) that says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things'. Amen!