Words from the Lord: "What is 'bitter' shall be turned to what is 'sweet'!"

Psalm 92:2 (NKJV) says, 'To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.'

You may have been taught to be faithful to God. This is true, of course. But today, God also wants you to know that He is faithful to you! And His faithfulness towards you hasn't changed! 

You see, the Bible doesn't just say God is good to you. You can see that in Psalm 34:8 that says,  'Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.' But the Bible also says 'God is faithful to you'. 

This word 'faithfulness' is 'emunah' in Hebrew. It literally means 'firmness, security, stability, trustworthy, unchanging'. In the context here, God is saying that He is firm and unchanging in always seeing the best in you and wanting the best for you! 

This word 'emunah' comes from the Hebrew root word 'aman', meaning 'to uphold, to support, to be faithful'. And this is exactly who God is to you! He always upholds you, supports you, and is faithful to you! 

There are times we are unfaithful to Him and have gone astray. There are times we have wandered off and have forgotten Him. But you know what? He still remembers us, and He still has our best interest in His mind. 

So, as we enter this brand new month, we want to remember who He is to us. He is faithful to us! 

The Lord also wants you to know that it has never been in His mind to suffer you or bring you sorrow. Where does the Bible say so? Proverbs 10:22 says, 'The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.' Now, 'rich' here may not necessarily just mean materially, but also rich in every sense of the word. Rich in blessings. Rich in wisdom. Rich in the goodness of God.

Beloved, if you are going through a difficult time in your life right now, be it in your health, your finance, your relationships, your career, or whatever it is, the Lord is saying to you to look to Him! Trust that He will know how to bring you out of your difficult situation, whatever your situation may be. Amen! 

Let's go all the way to Moses' days. Exodus 15:22-23 says, 'So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter...' 

So, what did the people do? Exodus 15:24-25 says, 'And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" So Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast the tree into the waters, the waters were made sweet.' 

At that time, Moses had just led the people out of the bondage of Egypt. Great signs and wonders accompanied them. In fact, the Red Sea even opened up for them to cross over. But here they were, in the wilderness, and finding themselves three days without water to drink! Even after they have found water at Marah, it was useless, because the water was too bitter (too hard) for them to drink! 

The people were basically saying, "What now, Moses? What are we going to drink now? What are we going to do? Why are you bringing us here to die?" 

So, here Moses was, stuck in this difficult situation, in the middle of nowhere, with no water for the people to drink, and the people doubting him and complaining against him! And what did Moses do? 

Moses looked to God and cried out to God! Moses trusted that his God would not bring them out of a place in order to suffer them. And when others thought God is nowhere, Moses still believed God is now here! Now, the same it is for you. Your God is not nowhere, but your God is now here to uphold you, support you, and help you, whatever your difficult situation may be! 

Moses also believed that God's faithfulness towards the people hasn't changed. God is still a faithful God. If God could open the Red Sea when they were once at a dead end, God could now open the way for them one more time! True enough, God showed Moses a tree. When Moses cast the tree into the bitter water, the water became sweet and drinkable. Problem solved!

Today, this 'tree' is a 'picture' of the cross, and all that Jesus has done for you on the cross. It's here that God can turn whatever that is 'bitter' in your life and make it 'sweet' for you! It's also here that He has carried all your curse and infirmities, so that you can be made well and whole! But you've got to believe this. Believe in what the Scripture says. Believe in what Jesus has done for you on the cross some 2,000 years ago. 

So beloved, whatever you may be facing right now, and no matter how impossible it may be to see a solution, just like Moses, look to the Lord and put all your trust in the Lord. The God in Moses' days is the same God in your life right now, today! The Scripture says God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God hasn't changed. Your God is the same faithful God even in your life right now. Take heart, and be encouraged. 

This month, I want to declare by faith that God will show you a way! He will make a way for you! He will know how to lead you out of your trouble or difficult situation, whatever it may be! As long as you don't give up or walk out on Him. Amen!

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

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).

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Look to the steadfast God!

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says, 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.'

Indeed, the Lord our God is a steadfast God, and His mercies never come to an end. 

And because He is steadfast, you too can be steadfast while on earth, no matter what challenges, predicament, crisis, or trials you may be going through at the moment.

When the world around you may fail you, or people around you may fail you, God's love for you never fails and never ceases.

The definition of this word 'steadfast' can be 'being steady, unshakable, unshaking, unwavering, unchanging, faithful, firm, stays the same'. 

So, when everything else in this world is shaken or is shaking, we have this assurance that the Lord remains the same - yesterday, today, and forever. 

In an unstable, unpredictable, and volatile time like this, let us therefore look to the Lord who is steadfast. He is our Rock, our Refuge, our Firm Foundation, and our Sure Foundation. Amen!

Everyone has his or her own unique challenges on earth, at different times and different seasons. No two persons are exactly the same. But the Lord is saying to you that He understands you from the inside-out, and He understands exactly what you are going through at the moment, even if no one else on earth understands. 

For some of you beloved who are going through challenges in life at the moment (whatever these may be), be rest assured that His strong arms will carry you through, and His strong hands will shield you and protect you. And through all these storms, be rest assured that He has not forsaken you nor forgotten you. 

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) says, 'Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (or to be shaken)'.

In Christ, you are made righteous because of what He has done for you on the cross. The Scripture says 'you are the righteousness of God through Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, whatever happens around you, the Lord knows how to take care of you and sustain you, as long as you continue to look to Him.

So, take heart, and be encouraged. The Lord has spoken, and He will make it good (Numbers 23:19). He is your Stronghold and your Defense, and therefore nothing in this world will be able to shake you (Psalm 62:1-2). 

Stay steadfast in the Lord and stay steadfast in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9, Colossians 2:5-7), and you'll be sure you'll triumph and come forth victorious. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Your promotion time is coming!

The Lord says,

"Promotion doesn't come from east, west, or south. Promotion comes from Me. And when I open the door for your promotion, no man can shut! Stay faithful therefore in what I have called you to be and to do. Keep running this race of faith! Do not give up! For I am looking at My people's faithfulness and stewardship. And I am looking at My people's heart."

Indeed, promotion comes from the Lord, and when He opens the door for your promotion, no man can shut! And He can promote you even in ways you cannot imagine! Not just in one way, but in many ways! He can promote you and open doors for you even in the most unexpected ways! Be it in ministry, in business, in career, or in any other area of your life! Just don't limit Him, and don't try to figure out how He's going to do it!

Some people may be saying, "But what do you mean? What I see around me are just demotions, paycuts, and job losses! And you say promotion is coming?"

People of God, the Lord doesn't see the way man sees. Don't look at what's happening around you in the natural realm. Because the Lord has spoken loud and clear that in the spiritual realm, there's promotion happening for God's people, for those who stay faithful to what the Lord has spoken for them to be (and to do), and for those who never give up!

You see, promotion doesn't just come in jobs. Promotion can come in the form of increase in anointing, increase in favor, increase in wisdom, and increase in authority in the spiritual realm! Your part at the moment is to keep building what the Lord is building in your life, and He will know how to bring you from there!

Psalm 75:5-7 (KJV) says, 'Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another'.

The word 'promotion' here is 'ruwm' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to bring up, to rise up, to raise up, to set you up (for good things)'. See? To set you up (for good things)! That is one definition of 'ruwm'!

People of God, be encouraged therefore, that the Lord is in the midst of setting you up for good things! Never mind if you've been overlooked or unnoticed at the moment. Never mind if people look down on you or brush you off at the moment. Never mind if you've been 'submerged' or 'played out' by others at the moment. Because the good news for you (who are reading this) today is the Lord hasn't forgotten you, and the good work that He has begun in your life, He will also bring to full completion! (Philippians 1:6)

Keep running this race of faith that He has started in your life! Never look to man (who may disappoint you), but look to the Lord who knows exactly how to open ways for you - supernaturally! And that time is coming, if you do not lose heart! And if you continue to cling on to what the Lord has spoken in your life, no matter what happens in the natural realm around you! Hallelujah!

For the preaching video, click to watch

Whatever can be restored will be restored, and whatever can be shaken will be shaken!

The Lord spoke these words recently:
"The time of restoration is at hand, just as I have spoken through the prophets since the world began! Whatever can be restored will be restored, and whatever can be shaken will be shaken! What is of God will be restored, and what is of the flesh will be shaken!"

The Lord spoke further: 
"In times like these, choose My way, and I will know how to back you up. Choose man's way, but man cannot back you up. Look to Me therefore, for I will not fail you, even when man fails you. I am a faithful God, and will still be faithful till the very end."

People of God, you and I are living in a time when whatever is of God shall be restored, and whatever is not of God shall be shaken (see Acts 3:21, Hebrews 12:27-29). These two are happening at the same time, and apply both in the Body of Christ and in the world at large. If any 'house' is built on the 'rock', even if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will not fall, because it is founded on the 'rock'. But if any 'house' is built on the 'sand', and if the rain descends, the flood comes, and the winds blow and beat on that 'house', it will fall, and great will be its fall (Matthew 7:24-27).

Now, what does the 'rock' represent here? In Psalm 89:26, the Lord says, 'He shall cry to Me, "You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation."' And what does the 'sand' represent here? Interestingly, the Hebrew word for 'sand' is 'chol', which is the same Hebrew word for 'secular' (meaning 'not set aside and holy unto the Lord'). Therefore, 'chol' represents 'worldliness'.

So, what can we learn from the above verses here?

In these times of 'shifting sands' and great uncertainty in the world, choose Him and His ways, because only His ways are sure, and only His ways fail not. Good idea of man may not be God's idea. Just look at the building of Tower of Babel those days (Genesis 11:1-9), and you will know whatever that isn't God's idea will not stand, and this applies even more in these last days. Why? Because He is in the midst of preparing a holy, pure, and unblemished bride for His glorious coming! (Ephesians 5:27)

If you look at the book of Acts and the patterns of the early church, you'd see that His church has never been meant to be 'institutionalized'. Church is an organism, not a man-made institution. Church is a people, not a man-made building. Church has never been meant to pattern after the structure of this fallen world and its man-made ways of doing things! Because if this is so, all the 'sorrows' of this fallen world will also rub off on the church! Strife, competing for 'members', competing for 'numbers', comparing with one another, desire to outdo one another, desire for greater influence, desire for greater fame, power struggle, power play, politicking, backstabbing, running down one another - just to name some - and the consequence will always be hurts, wounds, and even further sorrows! What is the difference then between the church and the world?

But the good news is the Lord will never give up on His church. The last book of the Bible is the book of Revelation, and this book prepares us for these last days. Have you noticed that 'church' (i.e. His bride) is the main focus of this book? (see Revelation 22:16-17) How can He forget His church then? He is certainly in the midst of opening the eyes of many to see 'the way He sees His church, not the way man sees', and 'the way He builds His church, not the way man builds'. He is in the midst of raising up a people who will not be afraid to stand up against the works of 'the prince of the power of the air' that have infiltrated the church of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-2) And He is in the midst of raising up a remnant in this end-time who would rise up and 'stand their ground' against the tide of worldly influence and the enemy's influence! (Romans 11:5) May you be one of those whom He raises up!

People of God, choose God's ways, and choose not the ways of man. Return to Him, and He will return to us. This article is not meant to judge anyone or any church. When one finger is pointed out to judge, three fingers will point back, if you know what I mean. We are all one in the Body of Christ. We all call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ all the same. Let us therefore listen to His heartbeat for His church again, and not the heartbeat of this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John 15:19, John 17:14-16). He will show Himself faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:24), and He will show Himself strong and mighty (Revelation 12:10-11) when we choose to 'let Him have His church again'. Amen!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV): The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

The word 'ordered' here is 'kuwn' in Hebrew, meaning 'appointed, established, set up, prepared, fashioned, ordained, guided, directed'. Indeed, the steps of a good man are 'appointed, established, set up, prepared, fashioned, ordained, guided, and directed' by the Lord, and He delights in his way! 

If there's any psalm that is a 'must-read' as you begin this new year 2017, it's Psalm 37. Take some time to read this whole psalm and let the Lord minister to you. This psalm was written by David in his old age, having gone through much and 'seen it all' in life. In Psalm 37:25, he wrote, 'I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread'. 

This psalm addresses the problem of evil (and evildoers) we all face on this earth, and how we (the righteousness of God through Christ) respond to it. This psalm also addresses some questions people often ask: 

"Why do wicked people seem to prosper and good people seem to suffer?" , or 

"Why do the bad guys escape scot-free and having a gala time, but the good guys seem to be deprived of what they deserve?"

Some might even ask, "Where then is justice? Is there no justice on this earth?"

I was praying in the Spirit the other day when the Lord suddenly spoke these words: 

"Tell My people if they have been a victim of 'injustice', this is the year I am going to bring justice to them. Look to Me, for I am the Lord of justice. Like slaves being treated with injustice, this is the year I am going to set many free." 

In Psalm 37:28, David wrote, 'For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints...' So, people of God, if you have been a victim of 'injustice', be it in the workplace, in your family circle, or anywhere else, let the Lord comfort and assure you with His words today. David himself had been a victim of 'injustice', and he certainly knew what he was writing here. 

In Psalm 37:1-4, David wrote, 'Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart'. 

The direct opposite of 'delighting' is 'blaming'. This is a time to stop blaming yourself or blaming God (for whatever 'injustice' that had happened to you), but instead look to Him and feed on His faithfulness. Psalm 37 was written to assure you that your current situation is only temporary, and that the Lord will know how to reverse it for you. He is our sovereign God and He is a God of justice. So, take heart. 

The word 'evildoers' here is from the word 'raw-ah' in Hebrew, which means 'to spoil, to do wickedly, to do mischief, to break into pieces'. It speaks of 'people who try to break you into pieces by their deeds', or 'people who are out to harm you (physically, mentally, or emotionally) out of their own insecurity, jealousy, or hatred against you'. 

Let's look now at what David had gone through. After a great victory over Goliath the Philistine, and having won some great battles, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, and they said: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." These made Saul (who was the king then) very angry, and the saying displeased him. So Saul eyed David from that day onwards, and he began finding ways to kill David (1 Samuel 18:6-30). David had to run for his life, and into the wilderness. 

In the wilderness, David had the opportunity to kill Saul who sought to 'finish him off', but he spared Saul's life, not once, but twice (1 Samuel 24:1-22, 1 Samuel 26:1-25). 

Now who's the 'bad guy' here? Saul! 

And who's the 'good guy' here? David! 

Yet, 'status quo' remained for a time, and while Saul went back to his comfortable palace, David went back to the rugged wilderness! Speaking of personal 'injustice' on the part of David!

So, how did David respond in such a time of 'injustice'? In Psalm 37:5-6, David wrote, 'Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday'.

Saul eventually ended up tragically (1 Samuel 31:1-10), but David ended up as a king who reigned forty glorious years! (2 Samuel 2:1-7, 2 Samuel 5:1-5)

In Psalm 37:7-9, David wrote further, 'Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret - it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth'. 

The word 'wait' here is 'qavah' in Hebrew, and it means 'to bind together (by twisting, like a cord), to join together, to gather (together), to collect, to look patiently, to look with expectation'. This same word 'qavah' is also found in Isaiah 40:31 that says, 'Those who wait ('qavah') on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint'. As you can see here, this 'waiting' is not a passive 'waiting'.

People of God, as you 'join together' with the Lord and as you look patiently to Him in these 'evil days', know that the Lord is with you (just as He was with David), and know that you too will begin to inherit what the Lord has meant for you to inherit here on this earth! 

And of course, just as David's steps were being ordered by the Lord as he faced the many adversaries and evildoers in his days, let the Lord also lead, guide, and direct you every step of the way, as you walk into greater (and greater) victories and open doors this year. 

Note: From Psalm 37, we can therefore learn to:

1. Submit to the Lord and His perfect timing (Psalm 37:1-11);

2. Trust in the Lord that He is sovereign and in full control (Psalm 37:12-26);

3. Depart from evil and stay righteous in the Lord no matter what (Psalm 37:27-40)

Psalm 37:39-40 wraps up this psalm with these words: 'But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them (set them free); He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save (rescue, aid) them, because they trust in Him'. Amen.

Count it all joy!

James 1:2-4 (NKJV): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.

The word 'joy' here in Greek is 'chara' (pronounced 'khar-ah'), which can be defined as 'calm delight, cheerfulness, or gladness'. No, you don't delight, cheer, or be glad at those trials of yours. No one with a sound mind would ever do that! What the Bible means here is in spite of your trials, you can still delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord!

In John 16:33, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The expression 'be of good cheer' here can be translated as 'be of good courage, or be comforted', and the word 'tribulation' in this verse is 'thlipsis' in Greek, which can mean 'pressure, affliction, anguish, burden, trouble, trials, persecution'.

I heard and released these words from the Lord the other day:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. This is a time to receive My joy and remain in My joy. My grace is sufficient for you, and I will know how to reward you in due time, if you do not lose heart. I have not forgotten you, for I am the Lord who remembers. I am looking at your faithfulness and I am looking at your heart. A time of promotion is at hand for many of My people in these coming months!"

Indeed, this is a key time to receive the joy that comes from heaven, and remain in that joy, no matter what! Nehemiah 8:10 says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'. It means to say this joy of the Lord (in you) will give you the strength to carry on and look forward in life!

Notice that 'joy' is placed very high in the 'list' of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, coming in second right after 'love' (that never fails!), and is placed even higher than 'peace'! I believe there's no insignificant details in the Word of God! This shows how important 'joy' is for each of us, simply because if we lose this joy, we will also lose the strength to carry on!

Let's look at a prime example in the New Testament now.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul wrote, '... a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet (beat, attack) me... Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong'.

The expression 'I take pleasure' here, similar to 'count it all joy' in James 1:2-4, doesn't mean the apostle Paul welcomed and took pleasure in all those trials he faced, but in spite of those trials, he could still 'delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord', knowing that he could count on God's grace (i.e. ability, supply) which is sufficient for him!

By the way, what exactly is 'a thorn in the flesh' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke these words to the children of Israel (as an instruction for the conquest of Canaan), "When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places (places for pagan worship)... But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell." (Numbers 33:50-55) See the words 'irritants', 'thorns', and 'harass' here?

'A thorn in the flesh' can therefore mean 'someone/something sent to irritate, torment, disturb, disrupt, or harass you'. In the case of the apostle Paul, he was fulfilling the Lord's mandate and 'calling' for him as an apostle and teacher of the New Covenant, but satan sent people to harass him! As you can see here, 'a thorn in the flesh' doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. In fact, the word 'infirmities' mentioned by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10 is 'astheneia' in Greek, which simply means 'weakness, strengthless', and it doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. I personally believe the apostle Paul was walking in wholeness and wellness in his physical body. Otherwise, how would he be able to travel so extensively in his many missionary journeys?

People of God, like the apostle Paul, stay faithful in all that the Lord has spoken (and called you) to be and to do, in spite of the opposition (or harassment) sent by the enemy (or satan) against you. Stand firm in all that the Lord has spoken to you, and keep looking unto Him, the author ('beginner') and finisher ('completor') of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul himself wrote these very reassuring words, '... 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'.

Man may forget you, but the Lord never forgets you. He is the Lord who remembers. What He has begun in you, He will see to it that He will complete it, as long as you do not lose heart (or give up). Zechariah 4:9 (NKJV) says, '... the Word of the Lord came to me (Zechariah), saying, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish (complete) it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."'

Zechariah 4:10 (The Message) says, 'Zerubbabel started rebuilding this temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me (the angel of the Lord) to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small (humble) beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place! ... the seven lamps are the eyes of God (the perfect eyes of the Lord) probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights'.

Interestingly, the name 'Zechariah' ('Zekar-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Yah (the Lord) remembers', and this word 'zekar' in Hebrew means 'to remember, to record, to recognize, to make mention of, to be mindful'. And what does 'Zerubbabel' represent here? For the record, he was the governor of Judah those days, and the leader of the tribe of Judah. He was also the person who laid the foundation for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. As believers in the New Covenant, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit'. 'Zerubbabel' therefore is a 'picture' of 'the Lord Himself, the Master-Builder in each of our lives', and He is also 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Revelation 5:5).

Praise the Lord!

So, people of God, keep running the race (Hebrews 12:1) and keep putting in your heart in all that the Lord has entrusted you to be and to do, knowing that the Lord remembers you, and He will know how to reward you in due time. In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul wrote it so very aptly, '... let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart', and in Colossians 3:23-24, he wrote, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart, putting in your heart) as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward... for you serve the Lord Christ'.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy! (Psalm 126:5) For those who have been faithfully serving the Lord (in spite of the many 'harassment' from the enemy) in the previous season, rejoice! Because your promotion is at hand in this coming new season! Psalm 75:6-7 says, 'For exaltation (promotion) comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is judge; He puts down one, and exalts another'. Not from men, but from God! And when He promotes you, He PROMOTES you! No one, and no evil can stand in His way! Hallelujah! Believe and receive by faith! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Looking to the faithfulness of God

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV): 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', from the word 'peitho', meaning 'to be sure, to have confidence'. As you can see here, the Lord isn't just your faithful God, but He is also your trustworthy, sure, truthful God. You can therefore put your trust in Him. Amen!

From this word 'pistos' here, notice that ‘to be faithful' is 'to be truthful’. He is a God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18). Like in a relationship with a spouse, one cannot say that he/she is faithful unless he/she is truthful. The Bible says the Lord is the 'Bridegroom' (who is the way, the truth, and the life), and you are His 'bride' (i.e. His church, His people). He is also the 'Husband', and you (i.e. His church, His people) are the 'wife' (see Ephesians 5:25).

As I was worshiping and praying the other day, the Lord spoke these words:
"Look to Me. Look to My faithfulness. Even in the midst of your situation, look to Me, for I AM still your faithful God. My faithfulness towards you has never changed."

Today, He wants you to know that He IS still your faithful God, and will still be, even in the midst of your current situation (or persecution), and in this perilous end-time. Trust Him that He will show Himself faithful in every situation of yours.

Let's go back to 2 Thessalonians 3:3 now. The word ‘establish’ here is ‘sterizo’ in Greek, which means 'to steadily set you, to turn you resolutely in a certain direction, to strengthen you, to confirm you', and the word 'guard' (or 'keep' in KJV) here carries the meaning 'to watch (over) you, to preserve you, to be on guard for you'.

You may have heard much teaching about one's faithfulness towards God (and there is definitely a place for such), but today, I am writing about His faithfulness towards you, and how He is here to steadily set you and watch (over) you, no matter what happens around you in this world. Indeed, He is still our steadfast (firm, unchanging) God, even if at times we have been unfaithful to Him.

People of God, this is the time and season to read 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. These two books aren't just about you being faithful to Him, but also He being faithful to you (even in the midst of any situation or persecution you may be facing at the moment). In fact, these two books speak of our time now (the end-time), and therefore include instructions (like a manual) on how to live in this end-time (i.e. how to prepare for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ):

Continue to receive His love and 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).

Continue to receive His sanctification (holiness) and be holy

'For this is the will of God, your sanctification ('hagiasmos' = holiness, purity): that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God' (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

'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). 

Focus on your God-given calling & God’s vision for your life

'That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing' (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

'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).

Be sober and watchful/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 spiritually), 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). 

Cross-references: 1 Peter 5:8, Mark 14:38.

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

'Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Holy Spirit (i.e. extinguish/put out the work of the Holy Spirit)' (1 Thessalonians 5:14-19).

One might say, "That's a whole lot of things to do! You know, easier said than done, and it isn't easy living in this world full of temptations, revenge, and hatred nowadays!"

The answer, my friend, is in the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the Holy Spirit! His Spirit is the HOLY Spirit, and His Spirit produces the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He is still present, and He is here to help you. Therefore, you don't have to struggle any further, if you allow Him to work in you and through you.

Philippians 2:13 says, 'For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure'. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, 'Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify ('hagiazo' = to make holy, to purify) you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful ('pistos'), who will also do it'.

So, let's take Him at His Word today. His Word is truth (John 8:32), and His Word is sure (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

1 Thessalonians 2:12-13 says '...that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe'. 

You see, the Word of God is effective, and it works! (for those who believe) Heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will by no means pass away (Matthew 24:35). Therefore, hang on not to the things in this world that will pass away, but hang on to the Word that will by no means pass away. Amen.

The Faithfulness of God

Psalm 92:2 (NKJV): To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.

Even in the darkest of hours, God's faithfulness to you still stay the same! You may have been taught to be faithful to God, and that's great, but today, God also wants you to know that He is faithful to you, and His faithfulness to you hasn't changed!

The Bible doesn't just say God is good to you (Psalm 34:8), but the Bible also says He is faithful to you (Psalm 92:2). It also means He is faithful towards all His promises for you! And because He is a covenant God, He is also faithful to the covenant He has made with you as a believer.

Not just that, He also doesn't bring you somewhere, or lead you out somewhere to suffer you or to bring you sorrow! (Proverbs 10:22)

Let's now go all the way back to Exodus 15:22-26, and back to Moses' days. Moses had just led the people out of the bondage of Egypt with great signs and wonders not long ago, and the Red Sea even opened up for them to cross over! But here they were in the wilderness, finding themselves three days with no water to drink! And even after they've found a pool of water (at Marah), it was useless, for they couldn't drink it (as it was bitter). You see, one can survive three days without food, but one may not survive three days without water! And that was the fact they had to face!

"What now, Moses? What are we going to drink now? If we don't have water for another day, we'll all die here!"

'Stuck' in the middle of nowhere, and worse still, with no water to drink, they probably have murmured all those words against Moses and even began doubting if all these 'coming-out-of-Egypt-thing' was really that worth it!

But as the people complained, Moses cried out to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). See the difference between Moses and the rest? When everyone else complained, Moses did not, but he learned to cry out to God and seek Him. Moses trusted that his God would not lead them out to suffer them! And at that time, when others thought God is no-where, Moses still believed God is now-here!

Moses also believed God's faithfulness (towards the people whom He had led out of Egypt) hasn't changed! If God could open the Red Sea when they were once at the dead-end, He could open the way for them one more time!

And that's when God showed him a tree (Exodus 15:25), and when he cast it into the (bitter) waters, the waters were made sweet, ready for the people to drink! Today, this tree is a 'picture' of the cross and all that Jesus has done for you on the cross. It's here that God can turn whatever that's 'bitter' and make it 'sweet' for you now. It's also here that He has carried all your curse, so that you can now have your 'well' of blessings.

People of God, whatever situation you are faced with right now, look to Him and trust Him. The God in Moses' days is the same God in you today! He hasn't changed. He is faithful to His words for you, and He will see to it that He will lead you on, so long as you don't give up or walk out on Him. You see, men may walk out on you, but God will not. The Bible says 'He will never leave you, nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). His faithfulness towards His promises and plan for you stays the same, just as He had been in Moses' days.

Note: Throughout Israel's journey in the wilderness those days, He had always shown Himself faithful to His people. And even when many in Moses' days gave up or walked out on Him, His faithfulness towards His covenant and promises for them stayed the same. It was the people who walked out on God, not God who walked out on them! The truth is He has kept His word till the very end, and eventually led Joshua and Caleb into the Promised Land. He is indeed a God of covenant and promises!

That's why the Bible says in Philippians 1:6 that 'He who has begun a good work in you will complete it (i.e. bring it to full completion) until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ'. Today, He wants you to know He is faithful towards all His promises for you, and not just that, He will also be faithful to you till the very end. Receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.