Words from the Lord: "Your life will never be the same again!"

I had a dream the other night about three persons whom I know, all of whom are God's beloved. 

One is a leader, and in the dream, one after another follower or disciple of his seemed to desert him or walk out on him. He was of course downcast and discouraged. The next person I saw in the dream was someone who seemed to have lost direction and purpose in life, not knowing what to do in life anymore. And the third person was someone who seemed to have some kind of marriage problem or relationship problem. 

When I woke up from this dream, I prayed for each of them. I know this kind of dream is given so that I will pray. I will pray for the good of these people. So I prayed for God to heal and restore whatever area that needs to be healed or restored in these lives. 

That's also when the Lord spoke these words: 

"Tell My beloved, whatever your hurt, pain, regret, or even trauma may be, this is the time for you to be set free! Surrender all these areas of your life to Me, for I am extending My hand to heal you and restore you. Receive by faith. My grace is sufficient for you. My power to heal and restore is at hand. I will make all things new for you. I will cut rivers in the desert for you." 

The Lord is saying to you that He is sending miraculous supplies of water to 'water' you. You see, 'water' can speak of 'refreshing, healing, restoration'. The Lord is also saying to you that He can make whatever that is barren or deserted in your life to turn into fruitfulness and wholeness again. Not just that. He also makes all things new in your life! 

Revelation 21:5 (NKJV) says, 'He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."' 

Indeed, the Lord is faithful to His words. This is His assurance of His renewal work in your life. Not just in His eternal plan for your life, but also currently, at present, in your life! 

The word 'new' here is 'kainos' in Greek. It speaks of 'freshness' or 'refreshing'. It speaks of 'renewal' or 'being made new again'. So, if it's a relationship trouble that you are facing at the moment, the Lord is refreshing it again! And the Lord is making all things new again! 

This word 'kainos' can also speak of 'being new in the inward, in the spirit, and in substance, not just in the outward'. In fact, it also speaks of 'being made entirely new again, as if the past has been erased away'. 

This word 'kainos' can also be found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) that says, 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new ('kainos').' 

You see, only God can do this work of renewal in us and to set us free, that humans by themselves cannot. It is not just about a regeneration in your spirit, or your salvation. It is also about God doing a change in your life to the better. Not just physically, but also in your spirit and your soul. It is also about 'turning over a new leaf' in your life in ways that only God can do. 

One example in the Gospel about a substantial and real change, both in the inside and outside of a person, can be found in Luke chapter 5 about this paralyzed person being brought to Jesus. 

Luke 5:17 (NIV) says, 'One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.' 

That's also when some men came carrying a paralyzed man on the mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When these men could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 

When Jesus saw their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 

You see, beloved, whatever your situation may be, Jesus will always have time for you, even in the midst of His "busy-ness", or in the midst of the multitudes of people looking for Him. In other words, He is never too busy for you, no matter how big or small your problem may be. 

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" 

Now, the background here is that some of Jesus' audience were the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. These were the religious leaders at that time. In fact, some had come from afar. These Pharisees were zealous in their religious laws. But you know what? Many of them were only focused on outward obedience to the law. It means obedience for people to see, but not so much in the inside of them. Also, they believed God only loved them and those who did exactly what they did. So, they began to judge others who were not like them. 

So, here they were, sitting there with critical eyes and hearts against Jesus, waiting to twist and pounce on some words that Jesus said. And so, here Jesus was, looking at the men bringing the paralyzed man down from the rooftop. He saw their faith. He saw their determination to help their paralyzed friend. He also said that this man's sin has been forgiven.

And you know what? That's when the Pharisees pounced. They were trying to catch Jesus with His words. They began to accuse Jesus of blasphemy. They may be correct in believing that God can forgive sins, but they failed to see that Jesus is indeed the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins. Their hearts were hardened. 

The Scripture says, 'The entrance of God's words brings light...' (Psalm 119:130). The Scripture also says, 'Jesus is the Word, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory...' (John 1:14). But these Pharisees' hearts were not enlightened to see all this. 

Jesus then said, "But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat, and go home." Immediately the paralyzed man stood up in front of them, and went home praising God. His life was changed - in the inside and in the outside, spiritually and physically. Everyone was filled with amazement and gave praise to God.

You see, Jesus did both - to forgive sins; and to heal, restore, and renew a person physically. To man, both real forgiveness and the power to heal are impossible. To man, the physical part in fact seems harder because it has to do with something visible, and you have to show proof to the physical eyes; whereas forgiveness is invisible. But to God, both are easy. Jesus was showing that if He had the power to restore that paralyzed man, He also had the authority to forgive his sins. It's like one is the confirmation of the other. 

Beloved of God, today is the same. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the same God those days in Luke chapter 5, and He is the same God in your life right now, today! Maybe your situation or problem is physical, or maybe it is not physical. Whatever you have been "paralyzed" by recently, be it a certain lingering sin in your life that seems so hard to be set free from; or a hurt, a regret, or a trauma in your soul that seems so hard to be set free from, the Lord is here to meet you right now. Not just that. He's also here to forgive you and heal you, just as what you have seen in the Scripture here. 

This paralyzed man's life in Luke chapter 5 was never the same again! Not only did he receive forgiveness and renewal in his spirit, he also began to walk free physically. His life was never the same again! I declare the same it is with you, beloved. Your life will never be the same again! 

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Words from the Lord: New doors are being opened for you!

The Lord says: 

"Many of My people are going to walk through open doors in the coming months. Never mind about the doors that have been closed in the recent months. Do not look back and rue over those doors that have been closed. Look to Me. Look forward. Look to the new. For I am beginning to cut rivers in the desert for you. I am beginning to open the doors for you that no man can shut." 

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

The expression 'Now it shall spring forth' which I've underlined here is interesting. You see, it is not in the future. It is now! See the word 'now' here? Now it shall spring forth! 

What is 'spring forth' here? In Hebrew, it is 'tsamach'. It can mean 'to grow again (after being left dormant or seemingly dead)'. It can mean 'to bring forth new sprout or bud'. It can also mean 'to bring forth new life and new hope'. 

The Lord is turning a new page in your life. It is a brand new chapter. It is a fresh new start. Prepare yourself for such a time. 

This word 'tsamach' can also be found in Isaiah 44. In Isaiah 44:3-4 (NKJV), the Lord says, "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. They will spring up among the grass, like willows by the watercourses." 

The words 'spring up' here is 'tsamach' in Hebrew.

Let's look at New Living Translation (NLT) for the same verses: "For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your children. They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank." 

See the word 'thrive' here? For the new year ahead, I want to declare that you will thrive, no matter what happens in the world. You will not just be surviving, but you'll be thriving! 

What is the significance of 'willows' or 'willow trees' in the Scripture? What does it speak of? There can be different ways of seeing it. But if you look at it positively, and in the context of our Bible-study today, 'willow' can symbolize 'vitality'. 

Where is the proof? Where is the cross-reference? Ezekiel 17:5-6 (NLT) says, 'He also took a seedling from the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside a broad river, where it could grow like a willow tree. It took root there and grew... Its branches turned up toward the eagle, and its roots grew down into the ground. It produced strong branches and put out shoots.'

Here, the prophet Ezekiel said the eagle planted a seed and it grew into a strong tree, producing strong branches and putting out new shoots. By the way, 'eagle' in the Scripture usually symbolizes 'a conqueror'. Indeed, the Scripture says you are more than a conqueror through God who loves you! (Romans 8:37)

Let's go back to Isaiah now. In Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" 

It means if the Lord is with you, and His hand is with you, no one can push it back and no one can stop it. And when He works in your life, no one can reverse it! 

In cross-reference, let's look at Revelation 3:8, which is God's message for the church in Philadelphia. "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed My word and did not deny Me." 

Beloved, this is also God's message for you at this point of your life. He has seen what you've gone through, and He knows exactly what you've gone through. Even though at times you feel so helpless and you have too little strength to carry on, the Lord sees right into your heart. He sees all the things, the good things, that you have done in secret, that nobody recognizes. But the Lord recognizes all this. And the Lord says He will know how to reward you openly, especially in the year ahead. 

Because He sees that you have not denied Him. You may have a lot of questions. But you did not deny Him. He sees that you have not given up looking to Him. When some others fall away or give up, you hung on. You continued to abide in the Lord. And therefore, beloved, He will begin to open the doors for you that no one can shut. He will open the doors for new things in your life! And it will be good!

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Prophetic words: A time to receive fresh anointing and new strength!

The Lord says: 

"The door that I've opened for you, no man can shut. The calling, vision and purpose that I've shown to you, no power of the enemy can take it away. So, fear not! Keep receiving My strength to run with My calling in your life! Keep looking to Me for My goodness and My victory in your life! Keep trusting in My name and My guidance for your life! The best is yet to come! You are entering a new season of breakthrough in your life! What I've spoken, no man or work of the enemy can reverse it!" 

The Lord says further: 

"This is the season I am releasing a fresh anointing and authority to you! There will be new assignments for you. There will be new surprises for you. There will be new doors of opportunity for you. Your part is to look to Me and receive by faith." 

Indeed, beloved of God, look not behind you, but look ahead of you. Look to the Lord. Because the Lord is about to show you His glory, His goodness, and His victory! This is your season for your breakthrough! Receive these words by faith!

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

You may have read these verses many times in your life. But this is that time and season! This is the time and season that He is doing a new thing in your life! Don't miss this time and season! And when He opens the door for you, no man can shut! But you've got to do one thing. You've got to not look behind you. You've got to look ahead and look forward in your life. Yes, look forward to the many new things that He has in store for your life!

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) says, 'But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.' 

Forget about those "trophies" or those "acclaims" of your past. You can cherish them of course, but do not just remain there. Instead, keep looking forward and keep running with the Lord's new assignments for your life. Why? Because greater things are in store for you. The best is yet to come! 

This is also the time to receive new strength from the Lord! Yes, this is the time to rise up and run with this new strength that the Lord is giving you!

Exodus 23:25-27 (NKJV) says, 'So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.'  

The Lord will ensure that you will not be barren. Your 'land' will be fertile and fruitful. You will be well provided for, and you will be well protected. Not only that, the Lord will give you long, full, and abundant life. That's what the Scripture says here. Believe for it! 

In fact, the enemy will be terrified, because the Lord is with you. They will flee from you, wherever the Lord leads you, and wherever the Lord puts you! As you walk hand in hand with the Lord, and as you obey His instructions every step of the way, the work of darkness will have to hands off you! This is the Lord's promise for you!

Exodus 23:28-30 (NKJV) says, 'And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you... Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land.' 

Indeed, the 'land' and the 'ground' that the Lord has given to you, the Lord also says you shall see your increase! Whatever the Lord has given to you, no one can take it away! You will triumph! You will see your victory! So, in spite of the current situation that you may be facing, whatever 'doom' or 'gloom' that you may be facing at the moment, or if you are surrounded by the power of the enemy against you, fear not! Because the Lord has promised that you shall see your increase, and your path is going to shine brighter and brighter! 

As He leads, you follow. You will not go wrong if you follow Him. But one thing that you need to do is to continue to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Humility is always the precondition before great things happen. This is consistent in the whole Scripture. Humility always comes first, and then honor comes. The opposite is also true. With pride is downfall. 

Proverbs 18:12 (NKJV) says, 'Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.' 

The word 'humility' here is 'anawvaw' in Hebrew. It can mean 'a heart that is lowly and down-to-earth'. It can mean 'a heart that is not lifted up'. In the context of our lives before the Lord, 'a heart that is in full submission to the Lord'. It means when He says so, you say so; and when He says no, you say no. It means you walk in full obedience and submission to the Lord. This is humility before the Lord. And when there is humility, there will be honor.

Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) says, 'A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.' 

Interestingly, this English word 'humble' comes from the Latin word 'humilis', which means 'lowly'. This word 'humilis' in turn comes from the word 'humus', which means 'ground'. In other words, 'to be humble' is 'to stay down-to-earth', or 'to stay grounded', no matter what. You may have heard the saying that goes 'honesty is the best policy'. Now of course, being honest is a good virtue. Keep it up. But I tell you what, in the spiritual world, in the spiritual realm, staying humble is an essential key to receiving honor. This is where Lucifer failed. So, it's not just 'honesty is the best policy', but 'humility is also the best policy', especially in the spiritual sense. Because with pride comes downfall. But with humility comes honor.

Let's get back to our prophetic words today. We go all the way to Joshua 1:1-3 now. These are familiar verses for many of us. But this is that time, this is that season for you to receive all that the Lord has spoken in Joshua 1! We've looked at what the Lord has spoken to Moses. But now, we shall look at what the Lord has spoken to Joshua. Indeed, after Moses, it's Joshua's time! And yes, your Joshua's time has come! It's a new beginning! I heard from the Lord that indeed many of God's people at this juncture of their lives, they are in this transition right now. They are in this transition from Moses' time to Joshua's time! 

Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying: "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them - the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses."' 

Joshua 1:5-7 (NKJV) says, 'No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.' 

Indeed, do not turn to the left or to the right, but turn to the Lord! The Lord is giving you a new vision. The Lord is giving you a new purpose. The Lord is giving you a new assignment that's going to catapult you and propel you to greater heights and greater victories, both in the spiritual realm and also in the physical realm. Receive this by faith! 

So, what is the time and season for you right now? It's your 'Joshua' time! Just don't look back, but look ahead of you. Receive a fresh anointing from the Lord right now! Receive a new strength from the Lord right now! Receive the victory and breakthrough for your life right now! And begin to experience the goodness of God in your life like never before. Amen!

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