2025: A year of superabundant grace!

What does the Lord say for the year 2025? 

2025 - A year of superabundant grace! 

The Lord says: "This is a year of superabundant grace for you. Look to Me and count on Me. My grace is very rich for you to walk into the new that I've prepared for you. My grace is very rich for you to see a change to the better in your life. My grace is very rich for you in the endeavors that I've called you to do. My grace is very rich for you to see your victory and breakthrough. Make this declaration by faith. Call it and declare it into being this year. Whatever the power of darkness or the enemy tries to do against you, it will backfire against them. For I will know how to overturn it for you. I am your shield, your refuge, your vindication, and your defence. So, fear not. Head into this new year with confidence and trust in My ability and My supply for you." 

To begin with, what is 'superabundant'? 

According to the Oxford Dictionary, it simply means 'much more than enough of something'. 

The word 'grace' is 'charis' in Greek, which can mean 'being acceptable', or in our context today, 'having God's favor'. This word 'charis' can also mean 'gift, benefit or favor bestowed upon you joyfully and with all liberality'. 

In the context of what God is saying to you today, it is 'His supernatural ability and supply for you'. This can apply in any area of your life. Your part is to continue to walk with Him, commune with Him, look to Him, and trust in Him. 

Let's look at the Scripture now. We always want to back up what we hear from God with the Scripture. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) says, 'And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.' 

See the word 'all grace' there? See the word 'abound' there? This verse also says, 'always having all sufficiency in all things'. 

I know this verse has been taught regarding your giving to God. But it's more than that. Notice here, 'all sufficiency in all things'. So, it is more than about God's supply of provision or finance. It is about every area of your life that you look to the Lord and trust the Lord for. 

Psalm 46:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle (i.e. the dwelling place) of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.' 

At the beginning of this year 2025, you can meditate on these verses. Let the river that brings superabundant grace of God flow into your life, as you dedicate yourself to the Lord for this new year. Even though this is talking about the city of God, this can apply to you too. Why? Because you and I are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, where God dwells. 

Don't get me wrong here. Not that for other years, there's no superabundant grace in your life. But what God is saying is this year is especially so for you. So, tap into this 'kairos' time of yours (i.e. this opportune time of yours). The window is now open for you. 

Tap into this 'kairos' time of yours to see your victory and breakthrough in your life. Tap into this 'kairos' time of yours to make a leap into better things in your life. Tap into this 'kairos' time to see a change to the better in your life, in any area of your life that you present before the Lord. 

Yes, even your health. If you need divine healing, this is your time to tap into His 'kairos' time for you. Receive His supply of divine healing. He is more than able to heal you. He is more than able to set you free from your yoke or bondage, whatever it may be. 

That's what it means here by His 'kairos' time for you is NOW! 

As for me and my family, we want to believe and receive all that the Lord has spoken today. So, you can too, beloved. Believe and receive it, and you will have it. Amen! 

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year 2025!

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Receive grace and favor to overturn the works of the enemy!

Words from the Lord in this time and season:

"What the enemy tries to work against you, this is your time to receive the grace and favor to overturn its works! Like for Esther and Mordecai in the days of old, I will know how to overturn the works of the enemy and I will know how to turn things around for your advancement!"

People of God, in recent times, if you have been hindered by the enemy, or if you have been attacked by the enemy, fear not, because the Lord is saying to you, "Receive not only My wisdom, but receive My grace and favor to overcome! Look to Me, and I will know how to overturn the works of the enemy against you!"

Let's go to the book of Esther now. The background of Esther is that Mordecai (the cousin of Esther) raised her up and took care of her, because Esther didn't have father and mother since early on. 

Here in this book, King Ahasuerus (the king of Persia at that time) was looking for a new queen because he was offended by the previous queen, Queen Vashti. 

Esther 2:17 says, 'The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti'.

Notice the words 'grace and favor' here. In Hebrew, it's 'khane' and 'khehsed'. So, Esther obtained grace and favor in the king's sight more than all the virgins, and she was crowned the new queen. 

By the way, what is 'grace'? 'Grace' is God's ability and God's supply in your life. It means 'God's ability to do for you what you cannot do for yourself', and 'God's supply for you what you cannot supply for yourself'.

You see, people of God, not only do we need wisdom in life, but we need God's grace and God's favor in our lives too! 'Khane' and 'khehsed'! And no matter what challenges or predicament you may be facing right now, by God's grace and favor ('khane' and 'khehsed'), you will overcome and you will overturn the works of the enemy! God will reverse it for you - for your advancement and for your victory!

Let's study a little about Mordecai now. Even though this book is called the book of Esther, but Mordecai was just as prominent in this book. Proof? Look at chapter 10, the last chapter of this book, and you'll see the whole book of Esther is wrapped up with Mordecai's advancement. So, it's also a book about Mordecai!

Who was Mordecai? This man Mordecai was someone who love God, and who would not bow down to the ways of man that's against God. But because Mordecai did not bow down and pay homage to Haman (Esther 3:1-3), Haman then plotted to kill him. Not only did Haman wanted to kill Mordecai, Haman also plotted to destroy and wipe out the people of Mordecai (i.e. the Jews) entirely! (Esther 3:6-8)

Mordecai then told Esther about Haman's wicked plans. And that's when Esther took a big risk to meet the king, because anyone who entered the inner court of the king without being called to do so, that person would be put to death! (Esther 4:11-16) However, Esther found favor in the sight of the king (Esther 5:1-3). 

Esther then devised a plan to organize a banquet for the king, Haman, and herself - just three of them (Esther 5:4). Do you see that? Instead of telling it all to the king then and there about Haman's wicked plans, somehow Esther had the wisdom to organize a banquet first. Now, how did Esther have that wisdom? I believe it's because she feared the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 says, 'The fear of the Lord (reverence of the Lord) is the beginning of wisdom (knowing what to do, how to go about in life)'.

During the banquet, when the king asked Esther what's her request, Esther then requested for her life and her people's lives be preserved from the plan to annihilate and wipe them out (Esther 7:1-4). The king then asked who would dare to do such a wicked thing to annihilate her people (Esther 7:5), and Esther answered, "The adversary and the enemy is this wicked Haman!" (Esther 7:6) Can you imagine how terrified Haman was at that time? The king became very angry with Haman, and Haman was later executed on the very gallows that he had set up for Mordecai! (Esther 7:10) Things have been turned around!

People of God, fear not therefore if you have been a victim of plots, conspiracies, attacks, character assassinations, or even office politics against you. Continue to fear the Lord, because that's when He will give you the wisdom you need to turn things around (Proverbs 9:10). And continue to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, because that's when God will give you grace (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Indeed, you have an All-knowing, All-powerful, and All-present God, and He will know how to turn things around for those who fear Him, humble themselves before Him, and look to Him! Hallelujah!

Prayer:

"O Lord God, in times like these, we look to You and we receive not just Your wisdom, but also Your grace and favor ('khane' and 'khehsed') to overturn whatever the enemy is trying to work against us. Just as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You are the same All-knowing, All-powerful, and All-present God who knows exactly the plots, conspiracies and plans of the enemy against Your people. And You know how to turn things around for our victory and for our advancement. Anything that has been hindered or seemingly dead-end in our lives, O Lord, we pray for Your divine wisdom, grace and favor to be released upon us this day. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen."

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God's grace is sufficient for you!

The Lord says,

"Hear this, My people! My grace is sufficient for you, and in your weakness, My strength is made perfect. Look to Me therefore in these precarious times. Count on Me, for I am the Giver of strength to you. If you have no more strength to carry on by yourselves, receive My strength and My power! Even the power to give you a new start, the power to give you new life, and the power to revive!"

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) says, 'He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint'.

The word 'power' here is 'kowakh' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'His ability, His (unlimited) capacity, His vigor, His might, His strength, His substance, His wealth (of supply)'.

What a promise from the Lord! So, take heart if your own strength has failed, or if you are on the verge of giving it all up! Because He is in the midst of releasing His power and strength to you! Even the power to give you a new start, the power to give you a new life, and the power to revive!

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the apostle Paul wrote, 'And He (the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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'.

Let's look at the word 'strength' here. It is 'dunamis' in Greek, which speaks of 'His miraculous power, His mighty work, His divine ability (and supply)'. In other words, His miraculous power, mighty work, and divine ability (and supply) - these are made great especially when you are at your weakest point! Wow! Do you see something now? Do you see why Paul wrote what he wrote, 'For when I am weak, then I am strong'?

At that time of writing, Paul was going through what he described as 'thorn in the flesh' that buffeted him. So, what is this 'thorn in the flesh'? In the context today, 'thorn in the flesh' can be 'anything (or anyone) that troubles you in a persistent manner'. But the good news, my friend, is that God's 'dunamis' (miraculous power, mighty work, and divine ability) is infinitely greater than any 'thorn in the flesh' that you may be facing now!

How about the word 'infirmities' here? It is 'astheneia' in Greek, which speaks of 'weakness (or a situation where one is strength-less)'. As you can see here, this word isn't just referring to a sickness or disease, but it can refer to any area of your life that you are 'strength-less' to carry on!

Have you reached a point when you can't carry on anymore?
Have you reached a point when there's just no answer to your problem?
Have you reached a point whatever you do, there's just no breakthrough?
Have you reached a point you are tempted to just give up?

In a time like this, rejoice! Because when your own strength ends, that's when the power of God starts!

Therefore, receive His power right now!

And not only His power is here for you to receive, His life is here for you to receive too!

In Romans 8:11, the apostle Paul wrote, 'The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you'.

See the words 'same Spirit' here? In other words, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that's living within you right now! Hallelujah!

By the way, the words 'give life' here is 'zoopoieo' in Greek, meaning 'to make alive (whatever is dead), to vitalize, to revitalize, to revive'; from the word 'zoe', meaning 'the life of God (i.e. the life that comes from God)'! Therefore, receive this 'zoe' life that comes directly from God right into your condition/situation now! Be it in your health, finance, career, business, family, or even ministry!

Prayer for you:
"O Lord, I ask that You look at the condition/situation of Your beloved ..... here. I ask that You breathe Your 'zoe' life into that condition/situation right now! I ask that You release Your power, Your 'dunamis', Your supernatural strength, Your mighty work, even Your vigor into that condition/situation right now! Revive, O Lord! Refresh, O Lord! Renew, O Lord! In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!"

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Never overwhelmed, never stressed out!

Feeling overwhelmed with so many things in life?
Feeling stressed out by so many pressing matters?
Feeling out-of-control with what's happening around you?

You have done everything you know how, but it seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel? You have done everything you could, but it seems like it is all in vain?

The Lord says:
"My grace is sufficient for you, and I am more than enough for you. Whatever in this world that tries to overwhelm you, stress you out, or pull you down, it will not succeed against you, if you look to Me! For I AM WHO I AM, and I AM still in full control! All that you've done for Me will not go in vain. Just as I have done for Hezekiah those days, so will I do for you!"

Indeed, people of God, the Lord is more than enough for you, no matter what you are faced with at the moment. Let's go to 2 Chronicles now, and find out how the Lord showed Himself more than enough in Hezekiah's life as well.

The name 'Hezekiah' itself is very interesting. It is 'Chizqi Yah' in Hebrew, from two words, 'Chazaq', meaning 'to strengthen, to be strong, to be courageous', and 'Yah', which is the name of the self-existent and eternal God. Hezekiah, by the way, was one of the few kings of Judah who had close relationship with the Lord, and who did what was right, good, and faithful before the Lord his God.

After the wicked Ahaz (his father) died, Hezekiah became king, and the first thing he did was to cleanse the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:1-5), throwing away the rubbish (and debris) that had heaped up in the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:15-16). All in all, he did everything he knew how for the Lord - getting the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves, restoring worship in the temple of the Lord, keeping the Passover to the Lord God, and that's when 2 Chronicles 30:26 says, 'So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem'. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of the Lord, to seek the Lord his God, he did it with all his heart, and the Lord prospered him (2 Chronicles 31:21).

So, what could have lunged at him later on? And what could have threatened to destroy all the good that he had done? 2 Chronicles 32:1-2 says, 'After these deeds of faithfulness (on Hezekiah's part), Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah, and he encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them over to himself... and that his purpose was to make war against Jerusalem...' The name 'Sennacherib' here implies 'someone/something that seeks to replace the good with something sinful, or replace your joy with sorrow', and Hezekiah was now faced with a deep crisis, when the Assyrians, the dominant world power at that time, wanted to invade Judah and Jerusalem!

People of God, like Hezekiah, maybe you too have done everything you know how. You have cleansed your 'temple', you have restored your 'altar' of worship, you have returned to His ways, you have followed His instructions, and you have even started off (what He has spoken for you to do) really well! But all of a sudden, you are now feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and it seems like it is too much for you! Maybe because some people are not 'happy' with the good progress you've made, and they are now causing you problems, or to put it bluntly, giving you 'hell'. Or maybe it is a situation that is so pressing and stressing, that it takes away the peace out of your life! In other words, you are faced with your 'Sennacherib' that seeks to replace your joy with sorrow!

Now, the big question is how did Hezekiah handle this? The answer is he looked to the Lord, and cried out to the Lord! Together with the prophet Isaiah, they sought the Lord for His deliverance for Judah and Jerusalem! (2 Chronicles 32:20) Hezekiah and Isaiah - this is what I call a 'dream team' coming together! What a combination! What a team!

Where two or three are gathered in His name, He is here to answer, even in ways you cannot imagine can happen! I often tell those who come to be ministered to, that if they are the 'Hezekiah', then let our ministry be their 'Isaiah'. We pray together. We seek the Lord together. We look to the Lord together. We cry out to the Lord together. The answer and the deliverance will come.

As they (Hezekiah and Isaiah) were crying out to the Lord together, the Lord then sent an angel to destroy the works of Sennacherib, and Sennacherib had to return shamefaced to his own land (2 Chronicles 32:21). Yes, you've got it right - one angel! Just one angel settles it all! Is there anything too hard for the Lord?

So, take heart, people of God, all that you have done for the Lord will not go in vain! Do not be discouraged when you are faced with the 'Sennacherib' of your life. The Lord is more than enough for you, and His grace is sufficient for you. And whatever 'Sennacherib' that tries to hurl or lunge at you, trust that the Lord will know how to overturn it for your good! What the Lord has begun in your life, nothing in this world can upset it, if you look to Him continually. May you too, as Hezekiah's name means, be strengthened by the Lord for the many more greater things ahead of you. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Fear not! He will strengthen you and help you!

I heard these words from the Lord for this time and season:
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Cry out to Me and look to Me, for I am your Answer. I will hear from heaven, and I will help you."

Let's go to Isaiah 41 now. This is a key chapter to read in this time and season, and it is about God's assurance of help. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

In Isaiah 41:11-13, the Lord says further, "Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing. And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them. Those who contended with you, those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'."

What a promise and assurance from the Lord!

The word 'help' here is 'azar' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to aid, to protect, to surround you (with goodness)'. Notice one meaning of 'azar' is 'to surround you (with goodness)'.

So, people of God, no matter what issue, problem, or challenge you may be facing at the moment, take heart and take courage in what the Lord is saying to you right now, "Fear not, I will surround you (with My goodness)"!

The word 'incensed' here speaks of 'any work of darkness that comes against you', and it includes 'plans of evil against you', 'conspiracy/plot against you at workplace', or even any disease that has been plaguing you. Whatever it may be, this is a time to BELIEVE and DECLARE that all these 'shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing'!

Some of you might ask, "Will the Lord ever help me? After all those sinful things and stupid things I've done in my life?"

Yes! He is here to help you, if you turn to Him and look to Him. And because of what Jesus has done for you on the cross, your Father in heaven is not looking at those sins and those past of yours anymore! Instead, He sees you forgiven, cleansed, accepted, and righteous through Christ! The Bible says so! (see Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:6-7) In fact, not only does He want to help you, it brings pleasure to Him that you 'taste and see that He is good'! (Psalm 34:8)

You might ask further, "But why are so many Christians not tasting and seeing it?"

Because deep inside them, they still feel they have not been forgiven yet! In other words, they still have a 'guilt conscience' in them, and they still think God is 'punishing' them!

But that's not what God says for those who are in Christ!

Hebrews 10:21-23 says, '... having a High Priest (i.e. Jesus) over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful'.

The word 'sprinkled' here can be translated as 'washed, showered, cleansed'. And what does the phrase 'evil conscience' mean here? This word 'evil' is 'poneros' in Greek, and it can mean 'guilt, condemnation'. It means to say you (who have Christ Jesus in your life) have been cleansed from any guilt conscience. Therefore, you can now draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

And what is that promise written in Hebrews 10:23? It is found in Hebrews 10:12-18 that says, 'But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God... For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified... "This is the covenant (promise) that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."'

People of God, your part is to believe and receive all that He has promised you, and that's how you'll begin walking according to what He says you are - forgiven, cleansed, accepted, and righteous through Christ!

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." You see? He is always here 'standing at the door and knock', ready to help you! And His grace (i.e. His supply of His goodness, and His ability to help you) is more than enough for you in a time of need (Hebrews 4:16). But you've got to open the door for Him to come in!

Let me give you a simple illustration, so you can understand better the correlation between 'His grace' and 'your faith':
His grace is like the sunshine. It exists, whether you want it or not. And just as sunshine is always available for you while it is day, His grace is always available for you who are in Christ Jesus.
Your faith (i.e. a believing heart) is like the door. If you open the door, the sunshine will enter your room (to light up, brighten, and give warmth to your room), and when this happens, every form of darkness and dampness in your room will have to disappear - and 'shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing'! Hallelujah!

Watch Him supply for you this year!

Galatians 3:5-6 (NKJV): Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? - just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

The word 'supplies' here (or 'ministereth' in KJV) is from the Greek word 'choregeo', meaning 'to fully supply, to constantly supply, to lavish, to supply in bountiful measure'. And the apostle Paul wrote this 'supply' is to be received by faith (i.e. a believing heart), and not by the works of the law.

Another time this word 'choregeo' appears in the Bible is found in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 that says, 'Now may He who supplies (or 'ministereth' in KJV) seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God'.

The other day, in a time of prayer, the Lord spoke these words:
"Watch Me supply for you this year! Don't be afraid to receive My supply, and don't be shy to receive My supply!"

People of God, whatever you have been lacking in 'supply', whether in health, in wisdom, in providence, or in any other area of life, I want to believe these words for you as well.

In Philippians 4:19 (NKJV), the apostle Paul wrote, 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. See the word 'all' here? 'All' your need! And according to His riches in glory, not according to the 'scarcity of resources' in this world! The word 'supply' here is from the word 'pleroo' in Greek, meaning 'to furnish, to satisfy, to complete, to accomplish, to fulfil'. I can now therefore personalize and declare Philippians 4:19 this way: "And my God shall furnish, satisfy, complete, accomplish, and fulfil all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Amen!

Some of you might say, "But I don't think I deserve such supply from God, after all those mistakes I've made in life, and after all those sins I've committed!" 

Well, look at Jacob in the Bible then! He deserved nothing, but he got everything! And you know why? Simply because of the grace of God! And I believe if God could help him, God can help you and deliver you too, whatever 'struggle' (or 'mess', and even 'repercussions') you may be facing at the moment. Indeed, God's heart is very near His people this year, if they return to Him (and His ways).

The name 'Jacob' is 'Yaaqob' in Hebrew, meaning 'heel-catcher, supplanter', from the word 'aqab' which literally means 'to seize by the heel, to take by the heel, to restrain (as in holding by the heel)'. As you can see, even from the time of his birth, his life was about supplanting others! Genesis 25:24-26 says, 'So when her (Rebekah) days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob...'

As long as his name remained Jacob, from beginning till the end (before God changed his name to Israel), his life was filled with fleshly struggles and much self-effort (to obtain things). First, struggling with men (see Genesis 25:29-34, Genesis 27:41-45, Genesis 29:18-27), and finally, just before his 'name change', struggling with God (see Genesis 32:24-25).

And not until he met God face to face did his destiny actually change! That's how important an encounter with God is! Allow God to visit you this year!

Genesis 32:24-30 says, 'Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (i.e. 'face of God'); "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."'

In Genesis 35:10-12, God then affirmed and said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land."

A name change always brings with it a character change.

'Jacob' speaks of fleshly struggles and much self-effort.
'Israel' speaks of God's grace (God's supply, God's ability).

You see, no more struggles, but walking in His grace (His supply, His ability). In other words, it's supernatural! It's about walking in the supply of God, not man; and the ability of God, not man!

A few weeks ago, a friend who moves in the prophetic gift said this to me: "This year, many will have no choice but to walk in the supernatural!" I agree and resonate with these words. The time has come when many cannot just rely on their own strength, knowledge, intelligence, and logics any further, but to look to God and totally rely on Him (even for His wisdom).

By the way, this new name Israel, or 'Yisra El' in Hebrew means 'he will rule ('Yisra') with God ('El')'. This word 'Yisra' shares the same root word as 'Sarah' (from the Hebrew alphabets 'Shin' and 'Rosh') which means 'to rule, to reign, to have power (as a prince)'. Hence, 'Yisra El' can also be translated 'prince with God'.

As believers in the New Covenant, know that you are the spiritual 'Israels' (princes with God) of today (see Ephesians 2:11-13, Hebrews 8:7-13). Romans 5:17 says, 'For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ'.

Today, God can turn you from Jacob to Israel too. It's like there's a 'name change' for God's people in this time and season, if they look to Him, return to Him, and seek Him. He is here to meet you face to face, and He can turn things around for you too. In short, no more shall you be a 'supplanter' (i.e. struggling in this 'dog-eat-dog' world), but you are ruling and reigning with Him as heirs according to the promise, supernaturally.

Galatians 3:26-29 says, 'For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'. Believing, you will receive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Receiving God's grace to overcome and start anew

Judges 3:9 (NKJV): When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

The word 'deliverer' here in Hebrew is 'yasha, yesha, or yeshayah (Yah, the Savior and Deliverer)', and the name 'Othniel' means 'force, strength of God', from the words 'Othniy' (meaning 'force, strength') and 'El' (the name of God Almighty). Indeed, Jesus is our Overcomer God, strong and mighty!

This deliverance came about at a time when the Israelites were brought back to the 'land' of their past. 

When the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and Asherahs (i.e. the gods and goddesses, or masters of this world), the anger of the Lord was hot against them. They were then sold into the hand of King Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia and served this king for eight years (Judges 3:7-8).

What does 'Cushan-Rishathaim' mean here? It means 'double wickedness, or repeating wickedness of guilt and curse'. This speaks of your past 'guilt' and 'curse', or some recurring thoughts of your past 'trying to make a comeback' and 'attacking you over and over again'. 

Notice that 'Cushan' is from the word 'Cush', the son of Ham (Genesis 9:22-23), which speaks of 'guilt and curse', because Ham uncovered and exposed his father (Noah's) nakedness. 'Rishathaim' means 'double wickedness, or repeating wickedness', from the words 'rishah' (meaning 'condemnation, fault, wickedness'), and 'ayim' (speaks of 'double, plural, repeat').

How about 'Mesopotamia' then? What does it mean to the Israelites? It speaks of Israel's past, because it was here that the Lord spoke to Abraham: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." (Genesis 12:1-2) Abraham did not look back to Mesopotamia (speaks of his 'past') since.

People of God, have you been having nightmares or thoughts recently that bring you all the way back to certain past failures, mistakes, or shame of yours? And all of a sudden, all those past memories you've always wanted to forget begin to 'creep into mind' and 'haunt' you again! Or have you been feeling 'down' recently and memories of the past kept coming back as a recurring thought? For some, even certain faces or places may evoke (bring back to mind) past bad memories all over again!

You see, the devil will always try to pull you back to your past, or bring you back to the remembrance of your past failures, mistakes, sins, shame, disappointment, and defeat. In fact, he's good at that! The Bible says he (the accuser of our brethren) accuses us day and night (Revelation 12:10). But thanks be to God, because in Christ, we have overcome him by the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the Word of our testimony! (Revelation 12:11)

Now there's a big difference between the Holy Spirit and the devil. The Holy Spirit will always remind you of your right standing in Christ, i.e. you are now forgiven, and righteous in Christ (John 16:10, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 10:17), but the devil will always remind you of your past guilt, failures, mistakes, shame, i.e. your dark past (Revelation 12:10). In short, the devil wants you to stay in that past, and he knows that as long as you stay in that past and get yourself stuck in it, he will always have the upper hand over you!

Not just that, the devil also wants 'history to repeat itself' in your life, and he wants you to 'relapse into your old cycle of pain again'. That's also exactly what Cushan-Rishathaim the king of Mesopotamia did to Israel those days! But thanks be to God because Jesus came and carried this curse when He died for you on the cross once for all some 2,000 years ago! (Hebrews 7:27) You see, God didn't allow history (of His suffering and shame) to repeat itself at the cross! And just as He did not have to die on the cross the second time, 'history' also need not have to repeat itself for you neither! 

So, just because you've been hurt in a business, relationship, or even in ministry before doesn't mean history must repeat itself! 

Judges 3:10-11a (NKJV) says, 'The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Othniel), and he judged (i.e. ruled, delivered, saved) Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim. So the land had rest for forty years." Praise God! 

Do you see Jesus in the Old Testament here? He is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed. 'Othniel' here is a 'typology' (the 'shadow' of things to come) of Jesus Christ today, your Deliverer. In cross-reference, notice in Luke 4:18-19, the Bible also says 'the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus', as He began His ministry on earth.

People of God, as you let go of your past and look forward to a brand-new year ahead, God's grace (supply, ability) to start anew is also very rich for you this coming year. Everyone has a past. It's a matter of to what extent (whether greater or lesser). So, no matter what your past may be, receive now a fresh release of His river of life (that brings life) and healing today. Receive also a fresh new grace for you to move forward. 

As you keep receiving this refreshing from the Lord, you know you have overcome your past and are ready to move on (by His grace) when you can smile and give thanks for who you are in Christ today and what He has done for you thus far (i.e. how He had worked in you till you are what you are today).

BUT NOW thanks be to God who always leads you in triumph in Christ, and through you diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14). NOW is your time to move on and  triumph again! Amen!

'Khane' & 'Khehsed'

Esther 2:17 (NKJV): The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

In Hebrew, the word 'grace' here is pronounced 'khane', while the word 'favor' here is pronounced 'khehsed', which can also mean 'beauty, grace (unearned favor), goodness'.

Let's now cross-refer the words 'khane' (grace) and 'khehsed' (favor) in the Bible:
Proverbs 22:1 says, 'A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving 'khane' rather than silver and gold'.
Psalm 63:3 says, 'Because Your 'khehsed' is better than life, my lips shall praise You.'

In NKJV, the word 'khane' here in Proverbs 22:1 was translated 'favor', i.e. 'loving favor rather than silver and gold', while the word 'khehsed' in Psalm 63:3 was translated 'lovingkindness', i.e. Your lovingkindness is better than life (Note: 'life' here is pronounced 'khah-ee' in Hebrew, which means 'earthly life')...'

The Bible says God's 'khane' and 'khehsed' (i.e. grace and favor) is even better than the best the earthly life can offer! Yes, even better than a 7-star stay in the best of hotels, or being surrounded by gold and silver all the time! Now, having written these, it doesn't mean you cannot enjoy a good life or have gold and silver. When God put Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (literally means 'pleasure, delight'), He wants them to enjoy it too! In fact, as a believer, you are supposed to be so blessed, enjoying all His goodness and blessings! Now that's what the Bible calls 'the blessing of Abraham'! (see Galatians 3:13-14) Some people put their 'faith' on money. But as a believer, you put your 'faith' (trust) on God and His goodness! When you have His grace and favor, you'll have all the good things in life! Every good thing will follow suit! Yes, money included. God loves to give to you. Never think He is stingy. In fact, astronomers have just discovered a planet that's made of diamonds! Imagine walking on diamonds everywhere, like you walk on rocks and stones on earth! And the streets in heaven are made of gold! That's how rich He is, the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth (see Genesis 14:19), and He is the God (YHWH) you worship!

Be conscious of God's 'khane' and 'khehsed' in your life always. 'Flowers' attract butterflies. 'Rubbish' attract flies. Good things happen ('outside' of you) when your 'inside' is filled with the revelation of God's goodness and lovingkindness. Just as what happens in the spiritual realm is reflected in the physical realm, what is in your 'inside' will also be reflected in your 'outside'. Say, if you have 'fear' in the 'inside', it will then manifest in the 'outside'. But if you have the revelation of God's goodness and lovingkindness in your 'inside', you'll also see it happening in your 'outside' (i.e. you can see and experience it in the physical realm).

Let's look at Esther now. She had this revelation of 'khane' and 'khehsed'. She also knew she was born and raised 'for such a time as this' (to save her people from being annihilated by the enemy), and she even said "If I die, I die!" (see Esther 4:14-16). With this revelation 'inside' of her, she was willing to 'take the risk'! You see, there's every 'risk' of her incurring the king's wrath and ended up like Vashti (the previous queen who became 'out of favor'), and in turn, losing everything! (Read the book of Esther in the Bible for the details)

But for Esther, she chose to walk in the fullness of God's destiny in her life, and to her, God's lovingkindness (to Israel) is better than her own life as a queen itself, i.e. with the arrays of gold and silver, the best earthly food, the best earthly clothes (that wears out anyway), etc.

Some people say: 'Get what you can, can what you get, and then sit on the can'. Most other 'queen' would have done this (i.e. to protect their own interests & position at all costs, but in earthly and carnal ways), but not Esther. Instead, she chose to walk in God's destiny.

So, did she (Esther) suffer in the end? No! Because of God's 'khane' and 'khehsed' in her life, she eventually became an even more powerful queen! The king even gave her the right to write her own law as she pleased! (see Esther 8:8)

A lot of people in the world now are struggling and striving in life, only to find themselves losing their 'soul' (& destiny). Imagine whales struggling and getting stranded at the beach (when they are supposed to be enjoying themselves in the ocean).

Esther was originally named 'Hadassah' in Hebrew, which comes from the word 'hadas' meaning 'myrtle tree' ( a tree with good-smelling leaves and white flowers - a 'picture' of sweet-smelling aroma and purity). Isaiah 55:13 says, 'instead of briers (a kind of thorny shrub), shall come up myrtle tree. So, myrtle is a choice plant in Israel, a 'picture' of God's promised blessing. So, instead of 'curse' (represented by 'thorns'), God has promised Esther 'blessings'!

God wants you to be the 'Esthers' of today. And just as Esther was, when you have God's 'khane' and 'khehsed', 'fear not, for what can man do to you?' (see Hebrews 13:6). The Bible also says, "whoever desires to save his 'life' will lose it, but whoever loses his 'life' for My sake (by walking in His destiny) will find it!" (see Matthew 16:25). God loves to give good things to you, and God will open a way for you, as He did to Esther. Receive.

What are you conscious of in your 'inside' (i.e. in your heart and mind) now? Is it God's lovingkindness for you, or is it the earthly, selfish cares and worries of life? 'Flowers' (like 'Esther', the myrtle flower) attract butterflies. 'Rubbish' attract flies. So, what are you 'attracting' today? Focus on His 'khane' and 'khehsed', and you'll have every good thing in 'life'. Focus on the earthly, selfish (self-conscious) life, and you'll be drowned in the cares, concerns, and struggles of life.

Therefore, look to God, and trust Him for His 'khane' and 'khehsed' in your life, and you'll have 'life', and 'life' even more abundantly! Amen.

Not just 'believe', but also 'receive'!

Mark 5:28: For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well”.

Mark 5:34: And He (Jesus) said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction”.

Here’s a record in the Bible about a certain woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. Not only did she suffer much, she also had spent all she had to be healed, yet to no avail. And to add to that, her condition went from bad to worse!

In short, she had come to the 'end' of what to do. Someone once said, “It’s when you know you cannot, that’s when He can”. That’s exactly what happened to this woman, and that’s also when she heard about Jesus. In Mark 5:28, she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well”. You know what? She knew Jesus wouldn’t 'resist' her. She knew Jesus in all His grace would heal her. So, she scrambled through the crowd of people, and touched Him. All she wanted was to receive her healing! And Mark 5:29 says ‘immediately the fountain of her blood dried up’, and she was healed!

Now, what is ‘grace’? It’s ‘charis’ in Greek, which means ‘gift, favor (though unmerited), or God's ability to do for you what you can't do for yourself’. The Bible says Jesus is grace (and truth) personified (see John 1:17), and this woman knew Jesus in all His grace would surely heal her! Isaiah 53:4-5 says ‘surely He (Jesus) has borne our griefs (including disease) and carried our sorrows (including pain or anguish)’ on the cross! And then, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well."

See the relation between 'faith' & 'grace'? 

When the woman looked to Jesus in all His grace, He looked at the woman with all her faith! 

So, if ‘faith’ is about ‘believing’, then ‘grace’ is about ‘receiving’! People of God, never just stop at ‘believing’, because He also wants you to ‘receive’ (His grace, goodness, healing, & every other 'good thing'!).

Christianity is never just about ‘believing, but it’s also about ‘receiving’! God’s ‘charis’ is meant for you to ‘receive’! The woman in Mark 5:25 understood this truth, and as a result, she got her breakthrough! You see, ‘faith’ and ‘grace’ are like twin-partners, just as ‘believing’ and ‘receiving’ are too! You can’t have one without the other. You can’t receive if you don’t believe, and you can't just say you believe, but never receive!

In the past, I was often confronted with this question: “Do you have enough faith for... (this or that)?” The ‘onus’ seemed to be always on me ‘to exercise faith’ (i.e. to ‘muster’ or ‘gather’ enough faith to see a healing or a breakthrough, for myself or for others). Let me explain what ‘onus’ is. It’s a legal term which means ‘burden of responsibility, or duty’. Those days, the ‘onus’ was always on me to ‘perform’. And many times, I ended up feeling so bad when I saw no breakthrough, and worse still, started blaming myself for ‘not exercising faith enough’!

This happened until one day when I heard Him say, “Kenneth, why do you take the ‘yoke’ upon yourself? Don’t you know I am the One who should carry the burden?” And that's how my ministry changed! Every time there’s a need for someone to be healed, I’d point them to Jesus first, and what He’s done on the cross. The battle has become the Lord’s! The ‘onus’ is His (Matthew 11:28-30), and surely, He is willing! Since then, breakthrough (in ministry) came one after another, and I saw how tumor gone, cancer healed, diabetes vanished, and many more, in the course of ministry. All glory to God!

Teach people first to look to Jesus & His perfect work on the cross before you pray for them (instead of praying for the person straight away, unless of course if God overrules, or specifically says to pray right on, straight away). It's when you look to Jesus in all His grace, He'll look at you with all your faith! And that’s how ‘faith’ relates to ‘grace’! The woman in Mark 5:25 focused 100% on Jesus in all His grace, and as a result, she was healed! She knew she would receive because she knew 'Jesus is all-together good' to her! You see, the ‘onus’ was on Jesus, and not on herself anymore (after having tried various ways to get healed). If you need healing or any breakthrough, look to what Jesus has done for you on the cross right now. By His stripes, you were healed (1 Peter 2:24). Believe & receive! And if you minister healing to others, teach them to look to the cross first; and not just teach them to 'believe', but teach them also to 'receive'! And you'll be well on your way to see your breakthrough! Hallelujah!

God's grace 'super-abounds' in you!

Romans 5:20b (NKJV) says, ‘where sin abounds, grace much more abounds’. The word ‘abounds’ in the first part here (i.e. ‘where sin abounds’) is ‘pleonazo’ in Greek. It means ‘increase, become more’, whereas the words ‘much more abounds’ in the second part of Romans 5:20b is ‘huper perisseuo’ in Greek. It means ‘super-abound, abound much more, or exceeding’. The word ‘huper’ actually means ‘super’ or ‘over and above’ in Greek. In NIV, Romans 5:20b says ‘where sin increased, grace increased all the more’. So, in conclusion, we can say that God’s grace ‘super-abounds’, or ‘exceedingly much more’ over the increase in sin!

People of God, don’t be discouraged when you see ‘increase’ in sin, problems, or diseases in the world today. The Word of God says God’s grace ‘super-abounds’ over such ‘increase’! It means if the devil tries to attack your health or your family (or in any other area of life), know that God’s grace for you always ‘super-abounds’! In fact, God’s will for your life is you should prosper (in every way) and be in perfect health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2). This is God’s ‘original’ for you! The devil is the one who does the ‘opposite’ (‘anti’ & ‘counter-act’). He is the ‘counterfeit’. He opposes God’s plan for your life, and tries to ‘pull you down’ whenever you are ‘taking-off’. Not just that, ‘he wants your plane to crash as well’! But the good news is God always overcomes, and you (as a believer) shall also overcome because you are born of His ‘seed’!

So, whenever the devil ‘attacks’ your health, say and declare, “I receive ‘super-abounding’ healing grace for my health!” Or if you are in lack, say and declare, “I receive ‘super-abounding’ grace for prosperity!” If you are still struggling with a sin (or bondage) and you really want to be set free, look away from your sin and begin looking to Jesus (and His blood that was shed for you on the cross), and receive His ‘super-abounding’ grace to be set free!

The Bible says ‘And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Notice this verse begins with ‘And we know’. People of God, you must ‘know’ all things work together for good to you. In spite of whatever 'obstacle' you may be facing right now, I declare that God's plan for your life shall never get 'off-track' or crash! I also declare that God's plan for your life shall 'take-off' and you'll reach your 'destiny'! I know God has a purpose for my life too, and today I have no doubt about my call as a preacher, pastor, and teacher of the Word. As a preacher, one important ‘asset’ is to have a ‘mouth’ to speak! But early in my life, the devil 'attacked' that very area God has planned for my life. I remember growing up with severe ‘speech impairment’, and I couldn’t even pronounce ‘good morning’ properly even by the age of twelve! I was often laughed at, mocked, and teased by my schoolmates, and as a consequence, I grew up very timid, and with much inferiority complex. Today, I can testify that I have been completely healed! And as I look back, I praise God for his healing grace that has ‘super-abounded’ over whatever the devil threw at me! In fact, the very area that I was weak at, God has since turned it around for His glory! 

Now let’s look at David in the Bible. One day, Goliath came the ‘opposite’ way, and David was to 'overcome' him. It was a 'make or break', 'do-or-die' situation, where 'the winner takes all' (see 1 Samuel 17). In fact, the whole of Israel's future at that time was hanging on this 'battle'! Goliath had earlier threatened to 'strip' the whole of Israel and make them servants to the Philistines. Interestingly, ‘Goliath’ in Hebrew means ‘exile, or stripped of everything’. To be ‘exiled’ means ‘to be taken away from your original, good, and native land by force’. ‘Goliath’ here is a ’picture’ of whatever 'adversary' you may be facing now. The 'adversary' would always try to 'strip' you from God’s original plan for your life. However, the good news is God’s grace for your life always ‘super-abounds’, just as it was for David! And as you know, David overcame Goliath! In fact, without a ‘Goliath’, David wouldn’t be as ‘famous’ as he was after that! So, I can say Goliath actually made David ‘famous’!

Where there's the 'original', there'll be the ‘counterfeit’. The 'adversary' is always the 'counterfeit', and he will always threaten to 'strip' you of the Original’s (God's) plan for your life. But, just as David was, God sees you as His precious and beloved. He is always with you, and will never leave you nor forsake you, and on top of that, His grace is always 'super-abounding' in you! The name ‘David’ is ‘dowd’ in Hebrew, which also means ‘beloved, loved, lover’, and just as David was, in Him, you His beloved will also eventually come out the winner!

Beloved, know that God’s grace for your life is greater than all your sins, shame, mistakes, troubles, or diseases summed up together! The Bible says Jesus is God’s grace ‘personified’. God’s grace and truth came through Jesus (see John 1:17). In fact, Jesus is greater than all the sins, diseases, sorrow, pain, etc in the world summed up together! And that's exactly why He died on the cross for you some 2,000 years ago, and not just that, He rose up from the dead on the third day! He has indeed overcome your 'adversary' once and for all on the cross, and today, He is more than enough for you! (see 2 Corinthians 12:9) So, whatever you may be struggling at the moment, look away from that 'adversary', and start looking to Jesus now. He is your Sufficiency, and His grace is ‘super-abounding’ in you (and in any area of your life) today. Believe and receive. In Him, you have already ‘overcome’, and in Him, you are set free!

God's grace is abounding toward you!

2 Corinthians 9:8: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says ‘God is able to make all grace abound toward you.’ Notice here that God ‘is’ able, not God ‘was’ able, or God ‘used to be able’. God’s promise is always in the ‘now’, present tense, not past tense. He is the ‘I AM THAT I AM’ (Exodus 3:14, John 8:58), a present tense God. He is your very present help (Psalm 46:1). So God is in the present, now, able to make ALL grace abound toward you.

When you read ‘God is able to make ALL grace abound toward you’, it really means you can have God’s grace in ‘all’ areas of your life, not just one area of your life.

“Pastor, you mean I can have grace in ALL areas of my life?” Absolutely! Let’s stand on His Word. ‘All’ in this verse here is ‘pas’ in Greek. It means ‘every, whatsoever, whole.’ So, that includes grace in your career, grace in your family, grace in your business, grace in your finance, grace in every way!

And what does the word ‘grace’ means here? It is ‘charis’ in Greek. It means ‘being acceptable, having God’s favor, gift, benefit & pleasure bestowed on you joyfully and with liberality.’ Wow! This is God’s promise for us who believe. Jesus Christ has indeed taken every curse on your behalf at the cross, and therefore now, you can receive such abounding grace, in every area of your life. Believe & receive it!

The word ‘abound’ in Greek is ‘perisseuo’, which means ‘be in abundance, be in excess, have enough & to spare, excel, exceed.’ So when the world is going through economic recession, those who believe shall have abounding grace. There’s a big difference here, friend. So when people seem to have ‘closed doors’, you’ll just have supernatural ‘open doors’. Praise God! That’s what living in God’s heavenly kingdom is!

When God’s grace is abounding in you, the Bible says ‘you’ll have all sufficiency in all things,’ so that you may have an abundance for every good work. It means you’ll have all that you need, at all times in your life. This is how generous God is to you. He is such a great Giver. After all, He spared nothing. He even gave His only begotten Son Jesus to die for you (John 3:16).

No condemnation in Christ

Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…

In Christ, we have no condemnation. Jesus has taken all our condemnation on the cross. Before Jesus gave up His Spirit and died on the cross, He said, ‘It is finished!’ It’s by this finished works on the cross that our condemnation has been taken away. We are now therefore forgiven, loved, and accepted. This is great news, my friend!

"Any example in the bible, pastor?"

Yes, let's look at Luke 19:1-10, Jesus was passing through a place called Jericho, where a rich, but notorious chief tax collector, Zacchaeus was staying. Zacchaeus was known to ‘extort’ people’s money by accusing people falsely. When Zacchaeus heard about Jesus coming to town, he sought to see who Jesus was (Luke 19:3). As he was short in height, and the place was crowded, he climbed up a tree to have a better view of Jesus.

As Jesus passed by, He saw Zacchaeus, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down, for today I must stay in your house.’ But the crowd complained, because Jesus accepted this ‘sinner’, and even wanted to stay with him. They must have thought, ‘How could this be? Jesus is going to 'fellowship' and stay in such a terrible sinner’s house!’

Notice when Jesus met Zacchaeus, He never said, ‘Zacchaeus, you terrible, condemned sinner. Burn in hell, and receive your punishment!’ Instead, Jesus showed His love and acceptance for him. He never approved of Zacchaeus’ sin. But He loved this sinner.

Zacchaeus’ heart was touched and changed by Jesus' love and acceptance. That day, he received forgiveness. This wouldn’t have happened had Zacchaeus not allowed Jesus to ‘come into his house’. As a result of the transformation in him, he told Jesus he’s going to give half his wealth to the poor, and restore four-fold to anyone he has taken anything from by false accusation (Luke 19:8).

Beloved, Jesus wants to enter your life too, just as He did in Zacchaeus’ life. You are too precious for Him to ignore. He really does love you. He wants to see you healed from your past. We are never too ‘filthy’ for Him. In fact, Jesus has come ‘to seek and save you and me’ (Luke 19:10). He specializes in people like us. So, if you have been feeling condemned, guilty, 'dirty' or ‘bad’ about how terrible you’ve been, or if there’s this voice saying “I’m not good enough, I’m too filthy for God to forgive and accept me again”, don't condemn yourself any further. I have good news for you. Christ has died on the cross for you. He has taken all these guilt, and condemnation of yours. He has taken them all. Allow Him, just as Zacchaeus did, and receive your forgiveness and healing now.