The reward of practicing joy!

The Lord says: 

"For many of My people, I am releasing My Spirit and My power for you to break free from the spirit of depression! Let the 'dark clouds' in your life be blown away by My Spirit and My power! I am releasing also the supernatural joy that comes from Me! Receive the fullness of My joy, and rejoice!" 

Yes, now is the time to not just rejoice, but to receive the joy that comes from the Lord! 

Psalm 16:10-11 (NKJV) says, 'For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.' 

'Sheol' here can speak of 'deadness, lifelessness, torment, depression'. But what is the antidote against any 'Sheol' while you are on earth? The answer is to come into the presence of the Lord. Why? Because in His presence is fullness of joy. That's what the Scripture says here. Full of joy. Not a little joy here and there. But full of joy. 

The word 'joy' in Greek is 'chara'. It comes from the word 'chairo'. In the context of your relationship with the Lord, it can mean 'having a deep assurance inside you that the Lord delights in you, and the Lord is taking care of you and providing you well.' In other words, it is an assurance inside of you that the Lord loves you and the Lord delights in you, and that He is with you and He is for you. You see, if the Lord is for you, who (or what) can be against you? (Romans 8:31) Now, that is reason enough for you to choose to rejoice. Not just in this season of celebration, but also in every season of your life!

In Philippians 4:4, the apostle Paul wrote: 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!' 

The word 'rejoice' here is the same word 'chairo' in Greek that we've read just now. In this verse, it can mean 'be joyful, be glad, be happy'. Notice this word 'rejoice' is mentioned not just once, but twice. It shows an emphasis here. The apostle Paul who wrote this verse certainly knows the power of rejoicing in the Lord. Yes, rejoicing in the Lord in all circumstances! 

Beloved, as you keep receiving the joy from heaven and keep rejoicing in your life, choosing to rejoice, great things are going to happen in your life! 

Do you notice the word 'always' in Philippians 4:4? It is 'aei' in Greek. It can mean 'always, a continued duration, a regular practice'. In other words, rejoicing in the Lord should be a regular practice in our lives!

As believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and because you have hope when you have Him, and you know that He has carried away all your sins, curse, shame, infirmities, diseases, and every form of grief and sorrow, you should be the happiest and shiniest of all people on earth! Yes, happy shiny people!  

By the way, 'to practice' means 'to do something again and again'. As simple as that. Now, that's exactly what apostle Paul meant when he wrote Philippians 4:4. 

Let's look at Philippians 4:4 again. 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!' You can therefore read it as: 'Be joyful, be glad, be happy in the Lord always (as a regular practice). Again I will say, rejoice! (be joyful, be glad, be happy!)' 

So, what do you practice every day?

If you practice joy, you'll surely reap the reward of joy! That's how it works. We reap what we sow. On the other hand, if you practice sorrow, you'll reap even more sorrow! If you practice worry, everything in life will worry you! Because we reap what we sow. If you practice anxiety, everything you do will be filled with anxiety! If you practice anger, everything you see in life will anger you! Because we reap what we sow. 

As you receive the joy of the Lord, sow joy. Be a gift to the people around you. It isn't just about you giving gifts to people around you. But you being a gift to them, especially your family and loved ones!

As a matter of fact, whatever we practice (i.e. whatever we do over and over again), we'll be 'good' at it! It's just like if you keep practicing your tennis strokes, you'll be good in your tennis strokes! So today, begin to choose to rejoice as your regular practice. It is a decision that only you can make. 

Today, the Lord has spoken that He is releasing His supernatural joy upon you. Yes, inside of you. Your part is to let your heart be open. And as you keep receiving this joy from heaven, you are also releasing joy. Yes, releasing joy to others around you. That's how you can change the 'atmosphere' around you. 

Today, the Lord has also shown you that no matter what you have been going through, you can still choose to rejoice. Remember, Nehemiah 8:10 says, 'The joy of the Lord is your strength'. It means when you have the joy of the Lord inside of you, you'll also have the strength to carry on and to look forward to many more good things in your life! 

So, let this joy of the Lord fill your heart right now. Let this joy of the Lord overflow even into your mind and your emotions right now. This is your time to receive. And yes, this is also the time for you to give and to release the joy of the Lord to the people around you! 

What is the reward of practicing joy in your life?  

1. You'll have a cheerful countenance! 

People are generally drawn to you like a magnet when you are happy and shiny. So, be that happy, shiny people, beloved! Where is the proof? Proverbs 15:13 says, 'A merry (joyful, glad, happy) heart makes a cheerful countenance...' 

2. You'll have good health! 

What's in the inside of you will affect what's in your physical body. If you are full of joy inside, if you are happy inside, if you are contented inside, your physical body will respond accordingly. Happy people are healthy people! Where is the proof? Proverbs 17:22 says, 'A merry (joyful, glad, happy) heart does good like medicine...' 

3. You'll have the goodness of God surrounding you! 

Wherever you are, the goodness of God seems to follow you. Where is the proof? Proverbs 15:15 says, 'All the days of the afflicted (depressed, disputing people) are evil, but he who is of a merry (joyful, glad, happy) heart has a continual feast.' This speaks of celebration. This speaks of the goodness of God. This speaks of enjoying the goodness of God. 

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5 keys to a happier you!

The Lord says:

"There's a release! There's a release from your past, whatever your past may be! Released from your past bondage! Released from your past hurts! Released from your past bitterness! Released from your past curse! Released from your past cycle! Released from your past trauma! My anointing has been released to you to set you free! Walk in this new cycle! Walk in this new season! This is the time to walk in the new freedom that I've given you!" 

What is the definition of this word 'release'? It can mean 'allow (or enable) to escape from bondage, allow (or enable) to be set free, allow (or enable) someone to move and flow freely'.

Isaiah 61:1-2a (NKJV) says, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." 

In cross-reference, Jesus quoted this in Luke 4:18-19, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

This word 'anoint' here is 'maschiah' in Hebrew. Literally, this word 'maschiah' can mean 'to rub oil on'. As the oil is being rubbed on you, you are being empowered and enabled. So, 'to anoint' is 'to empower', and 'to anoint' is 'to enable'. Not just that. 'To anoint' is 'to consecrate, to set apart, to make holy'. 

2 Corinthians 3:17 (The Expanded Bible) says, 'The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.' That is to say, 'where the Spirit of the the Lord is, there is this anointing, there is this power of God that sets you free from your bondage'. Therefore, right now, there's freedom for you! You can now walk in this freedom! 

Beloved of God, let this anointing be released upon you right now! This anointing destroys every yoke and bondage in your life. This anointing destroys all those past in your life, so you can now walk in a new phase, a new season, and a new cycle in your life!

John 8:36 (The Expanded Bible) says, 'So if the Son (Jesus) makes you free, you will be truly free [free indeed].' Free to be what? Free to be who God wants you to be, and free to do what God wants you to do in this new time and season!

Galatians 5:1 (The Expanded Bible) says, 'Christ set us free so that we could live in freedom [to a place of freedom, or by means of freedom].' Indeed, it's for this freedom that Christ has set you free! Free to walk in God's destiny for your life! Free to walk in God's plans and purposes for your life! Free to walk in God's perfect will for your life! 

Psalm 119:45 (The Expanded Bible) says, 'So I will live in freedom [liberty], because I want to follow [seek] your orders [precepts].' If you choose to follow the Holy Spirit, and if you choose to follow the instructions of the Lord for your life every step of the way, you are indeed walking in the freedom and liberty that God has for you! So, we are not talking about anarchy here. But we are talking about freedom in the Holy Spirit. Freedom to walk in the ways of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will always lead you and guide you. The Holy Spirit will never lead you into trouble. 

So, whatever your situation may be in your past, you are now set free! By faith, receive this anointing and be set free! As you flow with the Holy Spirit, you are walking in God's perfect will for your life. That's how easy it is to live a life that's in communion and in communication with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in you. And the Holy Spirit will know how to lead you and guide you in the right direction! 

Now, with this freedom that you have, knowing that you have been set free and released for this new season ahead of you, here are the five keys to walk in a happier you, and to enjoy your new season to the fullest! 

Number One: Live in the present moment

Take one day at a time. You can plan ahead. You can plan for your future. But never forget to live in the present moment. Never forget to live in the now. Live today. You can't control your past and your future. But you can make full use of your present moment. So, live in the now. Enjoy your present moment. Learn to appreciate all the good things and the good people around you at present. 

Number Two: Forgive and let go

Let the past be past. Let the bygone be bygone. You have a fresh new start today. And you have wonderful things ahead of you. So, look forward to it. Just do not hold grudges against anyone, whoever that person may be. It's so refreshing and liberating to live a 'let go' life. So, right now, receive God's unending and unfailing love for you. Let His love fill you. And He will know how to help you let go and forgive. 

Number Three: Be thankful and grateful

Be thankful and grateful for what the Lord has given you. Do not compare with others. Each person's path in life is unique and special. The fact is no one else is like you. You are unique and special in God's eyes. So, thank the Lord because He sees you as His beloved, and you are the apple of His eye. Psalm 17:8 says, 'Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.' The Lord wants to keep you as the apple of His eye. In other words, He sees you dear. He sees you precious. He sees you not how the world sees you. He sees you as His beloved. You are the apple of His eye. Today, the Lord wants to assure you that you are indeed the apple of His eye. Learn to live a life of contentment. You become happier if you are living a contented life. So, be thankful and be grateful for all that the Lord has given to you. And yes, be thankful and grateful in advance for all the good that the Lord is going to give to you!

Number Four: Flow with the Holy Spirit

I cannot emphasize enough how important this key is. Flow with the Holy Spirit. Not against the Holy Spirit. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of joy. One of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is joy. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. You can see that in Galatians 5:22-23. So, receive this joy of the Lord. How? By flowing with the Holy Spirit. Not against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's nature is like that of a river. When you flow with the Holy Spirit, like a canoe flows with the river, life becomes easier and life becomes more fruitful. You are flowing with the current of the Holy Spirit. You are not coming against the current of the Holy Spirit. That's the key. Now, when the Holy Spirit gives you peace regarding something or a certain decision you are about to make, you follow the peace. If the Holy Spirit never gives you the peace regarding something, you avoid it. That's how you can walk guided and led by the Holy Spirit. That's how you can avoid certain pitfalls and traps in life. 

Number Five: Start each day with the right focus

What do you think of the first thing you wake up in the morning? If you have the right focus as you wake up in the morning, you already have a head start. Start the day right, and many things will be right. Start the day with your personal time of praise and worship, reading and receiving the Word of God, and praying in the spirit. As you pray in the spirit, the Holy Spirit may even give you ideas and revelations on what to do and how to go about each and every new day. So, the first thing you do when you wake up is remember God and think about Him. Start by focusing on Him. Don't pick up the phone to check news or social media yet. But start with God. Start with personal time of praise and worship. Sing a song from your heart to the Lord. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melodies in your heart. Sing to the Lord, exalt Him, worship Him, and bless His holy name. Read and receive the Word of God. Eat of His fresh daily bread, the Word of God. Pray in the spirit. Let the Holy Spirit fill you all in all. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with joy. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with love and peace. And that's how you start each day with the right focus. You will surely see the difference! 

Let us pray:

"O Lord God, we thank You that You have released us from our past. We thank You for setting us free from our past bondage, past hurts, past bitterness, past curse, and even past cycle. Right now, we receive Your fresh anointing that sets us free. We begin to walk in this new cycle. We begin to walk in this new season. We begin to walk in this new freedom that You have given us. We can now look forward to many more great and wonderful things ahead of us. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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Being grateful and contented

A good day to you! The year 2023 is coming to a close. Soon, we are heading into a brand new year. Hallelujah! 

Before we enter into a brand new year, we can take some time to reflect on ourselves. 

What is 'self-reflection', or some people call it 'personal reflection'? 

It is taking the time to think or reflect on ourselves, on what we have done during the year, how we behaved, our attitudes, our desires in life, our motivation in life, etc during this past one year. 

And yes, as we reflect on ourselves, there can be a number of things in our lives that we can be grateful for. No doubt, we all have our share of challenges in life, but looking at the brighter side in life, surely there are also many things that we can be grateful for and thankful for! 

What is the definition of 'being grateful'? In the context of your relationship with God, 'being grateful' is 'feeling or expressing thankfulness for the good things that God has given in your life.' 

How about 'being contented'? In the context of your relationship with God, 'being contented' means 'being happy and satisfied with what God has given in your life, or the willingness to accept yourself and your present stage in life.' 

You see, you don't have to compare yourself with others. Instead, you look to the Lord and receive all the good that He wants to give to you. Now, don't get me wrong. Living a contented life doesn't mean you cannot have dreams or ambitions in life. It doesn't mean you cannot look forward to improving your life. But what I'm saying is living a contented life simply means accepting your present stage in life with peace and positivity. And of course, being thankful for who you are, and what God has given in your life. 

In Philippines 4:11-12a (NKJV), Paul wrote, 'Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.' 

See the word 'content' here? In other words, Paul wrote that in every circumstance of his life, he has learned to be content.

Let's read from another version, the Amplified Bible. 'Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity.' 

As Paul had mentioned here, he learned to be content, trusting in the Lord that whatever the time and season he's in, he's not alone. And he can therefore say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That's in Philippians 4:13, just one verse later. Paul knew in whatever circumstance that he faced in life, the Lord's there to strengthen him, and therefore, 'he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.' Without God, he knew he couldn't. But with God, all things are possible. 

Now, it is the same with your life. We all have our own unique life story. Whatever your life story may be, one thing for sure is you can count on the Lord to see you through. As for my wife (Sharon) and I, we have come a long way since we left our accountancy career those days and began serving the Lord full-time some 25 years ago in various ministry capacities. We have seen how faithful God has been to us. Yes, in good times, and even in challenging times, we have tasted and seen how good He is to us. We are grateful. 

So, you too, you can count on the Lord to do things that are otherwise impossible for you to do. Your part is to keep looking to Him, counting on Him, trusting in Him, and of course, obeying His every instruction for your life. When He says so, you say so. When He says no, you say no. And He will know how to lead you and guide you. Remember, He will never lead you into trouble or dead-end road. He will always make a way for you. Amen! 

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.'

The word 'thanksgiving' here is 'eucharistia' in Greek. It means 'being thankful, being grateful, having gratitude in life'. So, in a time like this, let us be grateful and thankful to the Lord. And let us say to the Lord, "O Lord God, I thank You for all the good that You have done in my life. Yes, even if there are some areas in my life that I do not understand, but I just give thanks to You. Because I know all things will somehow work together for good in my life." 

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

In everything give thanks! That's what Paul wrote here. 

What is the meaning of 'pray without ceasing'? It means 'constantly praying and having fellowship with the Lord, and having the consciousness of being in His presence throughout each day.'

What is the meaning of 'in everything give thanks'? It simply means 'living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving, and learning to count your blessings.' 

There will always be things, even seemingly little things in your life, that you can give thanks for. For example, your bed, your home, your loved ones who really care for you and pray for you, etc. Now, different people different. You can list down all the things, even the little things in your life, that you can give thanks for. Amen! 

Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.' 

Yes, He is the Lord who knows how to redeem you. And indeed, He is the Lord who knows how to redeem your lost time. He is a God of repair and restoration. 

Psalm 95:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.' Hallelujah! See the word 'thanksgiving' here?

James 1:17 (NKJV) says, 'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.' 

There is no doubt, without any shadow of doubt, that He is a good God, and that He is the Source of every good thing in your life. Therefore, what is your part? Your part is to keep looking to Him and His goodness in your life. Keep receiving the goodness of God in your life. Taste and see more and more of God's goodness in your life!

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJV) says, 'Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him."' 

What does it mean by 'the Lord is your portion'? The Lord is your inheritance! What are some of His inheritances? He is the Source of joy in your life. He is the Source of blessings in your life. He is the Source of security in your life. He is the Source of provision in your life. He is the Source of comfort in your life. He is the Source of strength in your life. He is everything in your life. He is your portion. All these inheritances that I've written here, and even more, have been given to you!

So, if you read here, "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him.", the author of this book meant, "Because the Lord is my portion, I can be rest assured that I can hope in Him and look to Him. Because He is a God who is faithful to me, and He is a God who will never fail me." Amen! 

So beloved of God, let us be grateful and be contented not just for what He can give to us, but for who He is to us. Thank God for He is a merciful God. Thank God for He is a loving and forgiving God. Thank God for He is a compassionate God. Thank God for who He is in our lives! 

What if you have made a mistake in life, or you think you blew it, or messed up? Remember, as a beloved of God, He is for you and not against you. It's not the end of the world. Return to His ways. It isn't too late yet. To God, 'a thousand years is as a day', the Bible says. It means what humans can achieve in 1,000 years, He (God) can accomplish it in just one day. That's how great He is. He can therefore redeem you. He can redeem your lost time. He is a God of restoration in your life. So, forgive yourself. Condemn yourself no more. Learn from those mistakes, yes, but look ahead and rise up again. Rise up and soar higher than ever before. He is here for you, and His hands are here to carry you!

Right now, I pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be upon you (for you) to soar higher than ever before, and to soar to the next level. In spite of all those troubles and challenging times you've had in your life, be rest assured that the Lord's grace is more than enough for you. The Lord's grace is sufficient for you. His anointing is upon you (for you) to soar higher than all those storms, and to soar like that of an eagle. Amen!

Let us pray: "O Lord God, we thank You not just for what You can give to us, but also for who You are to us. We thank You for Your mercy. We thank You for Your lovingkindness. We thank You for Your love for us that never fails. There are indeed so many things we can give thanks for. We are thankful that You are still the same faithful God - yesterday, today, and forever. We thank You that You will know how to work all things together for good in our lives. We thank You for the year that is past. And we thank You in advance for the year ahead of us. It's going to be a brand new start. It's going to be a good year ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

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How to be happy and shining for the Lord?

Hi, happy shining people! Why do I greet you happy shining people? Because as a beloved of God, as a believer of Christ, you should be the happiest person on earth, no matter what happens in this world! 

Happy are you, because you are blessed! Jesus has carried away all your curse, sorrows, hurts, and wounds, so that you are now blessed! 

And why are you shining? Because you are a light! And what is a light for? A light is for you to shine! 

Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV) says, 'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.' 

Ephesians 5:8-10 (Amplified) says, 'For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him - your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].' 

You see, you are not just in the Light (Jesus), but you are a light! As you receive His light, you become a light! And wherever you are in this world, you are a light that shines! That's what the Scripture says!

The Lord also spoke these words for this week: 

"Be alert and vigilant. Walk circumspectly. Guard your time. Don't let the enemy snatch your time away. Choose to spiritualize your time." 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV) says, 'See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.' 

The word 'circumspect' here is 'akribos' in Greek. In the context of this verse, it means 'to walk carefully, to walk diligently, and to walk honorably (before the Lord).'

How about 'redeeming the time'? It simply means 'making the most of your time (while you are on earth).' 

Not only the Lord wants you to walk carefully, diligently, and honorably before Him, He also wants you to make the most of your time while on earth! So, whether you are a youth, in your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, or a retiree, you can utilize your time for His glory, everyday of your life! 

How are the days evil? This expression doesn't mean time, calendar, or hours are evil. Rather, this expression "the days are evil" tells us that these days on earth are filled with evil, i.e. filled with sins and dominated by the powers of darkness. And if we are not careful, we can be swallowed up in it!

What then is 'spiritualize your time'? It means to make your life honorable before the Lord, to make your life spiritual before the Lord, instead of carnal. You see, being spiritual and being carnal, these are opposites and antagonistic to one another. Romans 8:6 says, 'For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.' 

If you do not choose to 'spiritualize your time', dedicating your time before the Lord, the enemy will always try to suck you into being carnal or being fleshly!

What are the examples of being carnal? Thinking lustful thoughts, thinking greedy thoughts, thinking prideful thoughts, pulling down others, backstabbing others, gossiping about others, etc. 

But as you dedicate yourself before the Lord, you are exchanging all these 'carnalities' with what is honorable and spiritual before the Lord. And that's how your life will be happier and more fruitful. And you will be a great testimony to many around you. People who see you will see Jesus in you! 

What are the examples of being spiritual? Being a light to others, bringing hope to others, strengthening others through your faith, strengthening others through the Word of God, encouraging others when they are down, etc. And of course being a giver. Not just giving material things or money to those in need, but giving encouragement, giving love, giving hope, caring for the uncared, loving the unloved, looking out for those who need help, etc. 

Instead of looking inward, you look outward. 

During the healing meetings in the 1970's those days, there's one great evangelist who actually told the people to forget about their own problems or sicknesses, but instead find someone worse off (or more sick) than them and pray for them. As these people began to forget about their own problems (or sicknesses) and began praying for those around them, you know what? Not only did they see miracles and healing happening in those around them, they themselves were healed! 

So, go ahead and be a light to others, especially in this time and season! Arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is upon you! Your life will be happier as you shine on others!

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