Receive the key to "pray heaven down"!

In the midst of what seems to be "hell on earth" in many places nowadays, the Lord has a good news for you. He has given you the power to "pray heaven down"! 

Yes, "pray heaven down" upon your life, your career, your business, your health, your household, or in any area of your life! Never underestimate the power of your prayer. Because God can do mighty things and great miracles through you!

Let's go to the Scripture now. James 5:16-18 says, '...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.' 

Yes, receive the anointing like that of Elijah's! Receive this anointing for such a time as this! Whatever you pray, as long as you pray according to His will and His leading, it shall come to pass, and you shall see it happening! 

What is the key to receive this anointing? 

Matthew 16:13-16 says, 'When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."' 

Matthew 16:17 says, 'Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."' 

Here, you see that Simon Peter had the revelation of who Jesus is, that He is not like any prophet or teacher that have walked on this earth. He is more than that! He is the Son of the living God! He is God became flesh! 

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said further, "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 

What does this Scripture verse mean? 

Whatever you 'lock', it shall be 'locked'! Whatever you 'unlock', it shall be 'unlocked'! Whatever you 'stop', it shall be 'stopped'! Whatever you 'release', it shall be 'released'! 

So, people of God, if you declare a stop to a certain problem, it shall be stopped in the spirit, and in turn, be reflected in the physical realm on earth! 

That's how you can "pray heaven down"! 

It means you pray on earth in His name, and it happens in the spiritual realm, and in turn, it will be seen and reflected in the physical realm! In other words, heaven comes down! And the good news is this can happen in any area of your life! 

You see, that's how powerful you are, if you have the revelation of who Jesus is in your life! He is not just a man, or a human prophet, or a human teacher. But He is God who came on earth in the flesh! He is the Son of the living God! Without Him, nothing was made that was made! 

John 1:1-4 says, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.' 

John 1:12-14 says, 'But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.' 

As you declare that He is the Son of the living God, He is the Word of God became flesh, He came and dwelt among us, and we behold His glory, you know what? This glory falls on us! This glory comes with it the anointing and the power of His Spirit! And as you receive Him by faith, He has given you this right to become His children. That's how you're entering into the realm of the supernatural! And that's when whatever you bind on earth, it shall be bound! And whatever you release on earth, it shall be released! 

So, as you declare the release of "heaven on earth", bringing hope in this hopeless world, and bringing truth to this world full of lies, you are "praying heaven down"! You are praying God's kingdom come, and God's will be done! 

In addition to your own life and your own situation, on the macro level, pray for God's kingdom come, and God's will be done even upon the nation (or the nations) that God has put in your heart to pray for. Yes, pray for the Lord to intervene and prevent certain evil from happening to the nation (or the nations) that you are praying for. 

If you know that the Lord has put in your heart to pray for a certain nation in this world, just obey Him. Pray according to what He has put in your heart to pray. There is a very intense spiritual battle for the nations in the world right now. This is a crucial time to pray. This is a crucial time to receive the anointing and the power to pray and to declare God's words into the spiritual realm. As you declare into the spiritual realm, it shall be reflected in the physical realm. It shall come to pass. You shall see this happening. Because you are praying in the name of Jesus, the mighty name of Jesus, the Son of the living God, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords! 

Ezekiel 22:30 says, 'So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land...' 

What's the background of this Bible verse? At that time, there was no one willing to 'stand in the gap'. But may you be one of those who would 'stand in the gap'! 

How do you 'stand in the gap'? You 'stand in the gap' through your prayers! In other words, you can "pray heaven down" or pray the perfect will of God upon the nation (or the nations) that God has put in your heart to pray for. Pray for His will be done. Pray for His light to shine. Pray for His glory to fall. When light comes, darkness has to flee! You can declare all this in the spirit! 

What other areas can you also pray for the nation (or the nations)? Pray for the right people to be raised up by the Lord for such a time as this! Pray for the "Samuels" of today. Pray for the "Esthers" of today. Pray for the "Davids" of today. Amen! 

Apostle Paul wrote this in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 'Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.'

The word 'intercessions' here is 'enteuxis' in Greek, from the word 'entugchano'. This word can mean 'to visit, to fall upon, to effect upon, to make it happen'. 

So, as you do your part through your prayers, God is going to visit! God is going to effect His power upon! God is going to make it happen! His kingdom come, and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven! 

What if you do not have the exact words to pray? Just pray in the spirit. Because praying in the spirit is praying in the perfect will of God! 

Right now, let heaven be open! Let there be a release of God's anointing upon you! Let there be a release of God's power upon you! Let God's hands touch your hands! Lift up your hands, and let His power fall on you! Like the rain that falls on earth! Receive by faith. Hallelujah! 

Prayer: 

"O Lord God, we "pray heaven down". We pray for all the goodness of heaven be upon us. We pray for Your light to shine in the midst of the darkness. We pray for Your perfect will be done in each of our lives, and even for the nation and the nations You have put in our hearts to pray for. Let Your wisdom and revelation flow. Let Your glory fall. Let Your power be seen. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

Words from the Lord: Don't be tricked by the enemy's delusion!

In a vision, I saw a land with many buildings in it. It looks very much like a town or city. In the atmospheric realm above the land, there were many corners and dimensions. On each of these corners above the land, I saw some mysterious figures in the form of men spewing out cobwebs from their mouths. These cobwebs then covered the whole atmospheric realm of the land. 

Then I saw God's people in the land. However, many of these people began to have delusion. Many of these people began to be intruded and influenced in their minds. Their spiritual visions became blurred. 

Interpretation: 

Instead of patterning after God's ways, many in the end-time began to pattern after these delusions. They began to pattern after the ways of the principalities and powers of the air that have intruded the land where they are. 

Words from the Lord: 

"It's time to be awakened from these delusions! It's time to wake up from these spiritual slumber! I am anointing the spiritual eyes of many. Many will suddenly 'see' the many things that have caused them to be deluded. The anointing has been released to break the delusions that the enemy has caused. Rise above and not come under! Rise above and stand strong in My Word! I have given you the authority to rise above the atmospheric realm! Fear not! Do not be conformed to these patterns and ways, but be transformed by My Spirit!" 

What is the definition of this word 'delusion'? 

It can mean 'a false illusion (i.e. something that appears real, but actually it isn't)'. It can also mean 'something that is believed to be true, but it is actually false'. 

Now, 'delusion' can imply 'the inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real'. You see, there's a difference here - what is real and what only seems to be real. This can happen due to some external and unseen forces that intrude into one's mind, and in turn, causing such delusion in one's spirit and soul. 

What does the Scripture has to say about this? 

Romans 12:1-2, in the words of Apostle Paul: 'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' 

There's a contrast here between these two words: 'conformed' and 'transformed'. 

The word 'conformed' here in Greek is 'suschematizo'. It can mean 'to fashion self according to certain outward pattern (in this context, the pattern or way of this fallen world)'. This is the context of what Apostle Paul meant here. 

The word 'transformed' here in Greek is 'metamorphoo'. It can mean 'to be changed and awakened from the inside out (in this context, by the Spirit of God)'. 

So, there's a clash here between 'conforming to the ways of the world' and 'being transformed by the Spirit of God'. 

Back to Romans 12:1-2 now. The Lord is calling us to surrender our lives before Him again. The Lord is calling us to present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him again, and not to be conformed by the pattern of this fallen world, but be transformed by the Spirit of the Lord. 

Let the Spirit of God renew our minds. 

Delusion can happen in many ways. Delusion can happen in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes we don't even know about it. Sometimes we don't even realize about it. Yes, even the way many of God's people (of course, not everyone) see churches. As someone who has ministered to believers from many different churches and backgrounds, I have to admit this is true. Of course the truth hurts. But the truth is the truth. The commercialization and competition in and among many churches have gone overboard. Not me who says this, but God who says this. The chasing of fame, the greed, the building of name for own selves have become overboard. Again, not me who says this, but God who says this. 

I say this without prejudice. I say this with a broken heart. Now, because of all the above, many believers get deluded as well, and start to compare among themselves and their churches. This happens especially within a city or town they are in. It's almost like implying, for example, "My church is better than your church", "My church is bigger than your church", "We are the best in town", "I am right, you are wrong". 

In other words, the ways and patterns of this fallen world have crept into the Body of Christ. All these only make the real enemy, the devil, laugh! Laugh at who? Laugh at us! 

Believers and church leaders pulling down one another, stepping on one another in order to get more "membership" to their church, leaders feeling insecure with one another, thus weakening the whole Body of Christ further. Now, not everyone is like that, of course. 

Well, this isn't new at all. Look at what Apostle Paul wrote in his days. Let's go to the Scripture now. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, he wrote. 'And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?' 

This is what the Scripture says. Of course, the good news is the Lord still loves all of us. He still remembers His church as a whole, His kingdom, His whole body, the Body of Christ. And I tell you what, there is hope for the Body of Christ, because there's this great awakening right now. 

In 1 Corinthians 3:18-21, Apostle Paul wrote further, 'Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." Therefore let no one boast in men...' 

This is what the Scripture says further. This is what Apostle Paul wrote. As he traveled from place to place, from church to church, he saw all this happening right before his eyes. He was heartbroken. The Spirit of the Lord spoke to him, and he wrote all this. Now, it would be a great time, yes, it would be a great time in this time of awakening that God's people revisit 1 Corinthians, especially 1 Corinthians chapters 1 to 5. The Lord is speaking through these verses in this time and season. 

In Colossians 1:15-18, Apostle Paul wrote, 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. He is the head of the body, the church, (He) who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.' 

See who Jesus is here? He is the Head of His body, the church. By the way, 'preeminence' means 'surpassing all others, superior over all others'. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He is above all. 

So, this is a time of reflection for all of us as believers of Christ as a whole. This is a time of reflection for leaders as a whole. This is a time to look at the Scripture again, and to see what God wants to say to us in this time and season. 

The Lord still remembers His body. The Lord still remembers His church as a whole. Let us look to the Lord. Let us look back at the Scripture. And let us come before the Lord and say, "Yes, O Lord God, we repent. We humble ourselves. And we want to follow what You have spoken in Your Word." 

Prayer: 

"O Lord God, we humble ourselves before You, and we want to look at the 'big picture' the way You want us to according to Your Word. You are the Head of the body, and we are all members of Your whole body. We are not to be conformed to the ways and the patterns of this world. But we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we will prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. The enemy will do whatever to cause Your body as a whole to implode and to be weak. But right now, we want to declare that You are the Lord and the Head of Your body, the church; and You have preeminence over all things, both on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

So, let this anointing of the Holy Spirit be released upon all of us, so that we are set free from whatever bondage, delusion or deception that the enemy has subtly invaded us. Let us be set free! Let there be a great awakening! Let the Church of the Lord be strong and mighty in this end-time, till we meet Jesus, till He returns for His body, His church! As the Bride, we want to be ready for the coming of the Bridegroom! 

Each of us has a part to play in this end-time move of God. Each of us has a part to play in this kingdom of God. We humble ourselves before the Lord. We want to give preference to one another. We forgive one another. We embrace one another. We love one another as brothers and sisters in the family of God. We pray for unity. We bind every division. 

This is what the Lord wants to speak to us for this time. I just want to be faithful to release what the Lord has put in my heart to release, and what the Lord has shared with me in the vision and in the prophetic words. God bless you! Have a wonderful day!

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

What does 'seeking God's kingdom' mean?

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

How do you 'seek first His kingdom', and how do you 'seek first His righteousness'? And what exactly does this word 'kingdom' and 'righteousness' mean? I tell you what, it's not something so unattainable or so high up that it's hard to get. It's actually very easy. And I'm going to explain to you why and how. This verse, though it looks simple, is a very deep and profound Bible verse worth our study. And blessed are you, if you are hanging on to what Jesus has said in this verse!

Contrary to what some people believe, this verse is not talking about how many hours or how much time you spend or 'commit' in church activities. It is not about putting church work first and putting everything else in your life second. In fact, church is not supposed to be confined within the four walls of a building. The word 'church', or 'ekklesia' in Greek, is never about a building. Church is a people. This word 'church' means 'a people called out (from darkness into God's marvelous light)'. Therefore, wherever we are (and wherever we are gathered), we are the church! We are the light and the salt to this world. And we can express God's kingdom wherever we are, whatever our calling may be. It doesn't necessarily have to be you serving God 'full-time' in a particular church organization. But rather, it's about what God has called you to be. If you are called to the marketplace, you can still seek first God's kingdom and express God's kingdom; and you can still seek first His righteousness and express His righteousness! 

Remember, we are all 'king and priest'. Royal priesthood. The priesthood of all believers. You and I, whatever our calling may be, whether we are in the marketplace, or whether we are in the neighborhood, we are the royal priesthood! (1 Peter 2:9) Yes, no doubt God raises up the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists with the purpose of equipping and edifying His people; but this doesn't take away the fact that every believer is a 'royal priesthood'!

Now, the word 'kingdom' in Matthew 6:33 is 'basileia' in Greek. It can mean 'rule, reign, realm'. Based on the definition of 'basileia' here, we can therefore say 'to seek first God's kingdom' is 'to seek His rule, to seek His reign, and to seek His realm' in our lives. In other words, to let Him take over our lives, to let Him rule over our lives, to let Him reign over our lives, and of course to let His realm take over our worldly realm! 

That's why Jesus taught us to pray: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Yes, let God's kingdom come and let God's will be done in our lives! It means to give God full control over our lives, as we submit and surrender our lives to His way and to His will! 

So, how do we receive this kingdom from heaven? How do we walk in God's way? How do we walk in God's will? By allowing Him to rule and reign in our lives! To 'basileia' in our lives! 

How about this word 'righteousness' in Matthew 6:33? It is 'dikaios' in Greek. It can mean any of these: 'that which is holy, that which is acceptable, that which is justified'. Notice in this verse, Jesus talked about God's righteousness, and not our own righteousness. It means to seek God's righteousness, and not our own righteousness. 

By the way, 'to be righteous' in the context of this verse means 'to be in right standing with God'. How can we be in the right standing with God? Now you see, all of us have fallen short of the glory of God and of the standard of God. None of us is righteous by ourselves. And no matter how we 'suffer' ourselves to earn this righteousness by our own strength or our own effort, we can never achieve it. Because it is by the grace of God that we are made righteous. 

So, 'to be righteous' in the context here is 'having this assurance that because Jesus has died for you on the cross and carried away all your sins, you are now made righteous, and you are now reconciled to God.' In other words, you are now set free from any curse of sin, you have been forgiven, you have been accepted, and you have been justified, through your faith in Him! This righteousness has been given to you, because Jesus has paid the price for you on the cross! Your part now is to believe, receive, and allow it in your life! 

And of course, your part is also not to worry! Because as you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, you are effectively allowing God to take full control in your life. In other words, you give Him full say in your life! Therefore, He will know how to lead you, guide you, make a way for you, and open doors for you! 

That's why Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-26: 'Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?' 

Here, Jesus meant do not worry about all these, or what you will eat or drink, or what you will wear. Because if He knows how to feed the birds, even though they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, what more you, the beloved of God? Now, Jesus is not saying we are to run away from our responsibilities in life. But Jesus is saying do not worry! Yes, do not worry even about your future. Because as you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, 'all these things' (even what's in your future) is assured. He certainly knows what is best for you, and He certainly knows your every need in your life! 

Now, what are 'all these things'? 'All these things' means 'all these things'! It means all that you ever need in your life! Your food, your shelter, your finance, your provision, your health, your protection, your children's well-being, your children's education, yeah, even your house, your car, your computer, your clothing, your vacation, and God knows what else! Remember this: Your God is a great God. Your God is a rich God. Your God is a God of abundance. He is more than enough for you. And He has more than enough for you! 

Therefore, beloved of God, let God rule and reign in your life, take full control in your life, and have full say in your life. And you'll be sure 'all these things shall be added unto you'. Amen!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

The end is going to be good!

As I was seeking the LORD for the message for this week, this is what He says: "Many of My people are hurting. Many of My people are disappointed. But bless one another, not curse."

Indeed, this is a time to bless one another in the Body of Christ. There's been too much division in the Body of Christ recently, and everywhere you see God's people 'drawing swords against one another'. 

The LORD is also saying to 'stop shooting at one another', lest the whole Body of Christ will implode. This is an urgent and important message. The real enemy is not within, but outside the Body of Christ.

It is better to choose to walk in humility, rather than to be forced to walk in humiliation one day. You see, there is a difference between 'walking in humility' and 'walking in humiliation'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Amplified) says, 'With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Expanded) says, 'Always be [or Be completely] humble, gentle, and patient, accepting [putting up/bearing with] each other in love'.

This is also a time to bless your nation. Pray that God will teach and guide your nation's leaders to do the right thing and have divine wisdom to make the right decisions.

We all may have differing political views (that is our right, and that is everyone's right), but God is the One who raises up and God is the One who pulls down. He knows what He allows to happen and what He doesn't allow to happen. He is, after all, a Sovereign God. He knows what He is doing. He sees further than anyone of us human can.

1 Timothy 2:8 (Expanded) says, 'So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner [their hands in reverence; holy hands], without anger and arguments [quarreling; disputing]'.

1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV) says, 'I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling...'

Let's go to Daniel chapter 7 now. This is an important chapter to read in this time and season. In this article, I shall write about the fourth beast (signifying the fourth kingdom), because we are still living in this time of the fourth kingdom, before the coming of the Ancient of Days (the LORD our God) to rule and reign forever and ever.

Daniel 7:19-22 (ESV) says, 'Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom'.

You see, all the kingdoms of this earth come and go. These kingdoms are not permanent. They rise and they fall. Look at the Babylonian kingdom. Look at the Medo-Persian kingdom. Look at the Greek kingdom. But the time is coming when the kingdom that the LORD shall establish is forever and ever.

Daniel 7:23-25 (ESV) says, 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time'.

This fourth kingdom is the current kingdom on this earth, that speak 'pompous words' against the Most High God, wear out the saints (persecuting God's people), and even think to change the times and law of the LORD our God.

But let's see what happens next. 

Daniel 7:26-27 (ESV) says, 'But the court (of heaven) shall sit in judgment, and his (fourth kingdom's) dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'

In the end, God's kingdom shall rule and reign, and His kingdom shall be the everlasting kingdom. Mark these words: This kingdom shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. And who are these 'saints of the Most High'? You and I who are in Christ!

Daniel saw all these long before our time. Daniel saw the sovereignty of the LORD, and that the LORD sees the end from the very beginning.

You see, it is so important to persevere in times like these and keep your eyes fixed on what the Word of God says, because the end is going to be good!  

James 1:2-4 (Expanded) says, 'My brothers and sisters [fellow believers], when you have many kinds of troubles [trials; testing], you should be full of joy [consider it all/pure joy], because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience [perseverance; endurance]. [And] Let your patience [perseverance; endurance] show itself perfectly in what you do [have its full effect; finish its work]. Then you will be perfect and complete [mature and whole; or completely mature] and will have everything you need [lack nothing]'.

In other words, to persevere through difficult times will cause you to come to a place of greater spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

Let us pray:

"O LORD God, we ask for Your divine encouragement and divine touch in a time like this, when there's so much uncertainty about the future. We know You are a Sovereign God and You are still in control. You see further than anyone on earth can see, and You know the end from the beginning. Therefore, we take heart in this truth, and we take courage, knowing that You already have the ultimate victory for us, your saints. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full video in TiC YouTube Channel

Remain faithful and stay focused!

The Lord says,
"Remain faithful in Me, and stay focused on what I've called you to be and to do! Remain faithful to your covenant with Me, and keep your eyes and ears on My words! Do not allow your priorities to be misplaced, and do not allow your assignments to be diluted by those who do not understand what I'm doing in your life!"

The Lord says further,
"The enemy is trying to do whatever to upset My works and plans for your life. But do not allow yourself to get out of focus and be distracted from what I have called you to be and to do!"

How does the enemy 'upset' God's works/plans for your life?
- by sowing the seed of discouragement against you
- by sowing the seed of accusations against you
- by using people to gossip/character-assassinate against you
- by attacking your health and well-being

*However, please differentiate the above from constructive criticism or advice, because we should always be humble enough to let people correct us or improve us. At the same time, we should also learn to be good stewards of our lives, be it in thoughts, words, or deeds, and of course, in taking care of our health. We can't possibly claim the enemy is attacking our health when we become couch potatoes and eat potato chips all day long!

Let's go straight now to the book of Haggai. At that time, God's people had become complacent and had forgotten their priority, i.e. to put God's kingdom first above all else. And through prophet Haggai, the Lord conveyed these messages to His people:
- A call to remain faithful and remember His plans
- A call not to get distracted from building His plans
- A call for His people to rise up from the 'ashes' and humiliation of Babylonian exile
- A call for His people to reclaim their rightful place and shine for Him

*From historical timeline, Haggai's prophecy came at a time when God's people were extremely vulnerable. They had been humbled by their 70-year exile in Babylon, and were so discouraged by the opposition against them in rebuilding God's temple that they quit! (see Ezra 4:24) Haggai thus encouraged them to complete what they have started!

In Haggai 2:2-5 (NLT), the Lord spoke these words through prophet Haggai, "Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: 'Does anyone remember this house - this Temple - in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.'"

People of God, prophetically-speaking, we too are currently at a crucial time when the Lord is speaking the same to us! Be strong! Don't get distracted! Stay focused on your God-given calling and purposes in life! The truth is, as believers, each of us has a specific God-given calling in life (no two persons are exactly the same), each of us has been endowed with spiritual gifts and talents (for us to use for His glory), and therefore, each of us is a ministering Christian - being salt and light to this world! (see Matthew 5:13-16)

Here in the book of Haggai, the message to rebuild God's temple was simple and straightforward. Very interestingly, after thousands of years, the book of Haggai remains unique and special among the books of Old Testament prophets for one key reason: The people actually listened! :) It was indeed a 'kairos' moment in the history of God's people, and when the Lord spoke through prophet Haggai, a 'paradigm shift' in God's people happened! Their lives shifted from 'devotion to self' to 'devotion to God'! Their lives shifted from 'self-interest' to 'God-interest'! Their lives shifted from 'building own things' to 'building God's things'!

In Haggai 2:6-9 (NLT), the Lord spoke, "In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!"

In Haggai 2:21-23 (NLT), the Lord spoke further, "Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other. But when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the Lord, for I have chosen you. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!"

People of God, your time for the above has come too! You and I are now that Temple, filled with His greater glory! 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT) says, 'Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple'.

Indeed, greater glory of the Lord is coming upon your life, and a new authority in Him has been given to you! By the way, 'signet ring' here is 'khothawm' in Hebrew, and it simply means 'signature', which speaks of you having the authority in Christ to 'sign' something, and whatever you 'sign' becomes a decree! In other words, no word (or work) of the enemy can overturn this decree that you make!

As God's people, are you building your own 'empire' for own selfish ambitions? Or are you building God's kingdom, leaving a legacy that will stand the test of time and test of fire? Choose ye this day! As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord! (Joshua 24:15) Keep building lives, keep equipping lives, keep 'adding value' to others, keep bringing God's heart to people, and keep pointing people to Jesus! The Lord who sees these will know how to honor you, just as prophet Haggai had spoken those days! Amen!

Preparing to walk in the supernatural and manifest glory

I had a dream the other night. In the dream, I was going to pray for two persons in a house. First, a man looking like a businessman having a certain status, power, position, and privilege, even in the church. As I approached him to pray for him, he pointed me to another direction, turned away, and therefore, I could not pray for him. Second, a child looking like a difficult child having an attitude problem. As I approached him to pray for him, God's love touched him so deep that he shed tears. People were shocked, wondering how could this be. They knew this must be God's doing!

Having woken up from the dream, I asked the Lord what this dream meant. Of course, one of the first questions that came to mind was, 'Who, between these two persons, experienced the manifest glory?' The answer is obvious. It has to be the child! That's when I heard these words from the Lord: "Teach My people how to prepare for the supernatural and for My manifest glory this year!"

The word 'manifest' can be defined as 'something evident, apparent, clear, and obvious to the eye'. It means people will see and will know the glory of the Lord is upon you! Isaiah 60:1-2 says, 'Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you'.

People of God, no matter what happens around you in the world, this is your time to walk in the supernatural and manifest glory of the Lord! Supernatural manifestations, supernatural events, supernatural healing, supernatural health, supernatural providence, supernatural finance, supernatural favor, supernatural wisdom, supernatural open doors, and the list goes on! Believe and receive by faith in your life this year!

The dream also reminded me of Matthew 18:1-4 that says, 'At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."'

Notice the expression 'enter the kingdom of heaven' here. This word 'kingdom' is 'basileia' in Greek, meaning 'rule, reign, power (like a royalty)'. I can therefore say to 'enter the kingdom of heaven' is to 'enter the rule, reign, power of heaven'. In other words, walking in 'heavenly rule, heavenly reign, heavenly power'! Where? In heaven only? No! Here on earth as well! In Matthew 6:9-10, Jesus taught us to pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom ('basileia') come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'!

But you see, there is a key here, as mentioned in Matthew 18:1-4, i.e. becoming 'like little children'. In other words, being 'child-like'. What does it mean by being 'child-like'? It simply means 'innocence, having total trust (and submission)' before the Lord. This involves humility on our part. God gives grace (His ability, His supply) to the humble, but He resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5). Yes, indeed, this is a time to lay down our pride, put down our 'masks', and do away with our 'facade'. And be 'child-like'. There is a difference between being 'child-like' and being 'childish'.

People of God, may we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). Amen.

Note: The secrets of apostle Paul walking in continuous 'kingdom of heaven' on earth, as written in 1 Thessalonians chapters 3,4,5:

A. Receive His love, and you'll love one another
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NKJV): And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

B. Receive His holiness, and you'll walk in holiness
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NKJV): For this is the will of God, your sanctification ('hagiasmos'= holiness); that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God... For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 

C. Focus on your calling, and not be a 'busybody'
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NKJV): That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

D. Being watchful and sober in your spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:5-9 (NKJV): You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

E. Rejoice always and pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NKJV): Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench (extinguish, put out) the Spirit.

This is a key time to advance!

I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"I am enlightening the spiritual eyes of many in this new time and season! Many things you couldn't see, you'll begin to see! Many things you couldn't understand, you'll begin to understand! Many things you didn't realize, you'll begin to realize!"

The word 'enlighten' in the context here means 'to receive deeper insight and understanding of who the Lord is, and what the Lord is currently doing (in each of our lives)'. In Ephesians 1:17-19a, the apostle Paul wrote, 'that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe...'

I then heard further:
"This is a key time to advance! As you receive the enlightening of your spiritual eyes, I will cause you to advance, both in My kingdom and in your lives! I am the Potter, and you are the clay! I will put My Spirit in you, and you will be My vessels! I will do miracles and wonders through you, and I will cause many to be enlightened because of you!"

People of God, this is the time and season for the Lord to enlighten your spiritual eyes to 'see' and understand many things that you couldn't 'see' and understand in the past! As you allow Him to do so, He will show you many keys to advance from where you are at the moment. Some of you have been 'stagnant' in your life for a season (and even seasons), but take heart, because if you are reading this, your time to advance has come!

Your part is to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6), just as the clay is being shaped (and re-shaped) by the potter. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) says, 'Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand', and Jeremiah 18:1-4 (ERV) says, 'This is the message that came from the Lord: "Jeremiah, go down to the potter's house. I will give you my message there." So I went down to the potter's house and saw him working with clay at the wheel. He was making a pot from clay. But there was something wrong with the pot. So the potter used that clay to make another pot. With his hands he shaped the pot the way he wanted it to be'.

Indeed, He is the Potter, and you are the clay. Allow Him to shape (and even re-shape) you the way He wants it to be.

As you are being enlightened, and as you advance in all that He has purposed for you to be, the Lord will also begin to use you as 'vessels' through whom many others will be 'enlightened'!

In John 9, the Scripture tells us that Jesus passed by and He saw a man born blind, and His disciples asked Him who had sinned - the blind man or his parents - that he was born blind. Jesus answered them, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:3-5).

John 9:6-7 then says, 'When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. Then He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing'.

This passage is prophetic of our time and season now, and 'blindness' being written about here is symbolic of 'blindness in the spiritual eyes' of many in this world.

The 'ground' here speaks of 'you and I', as the 'ground' consists of 'dust and soil'. The Bible says '...for dust you are, and to dust you shall return' (Genesis 3:19). The 'saliva' here speaks of 'water of the Word and the Spirit'. You see, Jesus could have put the saliva straight on the blind man's eyes, but He chose to use the clay instead! And who is that 'clay' here? You and I, the 'clay' that is being wet by the 'water of the Word and the Spirit'! (Ephesians 5:26, John 7:37-39)

What then is the symbolic meaning of 'Siloam' here? Why did Jesus point that blind man to 'Siloam'? This word is 'Shiloach' in Hebrew, which means 'sent, sword, a shoot (from the plant), a branch (from the tree)'. Notice all these meanings point to none other but Jesus Himself - the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! (John 6:29, Ephesians 6:17, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5-6)

People of God, just as Jesus pointed the blind man to 'Siloam', and the wonders of God manifested, so will you see the same as you begin to point others to the Sent One, the Word of God, the Shoot, and the Branch of Righteousness! Because He has put His Spirit in you; and as He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) Amen!

Humility leads to God's kingdom come

Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV): By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.

The word 'humility' here in Hebrew is 'anavah', from the word 'anav', meaning 'lowly, meek, a mindset of needing (Him)'. The word 'fear' here in Hebrew is 'yirah', which means 'reverence, deep respect'. Interestingly, the word 'honor' in this verse is translated 'kabowd' in Hebrew, which means 'glory, weight, splendor'. In other words, 'humility and the fear of the Lord leads to God's glory manifesting in your life'!

How about the word 'life' in this verse? In Hebrew, it is pronounced 'khah-ee' and has a very wide span of meaning. It can mean 'fresh, strong, lively, up and running, merry, restore, revive, be made whole, or recover'.

To humble before God is to surrender to Him. How do you surrender to Him? You surrender to Him in worship. To worship Him is to surrender (your spirit, soul, and body, i.e. your whole self) to Him and to His will. The Bible says, 'His kingdom come, His will be done' (Matthew 6:9-10).

Note: Know also that His will for your life is always the best. Proverbs 13:22 says, 'a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children'. Just as a loving, responsible dad would get his lawyer to help him write a will for his children, making sure that they'll have what they should have after he leaves this earth, your Father in Heaven also wants His will be done in your life! Matthew 6:9-10 can therefore be translated this way: 'His kingdom come, His inheritance be done'. Amen! What are some of His 'inheritance' for you? These include divine health, wisdom, revelation, love, joy, peace, blessings, prosperity, and every other good thing on earth! In fact, God also wants Heaven to be your inheritance as well! Such is His immeasurable 'wealth' for you. Praise God! He is altogether good!

So, you want 'His kingdom come, His inheritance be done'? Humble under His mighty hand! John (the Baptist)'s humility those days opened the way for the King to come (see John 1:23-27). Humility also leads to more good things coming your way, and in greater ways. Proverbs 11:2 says, 'When pride comes, then comes shame. But with the humble is wisdom'. Jesus Himself chose to humble (at the cross), and that's how He was also exalted high above all names (Philippians 2:5-11).

What does it mean to be humble before God? To say that you are humble before God is to say that you need Him and depend on Him more than ever before. God indeed 'gives grace to the humble and resists the proud' (1 Peter 5:5-7). Notice Peter didn't stop there in this sentence, but he continued by saying, 'casting all your care to Him, because He cares for you'. To take things into your own hands (instead of casting all your care to Him) is like saying, "I can, and I can do it better than God!", instead of saying, "Lord, I need you and depend on you to lead me on from here."

Finally, give yourself all over to Him again (Romans 12:1-2). Choose to re-align to His will and His way today. He sees farther than anyone can ever see (& knows better than anyone can ever know) on this earth. By humility and the fear of the Lord are His kingdom come and His glory being manifested in (and through) your life. There's no other way around it. Just look at John the Baptist, Peter, and even Jesus Himself! And instead of being conformed with the ways (and values) of this world, allow yourself right now to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may walk in all that is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (for your life). Amen!

Seek first His kingdom & His righteousness

Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The word ‘kingdom’ in this verse is ‘basileia’ in Greek. It means ‘rule, reign, realm’. So, to seek God's kingdom is to seek His rule, His reign, or His realm.

In Matthew 6:10, when Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’, this word 'kingdom' is the same word ‘basileia’ as in Matthew 6:33. It's God's heavenly kingdom, a spiritual kingdom, where He rules and reigns! It's definitely not a worldly kingdom. It's definitely not a political kingdom. But it's God's kingdom. It's exceedingly rich in heavenly resources, and Matthew 6:10 says 'let it be done on earth as well'! It's for you to receive!

The word ‘righteousness’ is ‘dikaios’ in Greek. It means ‘justification, just, holy’. Beloved, seek to be righteous in Christ. Your righteousness is not in yourself, i.e self-righteousness, but your righteousness is in Christ. For God made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). To be ‘righteous’ here means to be ‘in right standing’ with God. It means God has nothing against you anymore. Jesus has made it possible when He died on the cross for your sins, and you are now reconciled to God the Father, justified, accepted, and forgiven. Praise God! Believe and receive.

As you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, the Bible says 'all these things shall be added to you'. What are ‘all these things’? All that you ever needed in this life! Your finance. Your career. Your business. Your education. Your children's education. Your health. Your house. Your car. Your computer. Your furnitures. Your food. Your clothings. Your holiday. Your every other need, God knows what. Jesus says 'do not worry' about all these, or what you will eat or what you will drink, or what you will wear (Matthew 6:25), because if He feeds the birds of the air (even though they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns), are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26) Now I'm not saying you should run away from responsibilities. I'm not saying you should be greedy or covetous. But I'm asking you not to worry.

Beloved, He certainly knows your every need in life. So, whatever lack you may be facing now, keep looking to Him. Don't give up if you haven't seen it coming yet. Don't get distracted by others. Look beyond your situation now, and look to Him. Fix your eyes on what Jesus has done on the cross. He has already taken your poverty, sickness, or any other curse on the cross, once and for all, some 2,000 years ago. You are already blessed when you believe and receive Him. He certainly has a wonderful plan for your life. Start yielding to His plan, not to the pressure. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep receiving. You'll be glad you did!