Prophetic words: In this time and season, the battle is in the mind! Win it!

The Lord says: "In a crucial time of transition like this, and as you await for your breakthrough and victory, guard your thoughts. The enemy is trying to distract and discourage you through your thoughts." 

The Lord says further: "In this time and season, the battle is very much in the mind. Set your mind on the things above. Set your mind on My promises for you and My covenant with you. And that's how you'll begin to see more and more of My light, and even fresh ideas and new purposes from heaven to you." 

The enemy will try to point you back to your past failures, past regrets, past disappointments, or whatever that you don't want to remember anymore. Take authority in Jesus' name! Bind all those thoughts from the enemy, and he will have to hands off! 

The enemy will also try to tell you that you are not good enough, or you are not up to it for your future. But that's a lie! Reject all those lies! Like a tug-of-war, the enemy will try to pull you back to your past, when God wants you to look forward and look ahead! 

Like the French word, "avant-garde", look forward and look ahead! Because the Lord is in the midst of releasing upon you many fresh new ideas and new purposes from heaven, going forward! 

To back up what God has spoken prophetically, let's quote some Bible verses.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.' 

The word 'meditate' here is 'logizomai' in Greek. It can mean 'think, conclude or make a conclusion (in your mind), take in (to your mind), take an inventory (into your mind).' 

By the way, the word 'inventory' simply means 'a complete list of items in your record'. Imagine you own a warehouse, and you receive the inventory of goods or stocks to fill up your warehouse. As the owner of the warehouse, you decide what inventory of goods or stocks you would like to keep in your warehouse. 

So right now, reject all those unwanted 'inventory of goods or stocks' from the enemy into your warehouse! These may be stray thoughts from the enemy, all those negative thoughts, and all those negative reports. Instead, receive all those 'inventory of goods or stocks' from heaven upon you! Receive the anointing! Receive the goodness, wellness, wholeness, good health, protection, favor, and wisdom from heaven! Receive all that God wants you to receive! 

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.' 

This doesn't mean you are being irresponsible or being a bad steward of what's been given to you on earth to do. No! The Bible clearly says that you should be a good steward on whatever God has given you to do on earth. But rather, these verses speak of you seeing how God sees and thinking how God thinks regarding your life and what He wants to do in your life here on earth! 

Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) says, 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...' 

In other words, being like-minded with Christ Jesus!

The word 'mind' here is 'phroneo' in Greek. It's a broad word, and it covers a number of meanings. It can mean 'your thought, your attitude, your opinion, or even your interest (or motivation) in life.'

The first meaning of 'phroneo' is 'your thought'. In the context of this verse, it means 'think like Jesus think'! Have the mind of Christ! Be renewed in your mind to be more and more like Christ! Romans 12:2 says you are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you will prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. In other words, when your mind is renewed, you'll begin to see how God sees and think how God thinks! And that's how you are aligned with the will of God for your life!

The second meaning of 'phroneo' is 'your attitude'. This has to do with your point of view in life. What was Jesus' attitude while on earth? Jesus came on earth to do His Father's will! In Mark 14:36, Jesus said, "Not My will, but My Father's will be done!" That's His point of view in life. It's all about His Father's will. As He is, so should you be! 

The third meaning of 'phroneo' is 'your opinion'. This has to do with how you judge a situation. What was Jesus' opinion about life on earth? He's always on the side of the truth! John 1:17 says, '...Grace and truth came through Jesus.' Jesus was never a hypocrite. He was never fake. He was never pretentious. He was never artificial. He was real. As He is, so should you be!

The fourth meaning of 'phroneo' is 'your interest (or motivation) in life'. What was Jesus' interest and motivation while on earth? Jesus' interest and motivation was His Father's business! In other words, the kingdom business! The business of wanting to see the good news of salvation be known to as many people on earth! In Luke 2:49, He said, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" It's all about His Father's kingdom! As He is, so should you be!

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The benefits of thinking good thoughts

Words from the Lord: 

"Teach My people to think of good things. Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, think of these things." 

Further words from the Lord: 

"Your thoughts determine the amount of light around you in the spiritual realm. The more you think good thoughts, the more light emanates in and around you." 

By the way, the word 'emanate' means 'to emit or to release and flow out (in and around you)'. So today, I'm going to show you the importance of your thought life, and how it correlates to the light in the spiritual realm around you. 

Of course whatever is being taught here, it has to be backed up with the Scripture. So, I'm going to show you and prove to you from the Scripture as well.

But before that, in Philippians 4:8-9, apostle Paul wrote, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, this do and the God of peace will be with you.'

The word 'meditate' (or 'think' in King James Version) here is 'logizomai' in Greek. It can speak of any of these:

- the mental faculty of a person (i.e. the mind realm) 

- the reasoning with the mind of a person 

- the thought life of a person 

- making conclusion (that it is true about something) 

In other words, once you have concluded that that is the right thing to do, you begin to channel your thoughts, you begin to channel your mind, on that something or on that truth. And that's what 'meditate' is about. 

Now, why did apostle Paul emphasize so much on meditation life, on thought life, on thinking the right thoughts? 

Because in the spiritual realm, thoughts are so important. In the spiritual realm, thoughts will determine the light that emanates around you. In fact, in the spiritual realm, your thoughts will be known or 'caught' by others as well, unlike in the physical realm where you can hide your thoughts (i.e. you may think of something inside of you, but you can portray a different facade to other people).

You may be asking how do I know all these? The Lord caused me to see all these in the spiritual realm, and I have Bible verses to show you and prove to you.

Jesus Himself said in Luke 8:17 (NKJV), "For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light." 

It means nothing hidden that will not be revealed. 

Luke 8:17 (NIV) puts it this way, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." 

Now this applies in the spiritual realm. Everything will be exposed. Our thoughts, whether good thoughts or bad thoughts will be exposed, will be known, unlike in this physical world where we can hide our thoughts. In the physical realm, we can say something that may not be what we actually think of. But in the spiritual realm, we cannot hide that. We cannot put up a facade. 

That's why, people of God, always think good thoughts. Don't always think bad thoughts about yourself or even about others, as this will only cause more harm to yourself. 

Just as in the physical realm, rubbish attract flies, and flowers attract butterflies; in the spiritual realm, bad thoughts attract the work of darkness, and good thoughts attract the work of light or the work of angels (who minister around you and for you).

In the spiritual realm, good thoughts attract more light, but bad thoughts cause your light to be dimmer in and around you. 

The same with different stars in the galaxy. Do you realize some stars shine brighter and some stars dimmer? Each of us in the spiritual realm is like a star. Some stars shine brighter and some stars dimmer. Why is that so? It has to do with one's thought life, i.e. what are the things that always fill one's mind? In other words, if you think good thoughts, you are like the star that shines brighter and brighter in the spiritual realm! 

That is why the Bible prepares us to think good thoughts and take care of our thought life even here on earth! Because you are not just living in the physical realm while on earth, but you are living in the spiritual realm here on earth too! 

Here are the examples of Bible verses about thought life:

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.'  

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.' 

Romans 8:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.' 

In other words, if your mind is being renewed and you are spiritually minded, that's how you will have life and peace on earth. But if you always give in to your flesh, give in to your carnality, give in to lust, greed and pride, you think greedy thoughts, you think lustful thoughts, you think prideful thoughts, all these kinds of fleshly thoughts, it is going to lead you to death and it is going to bring you nowhere. 

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says, 'And do not be conformed to this world (or to the pattern of 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.'

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) says, 'Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.' 

In other words, if there's anything that contradicts God and the knowledge of God, you cast them down. Do not entertain all those arguments against God and the knowledge of God. But instead, bring every thought of yours to focus on Christ, the obedience of Christ, and on all that Christ has done for you on the cross. 

Also, it is important to guard your thoughts. If your heart is the door to the spiritual realm, then your mind or your thought is the window to the spiritual realm. It's just like if you live in a house, you guard not just your door from thieves or burglars, but you guard your window as well. Because thieves and burglars don't just try to enter through the door, but they may even try to enter through the window. So guard both your door (that's your heart) and your window (that's your mind or your thought). 

Now this is interesting. Jesus Himself said this in Matthew 6:22-23. I read from New King James Version (NKJV) first. "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

Now over here, Jesus tells us that either our eye is directed at heavenly things and therefore full of light, or it is directed at earthly or carnal (or fleshly things), therefore full of darkness. So there's a contrast here. One leads to 'full of light', and one leads to 'full of darkness'. It depends on the eye, whether the eye is good or the eye is bad.

By the way, the word 'eye' here is 'ophthalmos' in Greek, and it can be defined as 'the way you see something, the way you gaze into something, the way you understand something'. 

Now I read from King James Version (KJV) for the same verses. "The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" 

Now this is interesting. Why the word 'single' here? Why is it translated as 'eye be single' for 'eye be good' here? It means being single-minded on God! It means to focus your thoughts or your minds on good and godly things! Now that's what being single-minded means! It means to concentrate and to focus, concentrating only on one aim. And what is the aim here? On God's things! Do you see the correlation here? If the eye is good (single), then you will be full of light! It means you are single-minded, concentrating and focusing on God and God's things! And that's how you are full of light! You will also be happier and more content when you focus on the kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that all the good things, the material things, will be added unto you! (Matthew 6:33) 

But in contrast, when you are double-minded, it's as if your whole body is full of darkness. That's what Jesus meant here. In other words, when a person tries to live for two masters, serving or entertaining two masters - one is God, one is mammon - all at the same time, it puts a dark shadow over a person!

Proof? Just one verse later in Matthew 6:24, Jesus said this, "No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." 

By the way, 'mammon' here means the material things, money, or the riches of this world. Now, this doesn't mean that you cannot prosper. God's will is for you to prosper in your soul, in your health, and even in material things, so that you can use all these to glorify God. Nothing wrong with God prospering you. But what Jesus meant here is when you begin to love money more than God, when money has a hold on you, that's how you will be full of darkness. You see, the Bible says 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). But that doesn't mean money is evil. Money is just a medium of exchange. So let's know the difference here.

In 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV), apostle Paul wrote, 'But I fear, lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity (purity) that is in Christ.' 

Here, apostle Paul meant a person's mind can be corrupted by the devil or forces of darkness, if that person isn't careful or if that person begins to entertain (or open the mind to) wrong influences, just as what happened to Eve. 

So, let not your minds be corrupted or deceived by the things or lures of this world, by all that the forces of darkness, the devil try to brainwash you. But instead, you set your minds on the things of God, on the simplicity (purity) of who Christ is.

How about God's thoughts for you? 

Now, this is a very familiar verse. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Hallelujah! 

As you align your thoughts with God's thoughts for you, that's how you are going to see your God-given destiny being fulfilled, and you are going to accomplish all that God has planned for you on this earth. Therefore, beloved of God, be set free from the thought that you are no good. Be set free from the thought that you are a failure. Be set free from the thought that you are forever not up to it, or not up to what God wants you to be. But instead, commit your life and your work to the Lord.

Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV) says, 'Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established (by the Lord).' 

The word 'commit' here is 'galal' in Hebrew. In this context, it means 'align your works to the Lord, dedicate your works to the Lord, entrust your works to the Lord, or roll it all unto the Lord'. So, even as you commit your life, you dedicate your life, you surrender, align, entrust your whole life to the Lord, your future to the Lord, and roll it all unto the Lord, He will know how to establish your thoughts and He will know how to teach you step by step. He will know how to put His thoughts into your thoughts. 

After all, His thoughts are always higher than our thoughts, and His ways are always higher than our ways. In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." 

Then in Isaiah 55:10-11, the Lord says, "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." 

See, as you align your thoughts to His thoughts regarding your life, you are going to walk in that prosperity that God has meant for you.

And in Isaiah 55:12-13, the Lord says, "For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree. And it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

So you see, these are His promises for you, the results and the fruits of you aligning your thoughts to God's thoughts. Isn't that wonderful? Isn't that awesome? When you commit your thoughts before the Lord, commit your life before the Lord, aligning your thoughts to His thoughts, and surrender your thoughts to be renewed by Him, not only will you have the light emanating from you, not only will you attract the light, but you are also going to have the joy and peace of the Lord in your life, just as the Lord has said in Isaiah 55. Hallelujah!

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Why is it so important to guard your thought life?

Words from the Lord at this time:

"There is a battle happening in the minds of many of My people! Choose to believe in the truth of My Word, and cast down every argument that is contrary to My Word! For My Word brings life, and My Word brings shalom peace! Set your mind on what My Word says about you, not what man says or what the devil says!"

The enemy the devil has been trying to hijack, oppress, or even torment many of God's people's minds. Therefore, this is a very important time to be on guard and to be vigilant. Choose to set your mind on God's Word, because God's Word is like the sword that slays every word (or thought) that is sent by the power of darkness.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...'

By the way, the word 'thought' here is 'noema' in Greek, and it also means 'mind'. So, in the context of what we are learning today, the words 'thought' and 'mind' are interchangeably used.

Let's look at The Expanded Bible version for 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. This version puts it this way: 'We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses [not merely human weapons; not of the flesh]. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places [strongholds; fortresses]. We destroy people’s arguments [human reasoning; sophistries] and every proud thing [pretension; exalted opinion; high thing] that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it obey Christ.'  

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, what is one of the most powerful 'weapons' that God has given you? The answer is the Word of God! 

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) says, 'This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.'

The word 'meditate' here is 'hagah' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to ponder, to study, to talk, to speak, to utter, to mutter (i.e. speak under your breath)'. As you can see here, this word 'hagah' has a broad meaning. So, in the context of meditating on God's Word here, it isn't just about pondering God's Word, reading God's Word silently, or studying God's Word, but it's more than that. Because the word 'hagah' can also mean 'to speak, to utter, or to mutter'.

There is something powerful about speaking out God's Word for yourself to hear. When you speak out God's Word, you are in effect using your eyes to read, your mouth to speak, and your ears to hear. The Bible says, 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by the Word of God' (Romans 10:17).

Let me show you how.

For example, Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) says, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'.

So, how do you personalize this verse for yourself? You can speak it out to yourself this way:

"God's thoughts toward me are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope."

Now, look at this word 'peace' here. It is 'shalom' in Hebrew, which can also mean 'wholeness, wellness, health, wealth, safety, prosperity, favor'. In other words, God sees you whole, well, healthy, wealthy, safe, prospering, favored! When the enemy tries to speak to you otherwise or makes you think otherwise, you can speak Jeremiah 29:11 over yourself again and again: "God's thoughts toward me are thoughts of peace (wholeness, wellness, health, wealth, safety, prosperity, favor) and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope."

John 8:31-32 (ESV) says, 'Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

You see, God's Word doesn't just bring life! God's Word is also truth! And this truth shall set you free! Free from what? Free from whatever lie, deception, oppression, or even torment by the enemy the devil! Now, what does 'abide in My word' mean here? It means to stay in God's Word, to dwell in God's Word, or to keep your mind set on God's Word!

So, go ahead and meditate on God's Word today! What are the Bible verses that God has spoken to you recently? Meditate on those verses! Speak these verses to yourself over and over again! And believe for it! Believing, you shall receive! Never underestimate the power of God's Word! 

As a matter of fact, it is much better to meditate on God's Word than to waste your time 'meditating' on all those bad news that you hear in the world at the moment!

Click here for the full teaching on how to meditate on God's Word

New wine into new wineskins

I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"New wine has been released! But My people need to have a new wineskin, lest the old wineskin bursts! The new wineskin is the new mindset! Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may allow what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God!"

In Matthew 9:17, Jesus says, "Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

People use wineskins to contain wine, and to drink from them. Wineskins are made of leather (animal skin), e.g. goatskin, sheepskin, or cowskin. As the wineskins get older, they would eventually get 'stretched to the limit' and become brittle (i.e. hard, easily breakable). Using old wineskins therefore risk bursting them! New wineskins, on the other hand, won't burst, because they are soft and tender!

If 'new wineskin' speaks of 'new mindset', then 'new wine' speaks of 'the new thing that God has for you'! This may be 'a new idea' or 'a new way of doing things' in a new time and season. In cross-reference, Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert'.

In order to walk into the new thing that God has for you, there needs a renewal of the mind. It is like a new vision being given to a nation moving forward, but if the nation does not seek to revamp an outdated education system to facilitate the new vision, it just won't work! The 'old wineskin' bursts! And the new wine spills! And it will only lead to frustration all round!

Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. The word 'prove' here is 'dokimazo' in Greek, and it also means 'allow'. In other words, it is only when your mind is renewed (to see what God wants you to see) that you will allow what is that 'good and acceptable and perfect will of God' to happen in your life!

As a matter of fact, people generally resist change. The reason is simple. Because change is never comfortable. People tend to fall back on the things (even systems or structures) they are familiar with, even though God has moved on to the new. After the people in Moses' generation were set free from Egypt (which is a 'picture' of 'bondage' and 'slavery'), they still had 'slave' mentality in them. They were still bound in their old mindsets (i.e. 'old wineskins'). The Lord had already started to do a new thing (i.e. 'new wine'), but they didn't have the new mindsets (i.e. 'new wineskins') to 'contain' it!

When Moses sent men to spy out the land promised to them, instead of a good report, they brought back a bad report! They didn't believe they could take the land, even though they did see the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey! Here's what they said, "The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:32-33) The words 'in our own sight' here means 'in our own way of seeing things' or 'in our own mindsets'. But that's not how the Lord had wanted them to see it!

The people then complained against Moses, and they said, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in the wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" (Numbers 14:2-3)

No! They were wrong! The Lord did not take them out from Egypt to destroy them! Why would He do that? These people were destroyed due to their own old mindsets! When the Lord was doing a new thing, they just couldn't see it! They'd rather fall back on the 'slave' mindset (mentality) that they knew. They failed to see that they were now 'sons', not 'slaves'! They failed to see that as 'sons', they were now 'heirs', and the land had been given to them as their inheritance! They failed to see that the Lord would be with them, even if they were to face the giants! In the end, they had what they said and wished: "...if only we had died in the wilderness!" How tragic!

But God! In the midst of it all, there was a man named Caleb, and he had a different spirit. He was one of those spies sent by Moses to survey the land. In Numbers 14:24, the Lord said, "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it." The word 'different spirit' here comes from the Hebrew word 'aw-khar', and it speaks of 'having a different way of seeing things from others'.

Indeed, Caleb saw something that others could not see. Instead of agreeing with the bad report, he brought back a good report. Now, here's what he said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30) Caleb saw what the Lord had wanted the people to see! In other words, he had a 'new wineskin' to contain the 'new wine'! In the end, he successfully walked into all that the Lord had promised him!

People of God, in a time of change and transition into the new, be careful what you allow in your mind (see Philippians 4:8). Take authority over the spirit of discouragement and the spirit of self-destruction (i.e. speaking damning words to yourself). Instead of allowing the bad report to infiltrate your mind, fill your mind with thoughts of good report! Think what God thinks, and say what God says! Leave no vacancy for negative thoughts to have any place in your mind! And just as Caleb was, you too will be well on your way to the good things that await you in this new time and season. Amen!

Keys to accessing the realm of the unlimited

I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a time to expect a fresh outpouring from heaven and expect Me to do many new things in your life! I am setting many free from their old cycles and old boundaries. Be set free from the limitations in your mind, and be released into the realm of the unlimited! I will cause you to see what I want you to see! Receive the anointing to break through any 'glass ceiling' of yours!"

Indeed, this is a new season when old cycles and old boundaries (limitations) are being broken in the anointing (the power from on high), and many will be set free to be who (and what) the Lord wants them to be!

I had a dream recently that confirmed what I heard above. In the dream, I was visiting someone whom I have lost touch with for many years, at his home. That person seemed to be stuck in the old ways and old cycle, and with no way for breakthrough in his life and ministry. In the dream, he seemed like he couldn't be himself, because he was bound by the requirements of the old structures set by the people before him. I was there to minister to him and to set him free.

People of God, there's a fresh outpouring from heaven right now, and there's an anointing being released to set many free from the realm of the limited into the realm of the unlimited. Don't miss this time and season! Tap into it, and receive by faith!

One definition of 'glass ceiling' is 'an invisible, but real barrier to any further advancement (or to move into the next level)'. In the context of the prophetic message today, 'glass ceiling' here can be defined as 'a point after which you think you cannot go any further (in your life, career, or ministry)'. But here's a piece of good news for you! If you think you have reached a limit (in any area of your life) on this earth, and you think you cannot go any further (from this current stage of your life), there's an anointing right now to break through those 'glass ceilings' of yours! Take it!

You see, the enemy likes it when your mind is set with a limitation. It's like some of you are saying, "Well, that's as far as I am able to go. I don't think I can go any further from this point. I think I have reached my ceiling!" And that's what the enemy wants to make you think, because he wants you to remain 'small', 'insignificant', and a 'no threat' to him. But that's not what the Lord thinks or says about you! In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, "Behold, I will do a new thing (for you). Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." If He can make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, He can also do what seems to be impossible to you at the moment! Just never allow anyone (or anything) to put a limit on what the Lord can do in your life!

Let me give you an example. In the aviation industry, some people have begun envisioning that there will be a time when you can fly from, say, London to Melbourne within just 2 to 3 hours with 'hypersonic' planes (more than just 'supersonic planes'), high above the height that current commercial planes fly! At the moment of writing, the fastest one-stop flight between London and Melbourne takes close to 21 hours! How about enjoying the beauty and magnificence of the galaxies and stars in all their glory right above your head through a 'transparent ceiling' in the plane, all at the press of a button? Wishful thinking? But do you know all these have been envisioned and be seen as possible?

So, if you think what you see at the moment in commercial aviation today (i.e. long, boring flights) is all about air travel, think again! The best is yet to come!

By the same token, if you think what you see at the moment in your life is all that the Lord can do for you, think again! The best is yet to come! He can bless you in many more unimaginable ways, if you allow Him!

Ephesians 3:20-21 says, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen'. 

Not according to your own power, but according to the power from on high that works in you! Hallelujah! By the way, the word 'power' here is 'dunamis' in Greek, which can be translated as 'miracle, ability, abundance, miraculous power, mighty (and wonderful) work'. And this 'miracle, ability, abundance, miraculous power, mighty (and wonderful) work' from on high has no limitations!

People of God, this is a time to be set free to access this realm of the unlimited!

Keys to accessing the realm of the unlimited:
1. Cast down arguments and every high thing (2 Corinthians 10:5)
2. Know that His thoughts for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11)
3. Commit all your works to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3)
4. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)
5. Be spiritually-minded (Romans 8:5-6)

Cast down arguments and every high thing
2 Corinthians 10:5 says, 'Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...'
The phrase 'the knowledge of God' here means 'knowing Him and His plan (or will) for your life'. Therefore, take authority in Jesus' name, and cast down all those 'fiery darts' thrown by the enemy against all that the Lord has spoken in your life!

Know that His thoughts for you are good
Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'. The word 'peace' here is 'shalowm' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'peace, wellness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, safety'. In other words, He wants the best for you, and He wants you to have 'shalowm' (peace, wellness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, safety) in life! Let not the enemy make you think otherwise!

Commit all your works to the Lord
Proverbs 16:3 says, 'Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established'.
The word 'commit' here is 'galal' in Hebrew, and it means 'to roll, to trust'. 'To roll' your works to the Lord is to involve Him in all that you do (whatever your line may be). And that's when your thoughts will be established. This word 'established' means 'put in order, put right, be sure, be prosperous'. That's how great ideas (not just 'good ideas' from men, but 'God ideas' from the Lord) come about, and if worked on, these ideas (innovations, or creativity in any line you are in) will become a reality in the physical realm.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove ('dokimazo' in Greek, meaning 'allow') what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'. The word 'conformed' here is 'suschematizo' in Greek, meaning 'patterned after', and in this context, 'patterned after the way of this world (which is limited in nature)'. The word 'transformed' here is 'metamorphoo' in Greek, meaning 'be changed', and in this context, 'be changed by the works of the Holy Spirit' (see also 2 Corinthians 3:18). And that's how you 'allow' what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God to manifest in your life!

Be spiritually-minded
Romans 8:5-6 says, 'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally-minded is death, but to be spiritually-minded is life and peace'.
Colossians 3:2 says, 'Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth'.
Philippians 4:8-9 says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate (think) on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you'.
Isaiah 26:3 says, 'You will keep him in perfect peace ('shalowm' in Hebrew), whose mind (thought) is stayed on You, because he trusts in You'.
The above verses show the importance of setting your mind on the things of the Lord. Just as good thoughts attract good things from the Lord, heavenly thoughts attract heavenly things from the Lord! And heavenly things are always supernatural, high and above all that men can ever conceive with their own limited minds!

People of God, as you cross into a brand new season in your life, may the Lord also spark off in you (and through you) great and marvelous things that 'eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which He has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9). All glory be to the Lord! Amen!

A time to protect your mind!

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV): If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Recently, somebody asked me how to be set free from a distracted or wandering mind, and the answer I gave was Colossians 3:1-2. You see, a person may be declaring God's Word over and over again, but if done 'mechanically' or as a 'chore', his (or her) mind can still be wandering miles away! So, it is more than just declaring or confessing God's Word aloud, but to set one's mind (in KJV, 'mind' here is translated 'affection') on what God says in the Word!

By the way, the word 'set' here is 'phroneo' in Greek, which means 'to interest oneself in, to entertain, to set the affection on'. In other words, the apostle Paul wrote that we are to 'interest ourselves in' or 'set our affection' on things above, i.e. Him and His Word, His glory, His power, His goodness, His love, and His grace (supply, ability), instead of 'the things on the earth', or worse still, the things of the 'enemy'!

During a time of worship and prayer the other day, God spoke these words:
"Let not your mind wander away from Me! Let it not be distracted by the enemy! Let it not be distracted by what the enemy says! Let it not be distracted by whatever the enemy throws against you - the sickness, the lack, the problem! But let it be set on Me! Focus on your own 'Bread', and not the enemy's 'bread'!"

People of God, there's an intense 'battle' in the spiritual realm over the area of the 'mind' at the moment. This is a time to 'watch and pray', just as Jesus had said in Mark 14:38. Never get distracted by whatever the 'enemy' has to hurl at you! Instead, focus on your own 'Bread', the Word of God, no matter what! If you begin to focus on (or 'entertain') whatever the 'enemy' says (instead of what God says), he's got you! The Bible says to 'be sober, be vigilant (watchful); because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8).

I'm writing about protecting your mind here, and let me tell you that Psalm 91 isn't just a psalm about physical protection, but it also includes secrets to the protection of your mind! The key in this psalm is actually found in the very first verse that says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty'. If you have the revelation and understanding of this first verse, you'll have no problem believing for the rest of the promises of God's protection in this psalm!

Many people don't know two of God's names are actually written in the first verse of Psalm 91:
God Most High (El Elyon); and
God Almighty (El Shaddai).

Set your mind on God Most High (El Elyon):
The expression 'Most High' here is 'Elyown' in Hebrew, which literally means 'Elevated, Supreme, Upper, Lofty', and the first time 'El Elyon' is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 14:18-20 that says, 'Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High (El Elyon). And he (Melchizedek) blessed Abram and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High (El Elyon), Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High (El Elyon), who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And Abram gave him (Melchizedek) a tithe of all'.

'Melchizedek' comes from two Hebrew words - 'Malkiy' which means 'king', and 'Tsedeq' which means 'righteous, prosperity'. In other words, 'Melchizedek' means 'king of righteousness' or 'king of prosperity'. He is a 'picture' of Jesus Himself, whilst 'Abram' is a 'picture' of you and me. See the word 'blessed' here? 'Melchizedek' was there for this one sole purpose - to bless Abram! Today, know that Jesus (who is the king of righteousness and the king of prosperity) is here to bless you too! Galatians 3:13-14 says, 'Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith'.

So, people of God, with the revelation and understanding above, you can protect your mind (from the trickery of the 'enemy') by immersing your mind on the truth that you are blessed of the Most High God, made righteous through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and not just that, He is also here to prosper you! (3 John 2)

Abram then gave Melchizedek 'a tithe of all'. You see, Abram knew that he was blessed, therefore he gave. Today, in the New Covenant, it is the same with your giving to the Lord. Giving tithe is not a donation or a casual giving. And you give to the Lord not because you fear He'll curse you for not giving. Jesus has already carried all the curse! (see Galatians 3:13-14 again) But you give to the king of prosperity, the El Elyon (Possessor of heaven and earth) with the revelation and understanding that this king of prosperity wants to bless you even more (through your giving to Him)! Notice that's how Abram began to prosper from then on! (see Genesis 15:1, Genesis 15:5)

Set your mind on God Almighty (El Shaddai):
The word 'Almighty' here is 'Shadday' in Hebrew, from the word 'shadad', meaning 'to be burly (i.e. strong), powerful, impregnable (i.e. cannot be overcome, cannot be broken down)'. Indeed, He is a God who cannot be overcome and cannot be broken down! And Psalm 91:1 says you 'abide (remain, stay, be permanent) under the shadow of this Almighty ('Shadday')'! No wonder later on, the psalmist wrote, 'A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it (i.e. the work or trickery of the 'enemy') shall not come near you'! (see Psalm 91:7)

Not only is He the Almighty, He is also your All-Sufficient God! This word 'Shadday' is from the root word 'Shad' in Hebrew, which actually means 'breast of woman or animal that provides milk for the young'. You see, He is a God who meets more than enough for you, like the breast of the mother who provides milk for the young; all-sufficient, enough, and the young has no need for other food!

And very interestingly, the first time this name El Shaddai is mentioned in the Bible can be found in Genesis 17:1-2 that says, 'When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God (El Shaddai); walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."' What a promise! Yet at that very juncture, Abram didn't even have a son born by his own wife! And he was already ninety-nine years old by then, and his wife eighty-nine years old, way beyond the age to conceive!

But God! And because He is the El Shaddai (the All-Sufficient God, the One who meets more than enough), God then said to Abram, "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations." (Genesis 17:4-5) He then said further, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." (Genesis 17:15-16)

God continued, "(Not anyone else) But Sarah your wife shall bear you (Abraham) a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him... My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you (Abraham) at this set time next year' (Genesis 17:19, Genesis 17:21). And the set time indeed came to pass.

People of God, whatever situation you may be faced with at the moment, the El Shaddai who covers you under His shadow (Psalm 91:1) is saying the same to you, just as He has said to Abraham, "Is anything too hard for Me?" (Genesis 18:13-14) Therefore, immerse your mind on this truth that 'under the shadow of God Almighty (El Shaddai)', there's really nothing too hard for Him in your situation as well! And of course, 1 John 4:4 says, 'You are of God, little children, and have overcome them (i.e. the work and trickery of the 'enemy'), because He (the Almighty, cannot be overcome and cannot be broken down) who is in you is greater than he who is in the world'. Amen!

The Bible says, 'He (the Most High, the Almighty) is the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8). And just as He had done for Abraham those days, God (the Most High, the Almighty) is here to do the same for you today! Be blessed as you immerse and set your mind on your El Elyon and El Shaddai, and you can be sure whatever work of the 'enemy' (that tries to come against you) cannot touch you. In Jesus' name. Amen!

The Lord goes before you and makes your crooked places straight!

Isaiah 45:2 (NKJV): 'I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron'.

Every term in the Bible has a meaning, such as names, numbers, colours, places, and even metals! For example, the metal 'gold' symbolizes 'God Himself, His kingship, or His kingdom glory', whereas the metal 'silver' symbolizes 'redemption, or the price of a soul'.

How about 'bronze' and 'iron' then?

In Hebrew understanding, 'bronze' symbolizes 'judgement on sin, judgement on man, disobedience of man, or even human (fleshly) works/methods'. So, 'bronze' here in Isaiah 45:2 speaks of man's way, fleshly way, sinful way, or worldly methods.

'Iron' meanwhile symbolizes 'prison, bondage, stronghold, or inflexible rule', and therefore speaks of 'spiritual strongholds (or blockages) put by the enemy to hinder one's progress in life'.

Recently, the Lord released these words during a time of worship and prayer: 
"This is a time to re-visit the prophecies you have received from Me. This is also a time to refresh and remind yourself of the visions, dreams or words spoken to you in the recent years."

People of God, as you cross the 'threshold' into a new season in your life, the Lord has also promised you with Isaiah 45:2, that 'He is going before you and makes the crooked places straight before you'. Not only that, He will also break in pieces the 'gates of bronze' and cut the 'bars of iron' as He opens the way for you! This promise is especially for those who have not had much breakthrough in the past 6 months. But God is telling you today that He is breaking every work of flesh and cutting every spiritual stronghold that had hindered you in the past months!

And then, I heard further from the Lord as I was praying:
"This is a breakthrough time! The holy anointing oil that breaks every yoke is pouring out in the spiritual realm right now! Never miss this time and season! This is not the time to ask for a trickle, but this is the time to ask for an outpouring of My Spirit!"

Isaiah 59:19 says, 'So shall they (the enemy) fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him'. The word 'flood' here is 'nahar' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to sparkle, to be cheerful (or be of good cheer)'! Now, not all 'floods' in the Bible are bad. Contrary to some interpretations on Isaiah 59:19, this 'flood' mentioned in this verse speaks of the flood that comes from the Lord (like an outpouring of the Holy Spirit) that destroys, devastates, and uproots every stronghold of the enemy! And nothing, whatsoever, and no power (or work) of darkness can withstand this mighty rushing waters that comes from the Lord!

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

Now, here's another example of the flood that comes from the Lord! In Isaiah 44:3, the Lord says, "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring." Amen!

Have you had a sudden sense of being purposeless recently? Or you were tempted to give up everything, maybe even life itself? Or you felt like there seemed to be no more meaning in your life.

You know the 'enemy' is after you (especially your mind or your thought) when whatever you do in life seems purposeless, and you are even tempted to end it all (or end your life). The reasons for all these are more often spiritual. In other words, an 'attack' in the mind (or the thought) is more often than not a spiritual issue, and spiritual issue is to be dealt with spiritually!

Beloved, take heart, because your answer is at the cross. Secular or worldly methods will never point you to the cross, and will never involve the power of the Holy Spirit. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (secular, worldly, fleshly) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (see 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Jesus has carried all these 'attacks' when He died for you on the cross. He wore the crown of thorns (which speaks of the 'attack on His mind'), so that you can now wear the crown of (His) glory. Look up (Psalm 24:7-10), and look to all that Jesus has done for you at the cross all over again! He cannot and will not fail you, because His love (for you) never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Believe and receive the promise in Isaiah 45:2 this day (and even in your next 6 months), because that's how God is going to lead you from this juncture (or crossroad). Believe, and you'll have it. You don't belong to the falling away, but you belong to the Great Outpouring. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Prepare for a change of 'soil' and for His 'seed' to be planted!

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV): Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

The Bible says 'to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in your life. 'The knowledge of God' in this context can mean 'the knowledge of God's Word, God's will, God's plan, and God's vision for your life'.

The word 'imaginations' here is translated in New King James Version as 'arguments'. An imagination is like a 'seed', and if a wrong (and ungodly) imagination is not dealt with, it will eventually grow to become a 'big tree'. So, you see, imagination is a very powerful thing. As a matter of fact, whatever man can conceive in his imagination, it can become a reality, whether to the good or to the bad.

'Every high thing' here in this verse speaks of 'the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of ungodly riches, and the desires for the ungodly things that choke God's Word, God's will, God's plan, and God's vision that God has planted in your life'.

Recently, the Lord said, "This is the time to throw away the old soil, the thorny ground; and replace it with the new soil, the good ground, because I am in the midst of planting seeds in many of My people's soil."

'Soil' here speaks of 'your heart and mind', and a change of 'soil' speaks of a change of heart and mind, so that whatever 'seed' God is planting (in your 'soil') will yield a crop and bear fruit - some thirty fold, some sixty, and some a hundred. On the contrary, the 'soil' that is infested with thorns cannot yield a crop and becomes unfruitful, because the thorns would grow up and choke the 'seed' that is being planted. 'Seed' here speaks of 'God's Word, God's will, God's plan, and God's vision for your life'.

Mark 4:14 says, 'the sower sows the word'.

Mark 4:7 says, 'And some seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop'. Mark 4:19 explains it, 'and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful'.

Mark 4:8 says, 'But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced; some thirty fold, some sixty, and some a hundred'. Mark 4:20 explains it, 'But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit; some thirty fold, some sixty, and some a hundred'.

As you prepare for a change of 'soil' and for His 'seed' to be planted:

1. Consciously come under the blood of Jesus, and allow His blood to wash and cleanse you from any wrong imagination or thought. 

2. Be focused on (be engrossed with) God's goodness in your life, God's good work in your life, God's plan for your life, God's vision for your life, and God's love for you. As you focus on (be engrossed with) the right things from God, all the strangleholds of sin (or addiction) will eventually have to be loosed from your life.

3. Take authority over your thought life, and cast down every wrong imagination and high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in your life.

4. Submit and surrender your imagination, mind, and thought to God, His Word, and His will.

Here are some of the verses you can meditate (speak/declare aloud over and over again) till you have the mind of Christ again:

1. I cast down arguments, imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

2. I think only of those things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. I think of those things which have virtue and are praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

3. God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him and I trust Him (Isaiah 26:3).

4. I set my mind on the things above and not on the things on this earth. I set my mind on the things of God (Colossians 3:2).

5. I live according to the Spirit and mind the things of the Spirit. I am spiritually-minded and have life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).

Fill your thoughts with the Word of God!

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV): For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (earthly way) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

The word 'weapons' here is 'hoplon' in Greek (from the word 'hepo'), meaning 'tool, armor, instrument that is offensive for war'. Notice the word 'offensive' here? By the way, what is the 'offensive' part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17? The sword! Ephesians 6:17 says, 'And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God'.

Hence, the weapons mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4 speak of none other than the Word of God! And of course, unless we start wielding this 'sword', it will forever be lying idle on the ground (or rather, in the bookshelf!).

2 Corinthians 10:5 then completes 2 Corinthians 10:4. It says, 'Casting down arguments (in KJV, 'imaginations') and every high thing (i.e. earthly thing/matter/concern) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (includes God's plan and destiny for your life), bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ'. See the word 'thought' here?

Recently, the Lord said, "This is a year of glory, but how deep you want Me to bring you into My glory depends on what you allow to nestle on your head!" He then said further, "What you allow to nestle on your head (i.e. your thought/mind) will then become a stronghold, whether good or bad." These words then immediately reminded me of Colossians 3:2 that says, 'Set your mind on things above (Him and His things), not on things on the earth (carnal/earthly things)'.

People of God, you are now in a time when the Lord is bringing His people deeper (than ever before) into His glory. However, how deep His people can go depends on what His people allow to nestle on their heads!
Note: 'To nestle' means 'to settle comfortably, or warmly, as in a bird's nest'.

So, what is nestling on your head now? Is it the Word of God, or is it something else? Or rather, what do you fill your thoughts with most of the time?

For some, it may be lustful thoughts. For others, it may be someone whom they keep thinking about day and night (more than they think about God). For many others, it may be a continuous negative, anxious thought. There are also some who keep thinking that people are gossiping/talking behind their back all the time! If not overcome and dealt with, each of these problems may then become an obsession in one's life. In other words, they become a 'slave' to whatever they keep thinking about!

The fact here is if you keep thinking about a problem (or an earthly concern/matter/person/situation), that problem (or an earthly concern/matter/person/situation) will inevitably 'expand' and dominate your life. By the same token, if you keep thinking about the Word of God, the Word of God will in turn 'expand' and dominate your life! That's how things work in one's thought life!

But the good news is you already have the weapons to pull those unwanted 'strongholds' down!

2 Corinthians 10:4 says that your 'weapons' to overcome and have victory in your thought life does not come from any earthly (carnal) way or method, but by the Word of God, which is mighty for pulling down strongholds!

Now, what does God say about the Word of God here?

Hebrews 4:12 says, 'For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart'. The word 'discern' here is 'kritikos' in Greek (from the word 'krino'), which means 'verdict, determine, decide'. It means the Word of God is the key to determining your thought life, and therefore changing your thought life!

That's the importance of the Word of God, and that's also why the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18, 'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding (looking to) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord (i.e. Jesus, who is also the Word of God), are being transformed into the same image (i.e. the Word of God) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord'.
Note: What you keep beholding or thinking about most of the time will eventually become you. So, if you keep beholding, thinking, and saying what God says (i.e. the Word of God), you'll have what the Word of God says!

The answer to 'pulling down whatever stronghold that is nestling on your head' (i.e 'whatever stronghold that is hindering you from going deeper into His glory') therefore lies in meditating the Word of God.
Note: Meditating the Word of God does involve the use of your mouth as an instrument to mutter or speak His Word out aloud (over and over again). It's when your mouth speaks that your ear hears! Romans 10:17 says, 'So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God'.

Here are some of the Word of God personalized and compiled for you to meditate today:

1. I set my mind on the things above and not on the things on this earth. I set my mind on the things of God (Colossians 3:2)

2. God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him and I trust Him (Isaiah 26:3)

3. I live according to the Spirit and mind the things of the Spirit. I am spiritually-minded and have life and peace (Romans 8:5-6)

4. My desire is only for the Lord and it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12)

5. I fear the Lord and I am a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27)

6. I fear the Lord and I prolong my days (Proverbs 10:27)

7. God sends His Word and heals me and He delivers me from destruction (Psalm 107:20)

8. I hear God's Word and receive them and the years of my life are many. I take firm hold of God's Word and will not let it go. I keep them, for they are my life (Proverbs 4:10, Proverbs 4:13)

9. I am now the righteousness of God through Christ. I walk the way of righteousness and I have life. In my pathway there is no death (2 Corinthians 5:21, Proverbs 12:28)

10. My tongue promotes health (Proverbs 12:18)

11. All the works of the devil upon my body and soul are destroyed, and I now have perfect health in Christ Jesus (1 John 3:8, Acts 10:38)

12. Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses on the cross, and I am now healthy and have no sicknesses or bodily infirmities. The chastisement for my peace was upon Him and by His stripes I am healed (Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:5)

Overcoming negative thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV): Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

'Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God'! This is a battle many believers struggle to overcome. But I have a good news for you. Contrary to what many think, this isn't so much about fighting the devil (& his fiery darts). The truth is Jesus has already won it for you on the cross. The devil cannot do anything to you if you don't allow him. Such is your authority in the spiritual realm!

So, what is the real battle then? It's a battle of 'believing that the battle has already been won'! 

Under the covenant of grace, know that all is well with you and there's really nothing wrong with you, because you are in Christ. God sees you the way He sees His Son Jesus, and because He has accepted and is pleased with His Son, He has also accepted you and is pleased with you! That's exactly what being 'in Christ' means. 

So, believe that all is well with you, in spite of all those medical reports you may have received, or despite whatever people say about (against) you! I've even known of some people receiving unsolicited 'prophecy' that their marriage is going to break, or they are going to die young, when the Bible clearly says, 'surely goodness (and yes, that includes in your marriage) and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...' (Psalm 23:6) and 'with long life, I shall satisfy you...' (Psalm 91:16).

The key that makes all the difference here is, of course, in one's belief 'system'. You are what you believe. Choose therefore to believe in the truth of God's Word, instead of mere human words! Think of what God says about you, and not what mortal human says about you!

Now, many believers struggle to believe that God is really that good. They thought this is too good to be true! I used to think so too, until God drastically changed me and renewed my mind! 

And the good news is when your thought life changes, everything else also changes! Your 'thought' is indeed like a magnet. It either attracts good things or it attracts bad things (including physical/bodily symptoms). Remember this: Flower attracts butterflies. Rubbish attracts flies. 

Are you believing for jobs and better jobs today? Are you believing for divine health and healing today? Indeed, the battle for every believer under the covenant of grace is not so much about whether they'll win or not against the enemy, but to 'believe that all is well with them'! There's no question about winning or losing here, when you are in Christ. The battle is the Lord's, and He has already become the 'victor' for you!

So choose to have 'flower' thoughts about yourself, because that is the truth in the Word of God about you! You'll then 'attract' butterflies (yes, even 'spiritual butterflies', and this speaks of angels ministering and bringing 'goodies' to you). This is how God works for His people! And that's why your thought life is super-crucial at the moment, either in making you or breaking you. People of God, choose ye this day!

One of the best ways to have 'flower' thoughts is by meditating/muttering (speak under your breath) what God says in the Word. There is something powerful about 'speaking out' the Word by muttering it. When you read (or speak) it out, you are using your eyes to see, your mouths to speak, and your ears to hear. Faith (means: believing heart) then comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom 10:17). Three, instead of only one of your senses (if you do silent meditation), are actively taking in the Word! 

Here are some of the personalized verses I've learned to meditate/mutter through the years (especially in times of temptation to fall into negative thoughts regarding any area of my life):

1. God knows my sitting down and my rising up. God understands my thoughts afar off. God's thoughts toward me are precious thoughts. (Ps 139:2,17)

2. The thoughts of the righteous are right. I am righteous in Christ and my thoughts are right. (Pro 12:5, 2 Cor 5:21)

3. God's thoughts for me are thoughts of peace that give me a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)

4. I think only of those things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. I think of those things which have virtue and are praiseworthy. (Phil 4:8)

5. God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him and I trust Him. (Isa 26:3)

6. The peace of God which passes all understanding guards my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7)

7. I am not conformed to this world but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may walk in what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2)

8. I live according to the Spirit and mind the things of the Spirit. I am spiritually minded and have life and peace. (Rom 8:5-6)

9. I have put off the old man and put on the new man according to God's will for me, and is now renewed in the spirit of my mind. (Eph 4:22-24)

10. I set my mind on the things above and not on the things on this earth. I set my mind on the things of God. (Col 3:2)

11. I set my mind on the goodness of God, because it is the goodness of God that leads to a change in my life. (Rom 2:4)

12. God has not given me the spirit of fear, but He has given me the Spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)

Read/speak each of these personalized verses out and hear it many times, yes, 30, 50, or even 100 times or more if you may, till you are changed and renewed in your thought life according to the Word of God! 

In conclusion, the key to overcoming negative thoughts is in making a choice to have 'flower' thoughts, not 'rubbish' thoughts; and that's how your thought life can be changed, and as a result, your entire life, even in every aspect, can also be changed! I've tasted and seen this truth in my own life, and praise God, I want to believe this for you as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV): For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The above verse can be personalized this way: God's thoughts toward me are thoughts of peace that give me a future and a hope.

The word 'peace' here is 'shalom' in Hebrew, which can mean 'wellness, happy, friendly, friendship, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, rest, safety, wholesome, favor'. You know what? God's thoughts for you are not just thoughts of peace, but His thoughts for you are also thoughts of wellness. Not only that, He has happy thoughts for you, and He thinks favorably of you. His thoughts for you are thoughts of friendship. He also has your welfare, health, prosperity, rest, and safety in His mind. And His thoughts for you are wholesome thoughts! The above are some examples of what He thinks about you, and this is how good He is to you!

God has 'shalom' thoughts (i.e. good thoughts) for you. What you need to do is receive, and let His 'shalom' thoughts flow in you and through you. Open your 'gates' to His 'floodgates'. Just as God has good thoughts for you, He also wants you to have good thoughts as well. Choose to think as He thinks.

Interestingly, the word 'thoughts' in this verse is 'machashabah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'imagination or invention'. Wow! 'Thoughts' here means 'inventions'! So, when God has 'shalom' thoughts for you, it means He also invents peace, wellness, happiness, friendship, prosperity, wholeness, favor, etc in you. And this is exactly who you are as a believer, i.e. His shalom 'invention'! Shalom is yours. And shalom is your birthright!

God is definitely the greatest 'inventor' of all time. In fact, He has been in this 'inventing' business since the very beginning. For example, when He thought of 'light', He then said "Let there be light", and there was light! (Genesis 1:3) As a matter of fact, every great invention on earth (e.g. light bulb, motorcar, etc) that benefits all of humankind also began with a thought. That's how powerful thoughts can be!

Thoughts lead to actions (or words being spoken). Good thoughts lead to good actions, while bad thoughts lead to bad actions (e.g. a suicidal thought leads to a suicidal action).

So, what have you been thinking lately? Good thoughts or not so good thoughts? Or have you been too engrossed with thinking about what other people think of you? Too busy thinking about what other people think of you sometimes causes you to forget what God thinks about you!

A good thought is likened to the fragrance of nice, pleasant perfume diffusing and filling a room. Pleasant smell attracts, while foul smell distracts. Likewise, a good thought attracts, while a bad thought distracts. Thoughts are also very much like magnet. Thoughts either attract or 'push away'. The same it is with thoughts about other people. Good thoughts attract them to you, but bad thoughts cause them to stay away from you.

"But, pastor, how can I have good thoughts for that someone who has been bad-mouthing me behind my back?"

You can still choose to have good thoughts for that person. You may pray this way: "Lord, Your grace is more than enough for me, and I thank You for helping me. I choose to forgive _______ and I choose to have good thoughts for _______ in spite of what he/she has spoken against me."

As long as you are on this earth, there'll also be people who may criticize, complain, gossip, or murmur against you (or misunderstand you), but as long as you know God is with you, and you know you are just following His direction, what other people think about you really doesn't matter anymore! Continue to set your mind on Him. Continue to set your mind on what He has spoken for you to do. He'll surely back you up and defend you. Trust Him. This is how you are going to advance in life and fulfill your God-given destiny.

So, choose to think God's thoughts and good thoughts (see Colossians 3:2 and Philippians 4:8) no matter what. I conclude with Isaiah 26:3 (personalized): "God keeps me in perfect peace (shalom) because my mind is stayed on Him and I trust Him." Amen.