Time to walk free!

The Lord says: 

"Your chains are broken! Time to walk free now! For My hand has set you free! Free from suppression. Free from oppression. Free from depression. Free to be who I want you to be. Free to walk in My purposes and plans for your life in this time and season." 

Yes indeed, it's time for you to be set free and to walk free! 

Let's look at Peter and how God set him free. 

Acts 12:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church... And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter...' 

Acts 12:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'So when Herod had arrested Peter, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.' 

Acts 12:6-7 (NKJV) says, 'And when Herod was about to bring Peter out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers, and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone into the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.' 

The angel then said to Peter, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals". So Peter did. The angel also said to Peter, "Put on your garment and follow me." So Peter went out and followed the angel. 

You see, Peter didn't know what was done by the angel was real. Peter thought he was seeing a vision. Because this seemed surreal to him. It's like a dream. But mind you, it's real. Nothing is impossible to God! 

Beloved of God, God can do the same for you too, whatever your predicament may be at the moment. Just don't limit how God's going to do it.  

Let's get back to Peter now. Acts 12:10 (NKJV) says, 'When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord...' Hallelujah! Somehow the gate flung open! Of course, nothing is too hard for God. And thanks to the constant prayer of the people who prayed for Peter as well.

You see, when a 'door' is shut and locked on you, what do you do? You pray! Pray like the people prayed those days. Because when you pray, even though the door is shut by men, God's heaven's door will be opened! And when heaven's door is open, His light will shine into your situation! 

The words 'constant prayer' in Acts 12:5 is very interesting. The word 'constant' here is 'ektenos' in Greek. It can mean 'without ceasing'. It can also mean 'earnest'. In other words, 'sincere, intense, from the heart'. So, it's not just a 'lip service'. It's not just 'on the surface' kind of prayer. It's not 'just for show' kind of prayer. 

This word 'ektenos' is related to the word 'ektenes'. What is 'ektenes' in Greek? It literally means 'stretching out a muscle to its limits'. It can also be defined as 'stretching out all you can for something'. So, when you pray, you stretch out all you can to the Lord. Amen! 

Let's move on to Acts 12:11. When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod." And you know what? Peter then went to see the people who were praying for him. He met the people there. Of course, all these people were astonished when they saw him. They couldn't believe their eyes. But after Peter told them what happened and how he was set free from the prison, they believed.

Beloved of God, just as for Peter, the Lord knows how to turn things around for you too. So, fear not! Keep walking in obedience to the Lord. Keep living a life of worshiping the Lord. Keep drawing near to the Lord. 

Even though Acts 12 here is talking about Peter's unique situation, this can apply in whatever situation you may be facing at the moment. Your God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still your miracle-working God. He can and He will do a miracle for you too! Yes, even in ways you've never imagined possible. Amen!

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New Spiritual Year 5784. What does God say?

The Lord says: 

"The world may tell you it's going to be a difficult year. The world may tell you it's going to be a year of 'hard landings'. Even though it's going to be a year full of 'suddenlies', shocks and astonishment in the world, but if you are walking in My spiritual realm and My supernatural realm, it's going to be a new year and season when doors are going to be flung open for you! Whatever 'bondage' or 'prison' you may be in right now, this is your time to walk through the 'prison' door and be set free! Keep looking to Me! Keep looking to My Word! Keep praising! Keep rejoicing! And you're going to see My hand opening the door for you!" 

We've read of this expression 'hard landings' just now. The term 'hard landing', by the way, is an aviation term, which refers to the kind of high-speed landing that, while not really an actual crash, it is a source of stress and anxiety, and may even cause physical damage and injury. 

But as for you, people of God, even though 'hard landings' may happen in many parts of the world, you are different! If you keep looking to the Lord your God, all these 'hard landings' in the world will not have any effect on you! You know why? Because you are walking in God's supernatural, heavenly economy! As for me and my house, we truly believe in this. And we want to believe this for you too! I'm not just talking about financial provisions, but I'm talking about provisions in all other ways, and that includes 'open doors', guidance from the Lord, and direction from the Lord, in every aspect of our lives. I'm saying this with humility in my heart. I give all the glory to the Lord. He is great, and He is greatly to be praised. He is a supernatural God. He is above this natural world. And you belong to His realm. You belong to Him. Amen! 

So, this is your time and your season to walk through open doors, doors that are opened by the Lord. Do not miss this time and season. Yes, doors are going to be suddenly flung open for you, in spite of all the odds and impossibilities. Indeed, this is the season of many 'suddenlies'. Many things are going to happen suddenly. You'll be hearing a lot of shocking things and a lot of astonishments. Nations rising against nations. Wars and rumors of war will be heard louder and louder. Nations will be aligning in ways that may catch many by surprise. There will be a number of 'changing of the guards' in many nations. Earthquakes and more earthquakes. Natural calamities will increase in many parts of the world. 

But fear not, when you see all these things happen. Your part is to keep looking to the Lord your God. Return to your first love in the Lord. And all is going to be well with you. I declare this upon you and your family. The hand of the Lord will protect you and your family. You will be led by the Spirit of God to be at the right place and at the right time. 

Let's go all the way to Acts chapter 16 right now. Here, you can see that Paul and Silas were walking through doors that have been flung open for them. They were in prison and in chains at that time. But the Lord supernaturally opened the door for them. 

Acts 16:25-26 (NKJV) says, 'But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.' 

Now, that was a miracle! The impossible happened! You see, to man it's impossible. But to God, all things are possible! 

People of God, even in the most impossible situation of yours, the Lord can make things possible for you. Look to the Lord. Keep praising the Lord. For some of you, you may be in your 'midnight hour' at the moment. You may be in a time that seems to be the darkest in your life. But take heart. The Lord is with you. Keep looking to the Lord. Keep putting all your trust in the Lord. The Lord will know how to do His part. Whatever your 'chains' or 'bondage' may be at the moment, this is your time to receive the anointing to walk through your 'prison' doors and be set free! Let all your 'chains' be loosened! Indeed, your breakthrough and 'open doors' will happen suddenly! 

In a time of shaking, in a time of shock, in a time of astonishment, and in a time of anxiety, many will start to look to the Lord. They will have nowhere else to turn to, but they will turn to the Lord God Almighty. There will be opportunities for you to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know why? Because many people will be so confused and anxious by what they see or hear in the coming year. They do not know where to look to anymore. Your part is to point them to Jesus who is the Savior and Redeemer of this world, and there's no other. Pray for the Lord to visit your nation, or whichever nation (or nations) that He has put in your heart to pray for. Pray for the Lord to intervene and prevent certain evil from happening to your nation, or the nation (or nations) that you are praying for. Never underestimate the power of your prayer.

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we thank You that this is the year doors are being flung open for us. The world may say it's going to be a difficult year. The world may say it's going to be a year of 'hard landings'. But not us! Because we are walking in Your supernatural realm! It's going to be a new year and season of open doors for us! Whatever 'bondage' or 'prison' we may be in right now, we are now set free! A greater breakthrough and victory is at hand! The power of God is at hand! So, we keep looking to You and Your Word! We keep praising You! We keep rejoicing in You! In the name of Jesus. Amen!" 

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Year 2022: Be refreshed and revived!

I saw a vision while I was praying in the spirit the other day. In that vision, I saw an almost dead (but not fully dead) plant being refreshed and revived. It's being watered and being refreshed again, after a long drought. I saw droplets of water being released from heaven like rain, watering and refreshing the plant, and the plant became full of life again. It's like the Spirit of refreshing is being released upon the plant. 

I asked the Lord what this vision means, and the Lord said: "Those who have been wearied and discouraged last year will find freshness this year. A breath of fresh air from heaven is being released to those who look to Me and seek Me. There will be some good surprises and new open doors for those who walk faithfully and remember My covenant." 

The Lord then said: "If you have been worried, wearied, exhausted, listless, hopeless, or even 'dead and buried', know that I am breathing a fresh air from heaven for you this year. Expect a welcome change in your life this year!" 

The Lord said further: "There'll be new open doors and new openings for you, and I will open it wide for you, if you keep remembering My covenant and walking in My covenant with you." 

Upon hearing what the Lord has said, I asked Him for Scripture verses, and He reminded me of Psalm 116.

Psalm 116:8-9 (NKJV) says, 'For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.' 

Thank the Lord for His refreshing and deliverance this year. Thank the Lord for the good that is to come this year. Thank the Lord that He has kept you from falling last year, and you are now ready for the many good things ahead of you this year!

Psalm 116:12-13 (NKJV) says, 'What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.' 

As a believer in the New Covenant, always remember all that Jesus has done for you on the cross. He died for you on the cross to set you free. So, no matter what happens in the world this year, continue to call upon the name of the Lord, look to Him and seek Him. He will know how to lead you and guide you to safety and blessings. The world may be getting darker and darker, but as you remember your covenant with the Lord, you are going to be different. Not only do you receive refreshing and deliverance from the Lord, you will also see the light and the glory of the Lord. Indeed, this is the time for you to arise and shine!

Back to the beginning of Psalm 116. Psalm 116:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"' 

Though the context of these verses is about Jesus regarding the time of His crucifixion, this can apply for you too, especially if you have been "dead and buried" last year. The good news is the Lord is here for you right now, refreshing and delivering you, and preparing you for the good that's coming this year! 

Psalm 116:5-7 (NKJV) says, 'Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple. I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.' 

In spite of the many 'shakings' in the world this year, be at rest. Continue to look to Him and seek Him, and He will know how to deal bountifully with you and bless you, even in ways unimaginable to you. 

Psalm 116:16-17 (NKJV) says, 'O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.' 

Give thanks because the Lord has 'loosed your bonds', and you are now set free. Give thanks in advance for the good that's coming to your life this year. Give thanks in advance for the open doors and new openings that the Lord has prepared for you this year!

The Lord also reminded me of 'dry bones being revived' in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 37:10-11 (NKJV) says, 'So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel." They indeed say, "Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!"' 

Though these verses are in the context of Israel, this can apply for you too in the context of what had happened in the past one to two years - "Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!" But the time has come for the Lord to breathe new life and new hope in your life! Hallelujah!

Ezekiel 37:12-14 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it," says the Lord.' 

Again, though these verses are in the context of Israel, this can apply for you too, in that the Lord is releasing His Spirit in you afresh and anew. The Lord will know how to place you in the right places this year. There will be open doors for you. And whatever 'grave' situation you have experienced in the past years, the Lord is causing you to come out from it. He is bringing you into 'a land of blessing' in order to prosper you!

Ezekiel 36:29-30 (NKJV) says, 'I will deliver you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations.' 

No matter what 'drought' you see in the world this year, you will not suffer 'famine'. Instead, you will be fruitful and see increase in all that you do. Impossible as it may seem to man, but the Lord your God is a God who does great miracles, signs and wonders. There is no one like Him. Therefore, declare fruitfulness and increase for your life this year. Believe and receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!

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How to know if an open door is from God?

He is the One who opens the door, not man. This applies in your business, in your career, or in your spiritual ministry. 

He moves people to favor you and choose you (out of many others). 

He moves the right customers to choose you (your products/services). 

He moves the right employer to employ you. 

He moves the right people to be open to receive your spiritual ministry. 

And when He opens the door, no man can shut it. This is the time to ask, and you will receive!

How to know if an open door is from God?

1. The door opens for you supernaturally

Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) says, 'I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name'.

You can sense the peace of God there. You can also sense and watch the hand of God and the favor of God there.

2. The door makes you fully dependent on Him

John 15:4-5 (NKJV) says, 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing'.

If you are not depending on God to open a door, then you are depending on your own self, or your own flesh. There will be a lot of striving. It is like you trying to prise open a door and force it to open, instead of walking through a door with someone opening it for you.

3. There will be confirmation from God or from wise counsel

Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) says, 'Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety'.

Confirmation can come in any way that God can speak to you, e.g. dreams from God (to go ahead or warning not to go ahead). 

But confirmation can also come by asking someone whom you trust, who has been walking with God, and whom you know can give you wise counsel to pray together or to confirm. Ask God to show you who that person is (or who that two or three persons are). As a matter of fact, not everyone fits into this category of 'wise counsel'.

4. The door doesn’t contradict the Scripture

1 John 2:3-4 (GNT) says, 'If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know Him. If we say that we know Him, but do not obey His commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us'.

If the door makes you do something illegal (i.e. against the law of your land), doing things 'under the table', involves dishonesty or unscrupulous means, involves you giving bribes, or involves you committing a sin (eg lying, cheating, adultery, etc), then you know the door isn't God's will for you. God cannot contradict His Word.

5. The door gives God all the glory

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) says, 'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."'

One example is David in the Bible. The Lord was asking Samuel to go to Jesse's house and anoint one of his sons to be king. Out of all the sons of Jesse, Samuel found the right person in David. 

There are times when God blesses you with an 'open door' or wants to bring you to the next level, you haven't even seen it coming. Just like David, though he never asked to be king, the Lord saw him as the right person. Your obedience, faithfulness and humble spirit simply open doors that you never expect. All glory to God!

6. The door brings blessing and peace to you

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) says, 'The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it'.

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'.

An open door from the Lord is a blessing, and it adds no sorrow with it (i.e. not causing sorrow to you). An open door from the Lord also brings peace, future and hope to you.

7. The door brings blessing to others

Proverbs 11:25 (Expanded) says, 'Whoever gives to others will get richer [or blesses others will be refreshed]; those who help [satisfy] others will themselves be helped [satisfied]'.

Proverbs 11:25 (Amplified) says, 'The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]'.

You are called to be a blessing to others. If your open door brings blessing to many around you, it may be from the Lord. 

Find a need and meet it. Ask God to show you what are the needs of the people (or your community, city, or nation) that have not been met. That's how you can bring blessing to others!

Of course, this Point No.7 needs to be confirmed by other earlier points shown to you. Because not every 'good idea' is a 'God idea' for you, even if the idea brings blessing to others.

What's your part now?

Your part is to position yourself for the open doors. You can make yourself available. You can market yourself (ask God for wisdom how to do it). You can send out your resumes, if you are seeking a job. You can inform others who you are and what you can do (what products or services you offer). You can do all these in the natural. But the rest, leave it to Him and look to Him to open the doors for you. Watch His hand and His favor working for you!

Prayer for God to open doors for you:

"O LORD God, in the current pandemic and economic challenges the world is facing, we look to You and put all our trust in You. You are the One who opens the right door that no man can shut. You are the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way. We ask that You will open the doors for each of us supernaturally, be it in business, career, or ministry. With man, it may be impossible; but with You, nothing is impossible. We believe and receive all that we have prayed here by faith. In Jesus' precious name. Amen."

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The Lord knows how to open a way for you!

The Lord spoke these words:
"For whatever setback that you have experienced recently, this is your time to receive a new strength and a fresh hope from Me. Look to Me, because I am setting you free for the new things ahead of you, even things that you have not seen or done before. For every opportunity that you have missed out this year, watch how I am going to open a way for you in the year ahead. Just don't limit how I am going to do it."

We all have setbacks at one time or another. It may be:
- an issue that hurts us;
- a relapse in something we work on;
- a disappointment that we did not foresee;
- an unfortunate interruption in progress.

People of God, whatever your setback may be in recent times, be it in relationships, in career, in ministry, in business, or in any other area of life, the Lord is offering you a fresh hope today. Look to Him, and trust in His infinite wisdom to make a way and open a way for you.

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) says, 'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert'. Indeed, if He can make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, He can do the same in your life, whatever your 'wilderness' or 'desert' may be.

Interestingly, there's actually someone in the Scripture whose name means 'The Lord opens a way'. His name is Jephthah ('Yiphtach' in Hebrew), coming from two words, 'Yah' (meaning 'the Lord') and 'pathach' (meaning 'open a way'). Notice that he's had his setbacks initially, but in spite of those setbacks, he ended up being listed among the heroes of faith in the book of Hebrews, alongside the likes of Gideon, Samuel and David, among others (see Hebrews 11:32).

Let's look at his background now. Reading from Judges 11:1-3, Jephthah was born to Gilead (his father), but his mother was a prostitute. As Gilead's wife also bore him sons, these sons drove Jephthah away from their home, because he was a 'son of another woman'. "You are not going to get any inheritance in our family," they said, "because you are the son of another woman." Speaking of being born at the wrong place, and into the wrong family! You can imagine all those years staying together with his brothers, he was being mocked, ridiculed, and even called names like "Hey, son of the whore!" or "Hey, son of the prostitute!" It hurts. It really hurts.

Now, having been dumped by his own family, Jephthah had no choice but to settle elsewhere. But the Lord was good to him, and he ended up in the land of Tob, where a group of 'homeless and worthless people' would gather around him and follow him as their leader. There, he gained a reputation as a mighty warrior, so much so when the nation of Israel came under attack by the enemy, those same brothers (who drove him away) had to turn to him and ask him to be their commander! (Judges 11:4-8)

Interestingly, of all lands, he ended up in the land of Tob! And you know what 'Tob' means in Hebrew? There are no insignificant details in the Bible. This word 'Tob' literally means 'good' in Hebrew. You see, even though Jephthah was 'kicked out' by his brothers, he eventually ended up in the good hands of the Lord! And in spite of his broken past and broken background, the Lord could still use him greatly - to bring deliverance for the nation of Israel (who was crying out to the Lord for help at that time)!

People of God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Whatever your setback may be in recent times, let it go and don't look back. Receive a new strength and a fresh hope from the Lord today. The best is yet to come. Like Jephthah, you too are now in the good hands of the Lord! Hallelujah!

Your praise releases authority and open door!

Psalm 34:1-2a (NKJV): I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...

This word 'praise' in Hebrew is 'tehillah', from the word 'haw-lal', which means 'to be loud and clear, to shine, to celebrate, to boast about God (His greatness), to make His name great (high above all else)'.

Let's go to the Hebrew alphabets ('alefbet') for this word 'haw-lal' now:
The consonants are 'h-l-l' (Hey-Lamed-Lamed).
'Hey' speaks of God's grace (i.e. supply, ability), blessing, and anointing;
and 'Lamed' is a 'picture' of a 'shepherd's staff, or rod', and is a sign of 'authority'. 'Lamed' can also mean 'to point forward, or to move forward with the authority of God'.

People of God, as you praise ('tehillah') the Lord, He will also supply you with the authority to point forward, or to move forward! Praise releases authority! Just as Moses raised his rod and the Red Sea miraculously opened, your praises will also release authority in the spiritual realm that causes breakthroughs and doors to be opened!

So, what is praise? Simply put it, to make His name great in your life! Yes, and high above all else, and over every situation in your life. 'He is great and greatly to be praised...' (Psalm 96:4).

The Bible also says 'God is enthroned in the praises ('tehillah') of Israel' (Psalm 22:3). In other words, He becomes King (in and over your life) when you praise Him! The enemy (the forces of darkness) may be trying to ‘spew poison’ against you, and will also do anything to try to dominate you, but God already has an answer for you this day! The answer is in your praises! Begin praising the Lord, and keep on praising Him! Because when you praise, He, the Lion of Judah is enthroned. 'Lion' speaks of 'authority and dominion'. The real authority and dominion in the spiritual realm is in the Lion of Judah (the king of your praises), and you are in Him! All the words (and works) of the enemy will therefore have to leave when you praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

No wonder the psalmist wrote, 'Seven times a day I praise ('haw-lal') You' (Psalm 119:164). 'Seven times' here is a 'picture' of 'perfection, or continuity'. So, people of God, let the praises of the Lord continually be in your mouth. Amen!

Let's look at the life of David now. He lived to sing praises unto the Lord! You see, like so many other people, David too experienced a 'dead-end' at one time! (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15) He was fleeing from King Saul, but ended up in King Achish's (the king of Gath's) path, who was also hunting for him! By the way, Goliath (whom David slain not too long ago) was this king's blue-eyed boy! So, as you can see, David was a marked man!

And how did David respond in such a 'dead-end' (or 'checkmate') situation? Okay, out of fear, he pretended to be mad! But what else did he do? Psalm 34:1-2 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord..." David began praising ('tehillah') the Lord! And you know what? God somehow opened a door of escape for him to the cave of Adullam! Not only that, God's authority was also with him, as he then raised up a new army of warriors from among those who were in distress, in debt, and discontented (1 Samuel 22:1-2). Praise the Lord!

So, people of God, for you too, how do you respond when you find yourself in a 'dead-end' road (or 'checkmate' situation)? You praise the Lord! What do you do 'when the going gets tough' in life? You praise the Lord! And what do you do if you find yourself stagnated and unable to move forward in life? You praise the Lord too! Let the praises of the Lord be released into the air loud and clear, in spite of what happens!

Recently, I heard these words from the Lord during a time of praise and worship:
"This whole month, as you praise, you're going to see things moving into order for your life. You're also going to see authority and doors being opened for you supernaturally. So, keep praising, no matter what. Never quit praising. Your praises unto Me will open a supply of My direction, revelation, and authority. Your praises will be the key to a year of authority and open door, and for heavenly wisdom to be released on you even as you move forward into the next stage of your life!"

Another Hebrew word for 'praise' is found in 2 Chronicles 20:21. It says, 'And when Jehoshaphat had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise ('ya-dah') the Lord, for His mercy endures forever."'

This word 'ya-dah' means 'to shoot up, to lift up hands and revere Him, or to throw oneself before Him'. By the way, this word 'ya-dah' is also where the word 'Judah' comes from.

Let's go to the Hebrew alphabets (alefbet) for this word 'ya-dah' now:
The consonants are 'y-d-h' (Yud-Dalet-Hey).
'Yud' is a 'picture' of 'hand';
'Dalet' is a picture' of 'door';
and of course, 'Hey' speaks of God's grace (i.e. supply, ability), blessing, and anointing.

Therefore, 'ya-dah' (Yud-Dalet-Hey) means 'the hand of God that opens the door to grace (i.e. supply, ability), blessing, and anointing for your life'. And that's exactly what happened to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah those days! (see 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) When all of Judah were surrounded by a great multitude to come and battle against them, Jehoshaphat was instructed by the Lord to send out the singers and musicians to the front-line! (2 Chronicles 20:21) And when they began to sing praises, the Lord supernaturally set ambushes against all their enemies who got so confused they 'self-destruct' one another! (2 Chronicles 20:22-23) See His authority over the enemies at work here? Not just that, His hand then also opened the door for them to take away the spoils (valuables and precious jewelry) of the enemies. In short, He opened the door of blessing ('berachah') for them as well. Praise the Lord!

Let's look at another example now, and this time in the New Testament. When Paul and Silas were put into a prison at Philippi, instead of feeling sorry or angry, they began singing praises unto God! (see Acts 16:25 KJV). I like the word 'praise' here in Greek. It is pronounced as 'arete', which means 'to speak excellence (of God), to declare bravely (like a man), or to roar with a loud voice'. God then caused an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison were opened (Acts 16:26). The keeper of the prison, upon seeing this, and supposing all the prisoners had fled, tried to kill himself, but Paul and Silas stopped him. Falling down and trembling before them, he then asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (see Acts 16:27-31) He and his whole family were then baptized on that same night! (Acts 16:33) Well, again, that's God's authority at work! Praise the Lord!

In conclusion, no matter how big your challenges may be at the moment, take heart, because there's an answer! Begin praising the Lord and keep on praising like David, Jehoshaphat, or Paul and Silas did. He is still the same mighty God, the Lion of Judah, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). And the praises that come forth from your mouth will also release His authority over that very situation of yours, and open the door of His supply, ability, blessing, and anointing for you, just as He did for His people those days. Amen!

Forgetting the former things, and looking forward to the new things

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV): 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.

Notice the words 'now it shall spring forth' here? The time is now to 'get rid of the old, and welcome the new'! In Philippians 3:13, the apostle Paul wrote, "... But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." 

  

Isaiah 44:3 (NKJV) 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 blessings on your offspring'.

This is also a time His Spirit and His blessings are being poured out upon you. As you 'get rid of the old, and welcome the new', heaven is also 'opening its door' for you, pouring out His rain (water) and blessings upon you (in any area of your life that you allow Him to). With men, things may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Luke 18:27). If He can make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, He can make all things possible for you.

Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV) says, 'Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?'

He is the Great I Am, and when He works, no one can reverse. Just like when winter ends, and spring comes, no one can stop God! The Bible says 'there is no one who can deliver out of His hand'. In cross-reference, Revelation 3:8 (NIV) says, '… See. I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut'.

People of God, God can open the door for you even in the most unexpected of times! God can even set 'good things' up for you even in the midst of your 'routine' work! For example, Peter (while He was washing his fishing nets after a whole night of toiling) and David (while He was bringing breakfast to his brothers).

God opened the door for new things in Peter’s life 

Unexpectedly, at a time when Peter was rather down and exhausted (after having toiled much and with no results), Jesus came into his boat and changed his life forever. See Luke 5:3-6, Luke 5:8-11.

God opened the door for new things in David’s life

Unexpectedly, at a time when David was doing a seemingly mundane job (of bringing breakfast for his brothers who were at the army camp), God set up an appointment for him that changed his life forever. See 1 Samuel 17:17-20, 1 Samuel 17:22-23, 1 Samuel 17:32.

See? Unexpected divinely-arranged appointments set up by none other but the Great I Am! Call it a 'pleasant surprise' if you may! Praise God! 

In the morning, Peter was struggling to catch even one fish, but later on that same day, he became the partner and co-worker of the One who owns all the fishes in the world!

In the morning, David was just humbly doing a menial task of serving breakfast to his brothers, but later on that same day, he was exalted by God to be a national hero, having single-handedly defeated Goliath, the champion of the Philistines!

All happened on the same day for each of them! 

And just as happened to Peter and David in those days, it can also come in the most unexpected way (and suddenly) for you these days. God hasn't changed in the way He works. He is indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Of course, God saw them ready, even though they didn't even know they were ready! God's timing is always the best!

People of God, this is a time of 'open doors' and God's favor upon His people (even if others may say or report otherwise). The Bible says so, and that's what matters most. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy, and those who are humble will be exalted, yes, often times even in the most unexpected manner. Amen.

Jesus IS your 'door'!

John 10:7 (NKJV): ..."I (Jesus) am the door of the sheep."

The I AM WHO I AM is the door of the sheep! You see, the Bible never says He is 'like a door'. The Bible says He IS the door!

The word 'door' here is 'thura' in Greek, which means 'opening, entrance way, gate, portal'. If you look at Exodus 12:23, the lamb's (a 'picture' of Jesus) blood was sprinkled on the door during the first Passover, covering and protecting God's people from harm. Today, this 'door' of yours is also a 'blood-sprinkled door'! Remember, He IS the door, and He paid it with His life! His blood was shed for you on the cross!

Jesus is not just your Shepherd (John 10:11, Psalm 23), but He is also your 'door'! In Jesus' days, there were actually no physical 'doors' at the entrance to the sheepfold. So, a shepherd would normally BE the 'door' instead, holding his shepherd's stick at the 'entrance', guarding and protecting the sheep from whatever harm or predators. So, as His beloved 'sheep' today, you can now freely enjoy all the goodness of His 'green pastures', knowing that your Good Shepherd IS always 'the' door!

Whatever 'door' you've been trusting God for, whether in finding life-partner, in ministry, in preaching the gospel, in business, in career, in job-openings, even in investments, look to Jesus, your 'door'! In fact, He is the 'open door'! When Jesus died for you at the cross, His arms were stretched out and opened. Yes, He is more than willing to open His arms for you today! HE IS the 'OPEN DOOR'! And He has already overcome the power of darkness (that steals, kills, & destroys) for you at the cross! And the best thing is 'the door He has opened, no man can shut' (Revelation 3:8). Paul himself in 2 Corinthians 2:12 acknowledged that the 'door' he walked through was 'opened by the Lord'.

You may ask, "Pastor, I've been waiting for my 'door'! How much longer should I wait?"

If your 'open door' hasn't come yet, or being delayed, don't lose heart. Keep looking to Jesus your 'door', even in the most impossible of situations. He will neither leave you forsaken nor forgotten. This is His promise and assurance for you (Hebrews 13:5). Acts 16:26 is an example. Paul and Silas were facing a 'dead-end' road at that time. Destiny seemed to be shut on them. They ended up in a prison instead of their 'destiny'. Read Acts 16:16-40 for the whole story. But God did somehow open a way. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, and the prison 'doors' were opened, miraculously! By the way, this word 'door' in Acts 16:26 is the same word 'thura' as in John 10:7 and Revelation 3:8.

Instead of looking to man, organization, or institution, look to Jesus, your true 'door'. He will put you in the 'rightful place', and even if you thought you have reached a 'dead-end' road, He will still open a new way for you!

Now, the 'door' from Him may not be what you thought it should be. But God's ways are always higher than your ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). God's 'door' is always the best. He knows and has the real 'door' for you. And of course, His timing is also the best! What seems best to man may not be God's best for you. He doesn't see the way human sees. As a beloved of God, know that He has reserved the 'best' for you! He will even (pleasantly) surprise you in ways you've never thought of! I've experienced this myself time and again! Keep beholding Him!

In fact, you don't have to strive hard or struggle hard for your 'doors' (or try to 'prise' hard, or make things happen by your own human strength). When God opens a 'door', it's restful and easy. Because it's not you, but God who opens the 'door'. All you need is to 'walk through it'!

Continue to rest and trust in Him, your 'door'. Amen!