How to live in an increasingly chaotic and uncertain world?

The Lord says: 

"Major shifts and major changes are coming this year! Even to the core and to the very foundation of things. This will happen more and more in the coming months. Whatever that can be shaken will be shaken. A sifting is taking place. A purifying is taking place. Even to the churches. Not just in the nations. But as for you, look to Me. Do not be afraid and do not be shaken, for I am with you, if you look to Me. Stay aligned with Me and My Word. Flow with My Spirit. Be led by My Spirit. There is safety in My presence. For where I am, there you shall be." 

The Lord says further: 

"Guard against any discouragement. Guard against any distraction. Guard against any immorality, sin, or temptation in life. Guard against any kind of pitfall set up by the enemy. I will expose the trickeries of the enemy, and I will show you My wisdom to rise above all these." 

Regarding God's plans for you: 

"Guard your calling in life. Guard what has been entrusted to you in this time and season. Continue to be faithful in what I have prepared and called you to be and to do in this season of your life. I will know how to order and establish your steps." 

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) says, 'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.'

The word 'ordered' here is 'kuwn' in Hebrew. It can mean 'properly erected, properly established, properly set up, properly prepared'. The Lord is doing exactly this for you this year! Yes, for you who submit to the Lord! He knows how to take it from here. He knows how to guide you step by step. He knows how to order or 'kuwn' your steps. 

Looking at the world nowadays, you can see there are a lot of uncertainties. The world has become increasingly chaotic. Many people are uncertain about their future. Many people live in anxiety and worry about what's to come. Many people are struggling. 

But as for you, beloved of God, the Lord has spoken. As long as you stay aligned with Him, you need not be afraid or need not be anxious. Take this into your heart that the Lord is ordering your steps. Step by step, every step of the way. Now, and the future. Amen! 

What's your part? Your part is to guard your heart! Guard your heart with all diligence. Guard your heart above all else. 

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.' 

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, 'Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.' 

The word 'guard' here is interesting. It is 'natsar' in Hebrew. This word can mean 'to protect, to maintain, to preserve (from discouragement, disorientation, condemnation, or evil)'. 

So, beloved of God, 'natsar' your heart. Protect your heart. Maintain your heart. Preserve your heart. Guard your heart at all costs. Bind all those discouragement! Bind all those condemnation sent by the enemy! Bind all those disorientation! 

What does 'guard your heart' actually mean? To answer this, we've got to look at the Hebrew word for 'heart' here first. The word 'heart' here is 'leb' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'the center of everything'. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, it not only speaks of your spirit, but also your soul. It means your mind, your will, and your emotion. Back to Proverbs 4:23 here, guard your spirit and soul. Guard your mind, will, and emotions.

Everything that happens in and around you depends on what's in your heart. Remember the word 'leb' here in Hebrew. If your heart is right, everything will start to fall into place for you. But when your heart is departed from the Lord, everything will also fall apart. Now, that's what Proverbs 4:23 actually means here.

The Lord says: 

"Do not let the enemy sow seeds of discouragement, disorientation, or condemnation in you. The enemy wants to keep you small. The enemy wants to keep you miserable. The enemy wants to keep you thinking that you are good for nothing. The enemy wants to stop you before your breakthrough comes. But this is when you choose to guard your heart above all else."

As you guard your heart, also be careful who you choose to align with (or associate with). In other words, guard against aligning or associating with the wrong people who may intentionally or unintentionally pull you down. 

Temptation (or the lure of this world) is everywhere, and many have fallen into it. But if you flow with the Holy Spirit, and are led by the Holy Spirit, and you are founded firmly in God's Word, there's nothing all these temptations can do to you. That's why it's so important to stay strong in the Word and in the Spirit. God's Word and God's Spirit! These are the two pillars that you need as you walk in this chaotic world!

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Words for the year 2026

Receive this for the year 2026. This is for you! 

"This is a year of expansion in your spirit, and expansion in anointing and authority in your spirit. There is an enlargement in the spiritual territory and spiritual sphere in your life. This is also a year for promotion and vindication in your life. Whatever injustice that you have suffered in the previous year, you will see justice for your life." 

Isaiah 54:2-3 (NKJV)

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left... 

Even though this is for Israel, but on a personal basis, this is for you too, a beloved of God. Stay faithful to the Lord. Stay close to the Lord. Walk with Him. And you shall see this come to pass this year. 

Isaiah 54:4 (NKJV) 

Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. 

Indeed, old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Let go of all those shame, defeat, and even humiliation of your past. There is a renewed hope for you this year!

Isaiah 54:6 (NKJV) 

For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in the spirit, like a youthful wife when you were refused. 

Beloved of God, as you enter into this year 2026, know that the Lord has a very special calling and purpose for you. You may have been abandoned in the past. You may have been sidelined in the past. You may have been shunned in the past. But there is a refreshing for you this year. You are so, so precious in God's eyes. The Lord says He remembers you. He will use you in greater measure this year for His glory!

Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV) 

For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed. 

Receive His goodness, kindness, and shalom peace. Receive this by faith in your life, and even for your family! 

Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.

The Lord is with you. This whole Isaiah 54 is God's prophetic call for you to walk in His destiny for you. This is for you this year 2026. 

I declare that His destiny for you is full of hope and a future. He has called you to inherit His blessings this year. He has called you for a spiritual expansion this year. And because of what He has done on the cross for you, He has died for you on the cross, He has also broken the curse for you. And He has overcome all your past shame in your life! 

So, make room for Him! Make room for His expansion in your life! 

The Lord says further to you: 

"For I say to you, beloved, I will strengthen you this year. Whatever is weak in your life, I shall be your strength. It's the beginning of you walking in fruitfulness that you've never seen before in your life. For your past shame has been taken away, and all things have become new in your life." 

"Look to Me, for I will show you the way. If you have been feeling lost and useless in the time past, it shall not be anymore. For I have made a way for you. If you look to Me, I will entrust you with many more things. You will be entrusted in many more ways. This is the year for you to strengthen yourself in My Word and in My Spirit. Flow in My Spirit. For My prophetic anointing is very strong upon you. You shall even break new ground. You shall even walk into the areas that have been impossible in the past. For you have been sowing in tears, but you shall now reap in joy. Therefore, be strengthened and be refreshed as you walk into this new year. For I will know how to make the way clear for you."

"My river will overflow you this year. This river will not drown you. But this river is a blessing to you. The river that brings abundance of My goodness and grace for you. The river that brings you to fulfill My destiny for you. Flow in this river of My Spirit. Flow with My anointing. You shall see this anointing increasing and expanding in your life." 

I want to bless all my friends and the beloved of God who are reading this.

I bless you with the peace and the prosperity of the Lord! 

I bless you with the favor and the grace of the Lord! 

I bless you with Isaiah 54, from verse 1 all the way to verse 17. 

I declare that the Lord is causing you to be fruitful this year! 

I declare that the Lord gives you divine protection and divine health this year! 

I declare that His kindness and His goodness shall not depart from you! But all these shall stay with you! 

Happy New Year!

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How to prepare for the year 2026?

The Lord says: 

"There will be peace for a time, but then chaos will erupt again, both in the east and the west. Pray. Pray for peace and understanding between nations. The selfless prayers of the righteous are key and crucial in this coming year 2026. Never underestimate your prayers. For I will intervene. I will grant you wisdom and revelation as you pray."

"Stock market and financial market shaking is imminent, and the repercussions will be widespread in many sectors. However, for those who seek Me, I will be found by them. For those who count on Me for My wisdom and revelation, I will grant them and prosper them. They shall prosper in My way, in spite of shaking in the worldly ways."

"Earthquakes, drought, and floods will be more and more frequent in the coming year. The key is to grow in your spiritual walk with Me, and ask of My guidance and leading in your life, and that you will be led by My Spirit to be at the right place and at the right time. Learn to be led by My Spirit more and more. Pray in the spirit often. That is the key. Always return to My Word. Dwell even deeper in My Word, even if you've read it many times. For there's so much more I want to speak to you as you read My Word. For there are many more layers of wisdom, revelation, and treasure in My Word, more than you have thought."

"At the same time, there will be great awakening and revival in many nations. North, south, east, and west. No stone will be left unturned. They will be awakened to My righteousness. They will be awakened to My holiness. They will be awakened to the need for the Higher One. This is the era of the best and the worst happening at the same time. But the flood of My Spirit will be widespread, even in places you've previously thought to be the hardest of all places. The last shall be the first. Repent therefore from all kinds of sin. Repent on behalf of your nation. Let your nation be not filled with stupor, but with My Spirit."

By the way, 'stupor' basically means 'being in a state of spiritual dullness, numbness, or insensitivity'. This is due to a hardened heart, unbelief, or a lack of repentance. When a person is in such state, he or she cannot hear, cannot see, or cannot understand the spiritual things and spiritual truths clearly. There will be no clarity in the spirit. There is also a sense of spiritual lethargy, spiritual apathy, and even ingratitude. This can apply to an individual, or even a nation as a whole. 

This is a message from God for all of us. It's high time for God's people to spend time in deeper communion and fellowship with the Lord. He will surely tell you deeper secrets, whether in your life, or for your city, or for your nation. So, this month, the Lord is cleansing, so that there will be clarity in the spirit for God's people! 

The Lord says: 

"Return to the basics! 'Empty' yourself from all the intricacies and entanglements in your life, or whatever that distracts you from a deeper spiritual walk with Me. Clear the clutter. Clear what needs to clear. Clear whatever that entangles you or complicates your life. Clear your sins. Simplify your life. That's how you can prepare for the year 2026. You'll be glad you did."

"Forgive those who have offended you or wronged you. Do not keep an account of all those. Let go and let Me take over, no matter how much loss has been incurred on you or how difficult it is to forgive. I will help you if you look to Me. Clear yourself from hatred and anger. Clear yourself from any form of bitterness against anyone who has wronged you. For My blessings will begin to flow to you like a river." 

In Matthew 5:3-10, Jesus says (in The Beatitudes): 

"Blessed are the poor (or humble) in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

So, people of God, stop being greedy for power and fame. But return to the basics. Return to what Jesus says. Return to the purity and humility in the Lord. This can apply whether as an individual, or as a church, or as a city, or as a nation. 

The word 'Beatitude' here comes from the Latin word 'Beatus', and it simply means 'Happy' or 'Blessed'. These blessings offer each of us (His people) a pathway to true and lasting peace and joy. The peace and joy that is rooted in a deep relationship and personal walk with God. 

The world may not agree with this, or they may even laugh at us. But the truth is God has spoken this Beatitudes as the keys to lasting peace and joy in our lives. For those who believe and walk in it, blessed or happy are they! True blessedness! True happiness! Not a facade. Not something that is conjured up by humans. But the happiness and the blessedness that comes from above! From the Lord!

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Words from the Lord: "New ideas and strategies will flow this month!"

The Lord says: 

"This month is a month of breath of fresh air in the spirit for many of My people. There's a fresh revelation. There's a brand new purpose. There will be new ideas and new strategies that I am giving to you. A new chapter has begun. A new door has been opened. Walk in it. Receive it. Never mind if you have missed out in the past, but this is the time to begin to look forward to the new opening that I have for you."  

Joshua 1:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying: "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land I am giving to them..."'

In Joshua 1:9, the Lord said further, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you..." 

That's what the Lord spoke to Joshua. And the Lord is saying the same to you right now!

At this point of time in Joshua chapter 1, there was a significant and pivotal change in Joshua's life. What was that pivot? God gave him new strategies. God gave him new mission. God gave him new purposes. As God has spoken to Joshua, God is speaking the same to you too! Not just that. God released His revelation to Joshua on how to go about, as he looked forward. That time has come for Joshua, both spiritually and physically. 

By the way, what is 'pivotal'? It is defined as 'of crucial importance in relation to the development and success of something'. In other words, the time is coming when you shall see something of greater significance happening in your life. That is the prophetic word for you at the moment. And it will be good!

So, Joshua chapter 1 is the key here. It is happening both spiritually and physically. In the spiritual realm and in the physical realm. It means not just in the spirit, but something you can see with your physical eyes. 

The Lord is saying this to you right now: "Be strong and be of good courage. Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. Get yourself ready to face a greater future!" 

Will you by faith receive these words? And whatever happens in the spirit shall be manifested in the natural, in the physical realm, in ways that you can see. Do not let the devil rob that from you! Also, receive a renewed strength from the Lord. Not just that. Receive new ideas, revelation, and even strategies from the Lord, as God opens new doors and new horizons for you! 

And the Lord is saying: "A major shift is coming! From the old to the new! It has begun!" 

Very interestingly, do you know Joshua actually had a name change prior to that? Many people actually don't know about this. So, it's not just people like Jacob or Abram who had name change. You know that, from Jacob to Israel, from Abram to Abraham. Each of these name change brought with it a change of character, and in turn, a change of fortune as well. Now, I'm not saying we all should go to the registration office and change our name. But what I'm saying is there will be a change of character and change of fortune in the spirit for you. And this change is to the better!

You see, throughout the Scripture, a name change is very significant and pivotal. One major example that we all know is from Jacob to Israel. That change led to something greater. So, it's not just about character change. It's more than that. 

How about Joshua? Let me show you in the Scripture. Numbers 13:8 (NKJV) says, '...from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun...' Notice this name 'Hoshea'. And then, Numbers 13:16 (NKJV) says, 'These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land (the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey). And Moses called Hoshea, the son of Nun, Joshua.' 

See? From Hoshea to Joshua! And it was Moses himself who called Hoshea a new name, Joshua. Now, that was a preparation point for something of greater significance to happen in Joshua's life. For the record, Moses at that time was getting his people to spy out the land of Canaan, the land which the Lord was about to give them. But you see, everyone who went to spy came back with negative report. They were afraid to take the land. There were two exceptions: Joshua and Caleb. They had a different mindset. They came back with good report. They saw new horizons and new opportunities, instead of difficulties. And you know what? The rest is history for Joshua and Caleb. They went into the Promised Land and conquered the land. 

Have you ever wondered what is the meaning of the old name 'Hoshea' and the new name 'Joshua'? 'Hoshea', the old name, simply means 'salvation' or 'deliverance'. How about 'Joshua'? 'Joshua', the new name, or rather, 'Yehoshua' as written in the Hebrew Bible, means 'YHWH saves' or 'YHWH delivers'. Some people may not notice this. But you see, something greater has been added! Where is the difference between the old and the new, 'Hoshea' and 'Yehoshua'? That difference is the name of the Lord God Almighty, YHWH, has been added to his name! 

To a stranger, that may not mean anything much. Nothing to shout about. But God! To God, and in the spiritual realm, it was like a major shift! It was like a major earthquake in the spirit that was about to shake and change history. And change it did! It was pivotal. It was of great significance. A change that marked the beginning of a new destiny and new journey for Joshua. And beginning at that point, God was assuring him that He is with Joshua. God's with him. God's backing him up in this new destiny and new journey. Joshua is not alone in this. God paved the way for him. And most importantly, God's with him in all the battles going forward! 

Now, the same it is with you, like Joshua, whatever 'opening' that God has for you, going forward! 

In Greek, this name 'Yehoshua' ('Joshua' in our English Bible) is translated 'Iesous'. This is actually the same form as Jesus' name in the New Testament. So, as you can see here, 'Yehoshua' (or 'Joshua') is a typology or a 'type' of 'Yeshua' (or 'Jesus'). 

For Yeshua (or Jesus), it was also at Jordan River that was pivotal. What happened there? He was baptized by John the Baptist there. You know what happened then and there? Heaven opened! The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus like a dove. Now, mark this word 'descended', because I'm going to explain it to you later. Not only the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus, a voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 

You know what's the pivot there? That marked the beginning of something new in Yeshua's time on earth. And now you see the same for Yehoshua (or Joshua) in Joshua chapter 1. The Lord was preparing him to lead the people to cross that same Jordan River into the Promised Land. And the Lord said to Joshua: "Be strong and be of good courage. Do not be afraid, for I, YHWH, am with you." 

What is the significance of this Jordan River? There's a similarity here both to Jesus and Joshua. This Jordan River was pivotal to both of them. The name 'Jordan' is 'Yarden' in Hebrew, which is derived from the word 'yarad', meaning 'to descend' or 'to flow down'. 

In other words, like river of water flowing down from the mountain. Like a waterfall falling upon you. The spiritual significance of this is just as the river of water flows down from top to bottom, God's revelation, God's power, and God's Spirit flows down from heaven to earth upon you! You know what this means? All the good that God has for you from above is now beginning to fall on you! Receive this by faith! This is the revelation today. And this includes new ideas from above, new strategies from above, and even new strength from above! 

No wonder Joshua never looked back ever since. Now, the same it is for you, beloved. Amen! 

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Why is it important to 'watch and pray'?

The Lord says He is in the midst of raising up many watchmen in this time and season. These are spiritual watchmen who would hear from Him and release His words to prepare the people for what's going to happen. They would even give early warning for any impending danger or potential trouble, so as to prevent certain evil or danger from happening to the people.

By the way, when it is mentioned 'watchmen' here, it can also be women. Indeed the Lord is raising up many such men and women for such a time as this. 

There are many references in the Scripture about 'watchmen'. For example, in 2 Kings 9:17, it is written, 'The watchman on the tower of Jezreel saw Jehu and his company approaching, so he shouted to Joram, "I see a company of troops coming!" King Joram then ordered, "Send out a rider to ask if they are coming in peace."'. 

Here, you can see that one function of watchmen is to keep watch against any physical threat or danger to a particular city. Those days, in cities, especially important cities, watchmen would be positioned on the high walls or at watchtowers, so that they can see far ahead into the distance, in order to keep watch against potential threat or danger against the city.

Today, we will look at the definition of this word 'watchman' according to the Scripture, and the functions of 'watchman', especially in the context of our New Testament times. 

The word 'watchman' here is from the word 'tsawfaw' in Hebrew, and it can mean any of these: 

- to peer into the distance;

- to lean forward and watch over;

- to be alert and be on the look out;

- to keep watch and observe;

- to sound the alarm and give a warning. 

Of course, watchmen can be physical watchmen, but it can also be spiritual watchmen, which is our topic of interest today. 

Why 'watchmen'? 

In the Scripture, 'watchmen' are like the guards who are given the task of protecting cities, towns, farms, and even fields. They are tasked with protecting all these from surprise enemy attacks or other potential dangers. They would keep watch and warn the people in the city of any potential threat or attack from outsiders. Not just that, watchmen are also tasked as 'scouts' to be on the look out for approaching visitors into the city, whether friends or enemies, as you can see just now in 2 Kings 9:17, when King Joram was inquiring if the visitors were coming in peace or not. Of course, what you see here in this verse was 'watchman' in the physical sense. But 'watchman' can also be in the context of spiritual and prophetic sense. 

You see, generally, everyone should be watching and praying. Jesus Himself said to His disciples to watch and pray (Mark 14:38). So, generally, everyone should watch and pray! However, some are appointed by the Lord for specific purposes as spiritual watchmen. And usually, they will have the prophetic dimension with them. Some are appointed by the Lord to be watchmen for a certain ministry, for a certain entity, for a certain family, for the nation (or nations), and some are watchmen for the Body of Christ. 

What do they do? 

They would be interceding. They would be 'standing in the gap' to ask the Lord to intervene, for example, for the future of a particular nation, or for what is happening in the Body of Christ. This is crucial especially in a challenging time like now. 

So you see, the Lord does appoint spiritual watchmen in preparing His people in this end-time. And He is preparing His people for what's coming in each time and season, and even sounding the alarm for what's coming. Why? In order to prevent His people from falling into trap, pitfalls, or temptation. 

But of course watchmen's task can sometimes be very challenging in its nature. Because not everyone would accept what they say. You can see that in Hosea 9:8, 'The prophet is a watchman over Israel for my God, yet traps are laid for him wherever he goes. He faces hostility even in the house of God.' 

Watchmen may face hostility from outside the Body of Christ, but watchmen may also face hostility from within, even among the believers. You see, there can be a situation when genuine prophetic voices are not heeded by the people, and these watchmen are even persecuted by their own people. Because many people tend to only want to hear what they want to hear, and reject what they don't want to hear. This is the 'price to pay' if one is called as one of those spiritual watchmen of the Lord. 

But if you are a spiritual watchman for the Lord, and you know you are one of those whom the Lord has appointed especially in this challenging, perilous time, I want to encourage you. Blessed are you! Because even though you may be persecuted in different ways, the Lord is with you! 

In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus Himself said: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Hallelujah! It means the kingdom of heaven is upon you, working in you, and working through you. And you are the expression of the kingdom of heaven on earth. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen! Jesus continued: "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." This is the cross-reference to Hosea 9:8 that we read just now. 

So watchmen, keep being faithful before the Lord, and keep speaking as His mouthpiece. Let Him put His words in your mouth. As you speak and declare, and as you do as He tells you to do, things are going to change according to His will. He is not dead. He is still very much alive. And He is still intervening. If there are times you don't know what to pray specifically, pray in the spirit, because praying in the spirit is praying in the perfect will of God. You are calling heavens down. You are calling the perfect will of God down on this earth. Amen! 

I want to pray for all the spiritual watchmen in our midst today. I pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to rest on you. I pray that your spiritual eyes will continue to be enlightened, to see and gaze into the many things in the spiritual realm. You are going to see many more things in the spiritual realm that the Lord wants to show to you. The Lord has appointed you for such a time as this, and not man. I want to release this anointing upon you. Grace upon grace be with you, and you will grow in this ministry, from faith to faith, from grace to grace, from glory to glory. Amen! Hallelujah! 

Prayer: "O Lord God, we thank You for Your words today that You are in the midst of raising up many spiritual watchmen. We bless Your holy name. We want to be faithful to be who You have appointed us to be. Teach us to be vigilant and alert to Your revelations. Teach us to function in more effective ways for Your name's sake and for Your glory. We humble ourselves before You, and we allow You to use us as You wish. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

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Prophetic words: A new generation is arising!

The Lord says: "A new generation of apostolic and prophetic people is arising. For I will raise up a people who are bold to walk with Me and speak what I speak, even in a time when the spirit of antichrist is also arising. But My people will triumph. I will put My words in their mouth, and not them putting their words in My mouth. For I will raise up a people who fear no man, or are men pleasers, but a people who say only as I say, and do as I command."

Indeed, the Lord is raising up such people in this time. These are not men-pleasers. Men-pleasers are people who speak only what men wants to hear, what is sensational to their ears, or what is music to their ears. But it may not be what God says. They even put words in God's mouth, even though God never says it. Now, that's very dangerous.

But praise the Lord, because He is raising up a people who will not fear man, but fear the Lord. These are people who will not bow down to the Babylonian ways in the world. By the way, 'Babylon' is from the word 'Babel'. This speaks of men trying to build a name for themselves, or men trying to build their own empires, instead of allowing God to build His kingdom in His way.

The Lord is also raising up a people who will serve Him sincerely without being engrossed with wanting fame, position, or social status. In other words, these are like the reluctant people. Jeremiah was one. Elijah was one. In fact, after the wilderness experience, Moses was also one. These are people who have the sincerity of heart and will not put on a front or put on a show for others to see in the outward. Because the Lord is saying He is looking for people who are real. It means what you see in their outside is who they really are in the inside. They are not hypocrites.

These are apostolic and prophetic people who will declare as God declares, and say as God says. When He says so, they say so. When He says no, they say no.

One example is Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:4-8 says: 'The Lord gave me this message: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations." But Jeremiah said, "O Sovereign Lord, I can't speak for You! I'm too young!" The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!"'

The time is coming when people who don't want it, the Lord is choosing them. And people who want it so much (but with wrong intention or motive), the Lord will turn His head away.

May you be one of those whom the Lord says, "This is a right one. This is a person who is real. This is a person who will not put on a show. And this is a person who will say, 'Yes Sir!' to whatever I have spoken for them to say and to do."

Jeremiah 1:9-10 says: 'Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, "Look, I have put My words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant."'

Interestingly, the name 'Jeremiah' is 'Yirme Yah' in Hebrew. There can be different definitions to this name. But I'm going to show you four. It can mean 'YHWH lays the foundation', 'YHWH establishes', 'YHWH appoints', or 'YHWH sends'.

In this time, He is laying the foundation in His people, He is establishing His people, He is appointing His people, and He is sending His people. Many of them have been 'hidden'. They don't look for attention. They don't want to be known. But the Lord knew them. And He is raising them up in such a time.

By the way, this new generation the Lord is talking about has nothing to do with physical age. Rather, the Lord is speaking about a new mindset, a new wineskin for the new wine that He is pouring forth. It is about those who have the same mentality as the Lord's - those who see the way He sees, not how man sees. 

So, it's not about one's physical age. It means one may be in his 50's, 60's, 70's or even beyond, but yet he sees the way God sees. Yet there are people who may be in their 30's, 40's, or 50's who may still be bound by lots of man-made traditions or old wineskins. And when the new wine comes, the old wineskin is going to break. So, it's not about one's physical age. Just look at Caleb and Joshua in Moses' days. Yet the Lord caused them to enter the Promised Land. Why? Because they saw how God saw. 

And this is the kind of people whom the Lord is raising up in such a time.

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Prophetic words: Your transition time is coming to an end!

The Lord says: 

"For many of My people, your time of transition is coming to an end. There will be a fresh new outlook. There will be a fresh new start. New and exciting things are coming your way. Persevere through this last push. Persevere through this final push. Stay strong in Me and keep your focus on Me. Never let the enemy to cause you to be disoriented or out of focus. Because My light is waiting for you at the end of the tunnel."

Hallelujah! This is a good news for you who look to God! Your transition time is coming to an end, and your breakthrough is just around the corner! God is in the midst of setting you free from your past, and you will see yourself starting afresh and anew!

Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.' 

In a time of transition like this, and when you need to persevere through this last push, look to God for His strength. He is a very present help for you. We thank God for His past help. But God is saying right now 'a very present help'. It shows that He is near to you. He is not far from you. He is not nowhere. But He is now here with you! He will see you through this time of transition, and He will lead you forth from here! I declare that new and exciting things are coming your way!

Psalm 46:4 (NKJV) says, 'There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.' 

'River' here speaks of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because Holy Spirit has the nature like a river. And what does a river do? River cleanses you from all the "rubbish and dirt" in your life. River washes you from all your past guilt and condemnation. Not just that. River also refreshes. River is always life-giving. 'River' is therefore a 'picture' of life, joy and peace of the Lord! And God has promised you this 'river'! 

That's why you have every reason to rejoice at this juncture of your life! Just don't look back at your past. Look ahead. You can learn from your past. But look ahead. I declare that greater things are ahead of you, and the best is yet to come! 

Let me explain a little on Psalm 46:4. Here, the psalmist actually gave a 'picture' of the abundant provision of a river for the city of God (i.e. the city of Jerusalem). This is actually a prophetic declaration by the psalmist, because geographically speaking, Jerusalem does not have such a river, except for a few small streams. Yet the psalmist anticipated the day is coming when a mighty river would flow in the city of God and flow from the temple of God itself! 

How to apply this to your life as a believer under the New Covenant? 

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit! And like the river flowing in the temple in Jerusalem, this river (i.e. the Holy Spirit) is now flowing in you, through you, and out of you!

Right now, as you read this, let the Lord release His abundant provision of His life-giving river, joy-giving river, and peace-giving river into your life, especially in those areas that have been 'dead' or dull! 

Psalm 46:10-11 (NKJV) says, 'Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.' 

The word 'still' here is 'raphah' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'let go (to God), restful, cease from your restlessness'. 

In other words, as you let go (to God), be restful in Him, and cease from your restlessness, know that He is God, He is still in control of your life, He has a destiny for your life, and He will make good His promises for your life! 

Interestingly, this word 'raphah' here has the same root as the word 'rapha'. The Lord our God is the Jehovah Rapha. And 'rapha' in Hebrew can mean 'heal, repair, cure, made well, made whole'. 

You know what this means? As you are being restful before the Lord, know that He is beginning the process of 'rapha', i.e. healing you, repairing your situation, curing you, making you well, and making you whole! Spirit, soul, body! And in whatever situation you may be facing at the moment!

Do you see the correlation between 'being still before the Lord' and 'your breakthrough'?

So, in a time and season like this, receive the river from above to heal you and restore you. Release and let go all those past hurts, pains, and fears to Jesus. See all these being carried away on the cross. Receive the grace to forgive yourself and forgive others who have hurt you. Condemn yourself no more for your past wrongs or mistakes. Last but not least, receive His unfailing love for you. Remember, you are loved by God not because of what you've done, but because of who you are in Him. You are a beloved of God! 

Let us pray: 

"O Lord God, we thank You that our time of transition is coming to an end. We receive by faith new and exciting things in our lives. We thank You that You are giving us a fresh new outlook and a fresh new start. We receive Your strength right now. We receive Your grace right now. We will not let the enemy to cause us to be disoriented or out of focus. We focus on You instead, O Lord God, and we declare that our victory and breakthrough is now here! In Jesus' name. Amen." 

Click here for the full prophetic message in TiC YouTube Channel 

Prophetic words for 2022: A major shift is coming!

Prophetic words for 2022:

"A great reshuffling will begin to happen from the year 2022 onwards, be it in My body (the body of Christ) or in the world! A major shift and restructuring is coming! But for those who remember My covenant and walk in My covenant, fear not, for I will know how to release My wisdom and favor upon them!"

Beloved and friends, 2022 is a year to remember God's covenant and walk in God's covenant. This is so, so important. From the very onset of this year, stay firm in God's covenant and continue to walk in God's covenant, no matter what you see happening around you in this world, whether it's in the economy or in any aspect of the society in this world. 

Always remember your God is a God of covenant, and He remembers you.

The word 'reshuffling' can mean 'reorganizing, restructuring, change in positioning'. All in all, you are going to see some major changes in the economic world, political world and geopolitical world from the year 2022 onwards. This is only the beginning, and will continue to happen in the next five years.

Further words from the Lord:

"For the year 2022, there's going to be major 'change of guards', both in My body (the body of Christ) and in the world. There's going to be a re-strategizing of My army, as I prepare My people for the coming glory. Watch and pray. Stay pure and innocent. Be alert and be vigilant to My moves in the spiritual realm. Choose to move in alignment with Me, and you will never be left out."

What can you expect in the year 2022?

Major shaking, both in good ways and bad ways - in the economic world, political world, and geopolitical world. But as the Lord has spoken, fear not! For those who are covenanted people of the Lord, remember your covenant with Him and walk in your covenant with Him. Stay firm and rooted in the Word of God. Be led by the Spirit of God. And that's how you'll be positioned for the greater things that's coming and for the greater glory of the Lord in your life! There will be supernatural wisdom and favor being released to those who look to Him this year!

Restoration of God's original plan. More and more eyes will be opened and enlightened by the Spirit of the Lord for people to return to His ways. This will continue to gain momentum - whether in how people do church, how people see church, or how people shift in their understanding of what church really is.

Man-made ways or man-made systems will be shaken further. Babylonian systems will not be sustainable, as happened at Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). You are going to see major restructuring and major reshuffling in many aspects of the society in this world, and even more so in the body of Christ. This is just the beginning, and will gain more momentum in the next five years. As far as God's people are concerned, and as far as God's church, the body of Christ is concerned, God is in the midst of restoring whatever that has been lost, whatever that the man-made ways (the Babylonian systems) has infiltrated His church, the body of Christ. God is beginning to shake these Babylonians systems out of the way, and God is beginning to restore His church to what He has originally meant it to be, the way and the pattern that the Word of God has spoken about what church should be.

This year 2022, it is very important to build your altar to the Lord (Genesis 8:20-21). In other words, come before the Lord, worship Him in spirit and in truth, especially in your personal time of worship, and of course together with your family. Build an altar to the Lord as a family, from your heart. As a believer in the New Covenant, you don't have to build a physical altar like Noah did those days. Instead, your altar is from your heart, as you worship the Lord in spirit and truth, wherever you and your family are. Keep looking to Jesus, keep looking to what He has done for you on the cross, keep remembering His covenant with you, and keep walking in His covenant with you. And that’s how you and your family will begin to see His glory, His light, His anointing, His wisdom, and His favor being manifested, even in ways you cannot imagine possible. For those who receive from the Lord, there will be new open doors that will pleasantly surprise you, and you'll be amazed even the power of darkness will be afraid of you, just as happened to Noah and his family (Genesis 9:1-2).

Click here for the full prophetic message in TiC YouTube Channel

Core values in prophetic ministering

I can't emphasize this enough! It is so important to open ourselves to the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit, instead of the wrong spirit (or the spirits) that is in this world.

Acts 2:4 (NKJV) says, 'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance'.

Acts 4:31 (NKJV) says, 'And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness'.

Notice the expression 'filled with the Holy Spirit' here? As the people were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak with other tongues (Acts 2:4), and on another occasion, they spoke the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Now, what does the above verses have to do with our topic today about 'Core values in prophetic ministering'? 

And why do I begin by writing about the importance of being filled with the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit? 

The answer is simply because one core value in God's prophetic ministry is being filled with the right spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit, instead of being influenced by any other spirit or spirits in this world! Some examples of 'any other spirit in this world' are spirit of Jezebel (i.e. controlling and manipulating spirit), spirit of greed (i.e. greed for more money, fame, name, power, attention, or popularity), spirit of lust, and spirit of pride.

In 2 Chronicles chapter 18, you can see the contrast between a prophet who was filled with the Spirit of God and the other prophets who were influenced by the spirits of this world. 

2 Chronicles chapter 18 begins with two kings, namely Ahab (king of Israel) and Jehoshaphat (king of Judah) making an agreement to join forces and attack Ramoth in Gilead (which at that time was in the hands of king of Syria). Ahab, the wicked king, managed to persuade and induce Jehoshaphat to do so (2 Chronicles 18:1-3), but Jehoshaphat was godly enough to ask if this plan (to attack Ramoth in Gilead) is the Lord's will. 

2 Chronicles 18:4-6 (Expanded Bible) says, 'Jehoshaphat also said to Ahab, "But first we should ask if this is the Lord’s will [seek/inquire about the word/counsel of the Lord]." So king Ahab [the king of Israel] called [assembled; summoned] four hundred prophets together and asked them, "Should we go to war against Ramoth in Gilead or not [hold back]?" They answered, "Go, because God will hand them over to you." But Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn’t there still a prophet of the Lord here? Let’s ask [inquire of] him."'

Apparently, Jehoshaphat wasn't convinced by the 'prophetic' words of these four hundred prophets, and he asked if there's still a prophet of the Lord whom they could inquire of. And that's when prophet Micaiah, a true prophet of the Lord came into picture. 

2 Chronicles 18:7-8 (Expanded) says, 'Then King Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "There is one other prophet. We could ask [inquire of] the Lord through him, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything good about me, but always something bad [evil; disaster]. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." Jehoshaphat said, "King Ahab, you shouldn’t say that [such things]!" So Ahab king of Israel told one of his officers [officials] to bring Micaiah to him at once'.

Very interestingly, the name 'Micaiah' (or 'Miyka-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Who is like Yah?' or 'Who is like the Lord?'. And you know what this name implies? There is no insignificant detail in the Bible. Who is like the Lord? Why? Because the Lord is different from any other spirit in this world! And just as the Spirit of the Lord is different from any other spirit in this world, prophet Micaiah was also different from any of those four hundred 'prophets' at that time!

 

How about the word 'Imlah' here? This is just as interesting! It is 'Yimlah' in Hebrew, and it simply means 'full, fullness', which speaks of 'being filled with the fullness of the Lord'! You see? That made the difference! Micaiah was a man full of the Spirit of the Lord, and he did not allow himself to be influenced by any other spirit in this world! Now, this is the mark of a true prophetic ministry. A true prophetic ministry of the Lord cannot allow itself to be influenced by any other spirit in this world, or be 'bought over' by man (or by the world).

Of course, there's a price to pay when a prophetic ministry stays true to the Lord. Such ministry may be 'persecuted', 'shelved' or 'frozen' by men who would 'only want to hear what they want to hear'. But the truth is it is better to be in obedience to the Lord than to compromise. The Lord will know how to honor such ministry. 

What happened later in 2 Chronicles chapter 18 was that king Ahab refused to heed prophet Micaiah's words. After putting Micaiah into prison, king Ahab went ahead to attack Ramoth in Gilead, despite prophet Micaiah warning against it. In other words, king Ahab only wanted to hear what he wanted to hear. That eventually led to the tragic end for king Ahab, and he died in the battle (2 Chronicles 18:34). 

As for king Jehoshaphat, he survived the battle when he cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard his cries and helped him. The Lord did see some good in him, in that he (as king of Judah) had sought the Lord and looked to the Lord all those years as a king. However, the Lord did rebuke him later for going to war together with king Ahab (2 Chronicles 19:1-3).

What can we learn from the passages above?

As prophetic ministries, it is important not to allow ourselves to be influenced or 'enticed' by whatever man or this world offers. Close the 'doors' on all those influences or 'enticements' of this world. Stay true to the calling that the Lord has given us. 

As prophetic ministries, when the Lord says so, we say so. When the Lord says no, we say no. When the Lord says ABC, we say ABC; not ABCD or AB. Nothing more, nothing less. We are to say as He says. That is what a 'mouthpiece' is supposed to be. And when the Lord stays silent, we stay silent.

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Prophetic words for the year 2018: A year of the supernatural and unexpected blessings!

These are the prophetic words that I heard from the Lord for the year 2018:
"This is a year of many supernatural events, manifestations and healings. It is a year of many unexpected happenings and unexpected blessings, even against all odds. Like Saul, whom no one would expect to experience the great light and be turned into Paul, so will there be many unexpected happenings in 2018! This is a year of many 'suddenlies', but fear not, for as long as you fix your eyes on Me, you shall see My purposes in your life come to pass, even in ways you have never thought possible."

People of God, this is also a year of many new beginnings, because the Lord is doing a resetting and giving you a headstart this year! Look not at what happened in your past, and watch Him restore His purposes in your life this year, especially in the areas you have been under attack, delayed, or it seemed impossible to 'launch' in the past. There is a breath of fresh air that He is releasing to His people this year. A new strength is being released. A new hope is being released. It is a time of launching into the deep, like in Luke 5:4 when Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch." Moments before that, Simon Peter and the other fishermen had toiled all night, but caught nothing. It had been a demoralizing experience for them. But this time, as they heeded Jesus' words, the unexpected happened, and they caught a great number of fish, way beyond what they thought possible, and their net was breaking, so much so they had to signal the others to come and help them! (Luke 5:5-6)

The word 'reset' is an interesting word. It can be defined as 'to set things (afresh and anew) again'. It is like you resetting your password. Why do people reset their password? People do so to enhance security, or if they have forgotten their old password, or simply because they wanted a 'fresh start'. In the context of what the Lord is saying here, He is helping you to 're-strategize' for the greater things ahead of you, and so that the enemy cannot 'touch' you or 'compromise' you. This is also a year of many 'headstarts' for God's people. In the context here, it means 'to gain a certain advantage (or favor) that others don't have'. The 'advantage' here comes by heeding the words of the Lord that He is speaking specifically to each of you.

The key book in the Bible to start the year off right is the book of Acts.

Reading from the book of Acts, after the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-39), the church grew in ways not possible by works of men alone. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. Miracles, signs and wonders accompanied the preaching of the good news of Jesus Christ, and through the hands of the apostles, many were healed and set free from unclean spirits. The church was flourishing, and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:40-47).

But then came the persecution. And there also arose a man named Saul, who was consenting to the believers' death, and he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:1-3). Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way (Jesus), he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2).

But God! Acts 9:3-5 then says, 'As he (Saul) journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."' Saul trembled before the Almighty, and was so overwhelmed by the 'great light' that he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:6-9). He was then converted (Acts 9:10-19), and began preaching Christ in the synagogues, much to the amazement of those who heard him (Acts 9:20-22).

You see, Saul's life was being reset through the 'great light experience', and it happened at a time when the purposes of the Lord for the church seemed to be hindered. It was indeed a supernatural event, and an unexpected blessing to the church when Saul became a changed man (he was later named Paul). And that was how the church had a fresh impetus, a 'headstart', and the good news of Jesus Christ eventually spread throughout the whole world! 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, 'For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ'. If 'Saul' speaks of your 'old self', then 'Paul' speaks of your 'new self'. It was a total turnaround for him, and it has to be God who's at work!

The one supernatural event that stood out as I was reading this passage in the book of Acts is in Acts 9:17-18, when Ananias (a certain disciple of the Lord at Damascus) came into the house where Saul was, and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared  to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately there fell from Saul's eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Saul (who was later named Paul) never looked back since then, and he went on to become an apostle who was greatly used by the Lord, and one who wrote about half of the entire New Testament! Speaking of 'spiritual insights' and 'revelation' of the Lord!

People of God, the year 2018 is also a year God is releasing 'spiritual insights' to you like you have never seen before in your life. The word 'insight' simply means 'the capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of something'. As you look ahead in this new year 2018, may you also walk in such deep 'spiritual insight', just as 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says, 'But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God'. Amen.

Prophetic words for the year 2017: A year of great outpouring and a year to be set free!

I heard these words from the Lord for the year 2017:
"This is a year of great outpouring from heaven! A year of many signs and wonders! This is a year of the Church on fire! The glorious fire! This fire is the fire of the Holy Spirit! This fire shall light up the Church and overcome the darkness that surrounds it. Humble yourselves therefore, and you shall see a brand new authority being given to you and a fresh anointing being poured out on you."

I then heard further:
"This is also a year of great deliverance for those who look to Me! For I will deliver you out of the hand of the 'Pharaoh' in your life, and I will set you free, just as I have done for Israel through My servant Moses."

Some of you might ask, "What are the 'Pharaohs' in my life?"

'Pharaoh' is 'paroh' in Hebrew, and it comes from the root word 'para', meaning 'to refuse'. It speaks of 'anyone/anything that refuses you (or tries to stop you) from walking in the will of God'. But the good news is the Lord is setting free many of His people this year, to be who (and what) God has meant for them to be!

Let's look at the name 'Moses' now, and see what this name means in our context. It is 'Mosheh' in Hebrew, literally meaning 'drawing out (of the water)', and it comes from the word 'mashah' meaning 'to pull out (from danger), to rescue'. Indeed, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all like Moses, being rescued from 'drowning' in this world filled with sin and curse!

And for those of you who have been in 'wilderness' (like Moses had), this is a year for you to receive a brand new authority to do great exploits for the Lord! You will be set free from the 'lid' or 'limitation' that has been put against you all these while. For some of you, a God-given calling that has been 'suppressed' and 'stifled' (by people or circumstances in the past) will surface again. For some others, a talent that has been 'hidden' or 'refused' will emerge again. But this time, there's going to be a fresh anointing upon you, even in ways you have never imagined possible!

Let's go to the Scripture now.

Exodus 3:1-8 (NKJV) says, 'Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn." So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land. to a land flowing with milk and honey..."'

By the way, the word 'Egypt' here is 'Mitsrayim' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'besieged, in bondage, being limited'.

As you can see here, a time of great deliverance was at hand, and God saw Moses ready this time around. A God-given calling had indeed surfaced again, but now with a brand new authority and a fresh anointing!

Notice in Exodus 4:1-5, Moses answered the Lord and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The Lord has not appeared to you'". And that's when the Lord asked, "What is that in your hand?" And Moses said, "A rod." The Lord then asked him to cast the rod on the ground, and then reach out his hand to take it again. 

The word 'rod' here in Hebrew is 'matteh', which speaks of 'a rod for walking and ruling purposes'. It speaks of 'guidance (as you walk with the Lord), and authority (as you do great exploits for the Lord)'. A rod can also be used to chase away the 'enemies'.

Notice in Exodus 4:20, the Lord actually called 'the rod of Moses' as 'the rod of God'! See? 'The rod of Moses' became 'the rod of God'!

You know what this means? The Lord can use what is yours (e.g. talents, giftings, etc) and turn it into a great instrument for His glory! And as Moses stretched out this 'rod', signs and wonders happened, and even the Red Sea opened up!

People of God, as you look ahead to this new year 2017, fear not, because the Lord will be with you and go with you. Believe and receive this assurance by faith. Let the Lord also use what is in your hand, and bring tremendous blessing to you, through you, and to the lives around you this year. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Prophetic words for the Hebrew year 5777

Here are the prophetic words for the Hebrew year 5777 (released at Triumph in Christ on Sunday, October 2, 2016):
"This is a key year to take back what you have lost. For I will give you My sword, and I will give you a new zeal! This is a year of My Church arising! Let My Church arise! Let My Church arise! This is a year My Church will begin to arise in ways that the world has never seen or thought possible!"

'My sword' = revelation in the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 12:11).
'New zeal' = a new zeal for His house (John 2:13-17).

"This is a year to gain new territories and walk into the new territories. The enemy will try to make you think otherwise, but I will send you My supplies, and I will send you My ammunitions, even in ways that you have never expected it to happen."

'My supplies' speaks of 'support'.
'My ammunitions' speaks of 'weapons'.

'New territories' speaks of:
- areas you have never been before;
- things you have never done before.

Instructions from the Lord as you cross over the Hebrew year 5777:
"Keep sowing seeds of My love and My kindness, no matter how turbulent this world has become! Keep sowing seeds of My Word! For whatever a man sows, he will also reap! Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, you will surely reap, if you do not lose heart."

Galatians 6:7-10 says, 'Do not be deceived. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith'.

In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus says, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

As I was asking the Lord what the 'ammunitions' mean in the prophetic words for the year 5777, the Lord then gave a key chapter for this coming year: 1 Corinthians 13.
Not missiles, bombs, 'lone wolves', or suicide squads, and contrary to what many people think, the answer is God's love and kindness.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says, 'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing'.

'love' = 'agapê' in Greek = benevolence (love + kindness).

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 then says, 'Love suffers long (is patient) and love is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away'.

'kind' here is from the word 'chrestos' in Greek, meaning 'goodness, and gracious' (not just in words, but in action).

The love and compassion of Jesus
Matthew 9:35-38 says, 'Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."'

People of God, as we usher in the new Hebrew year 5777 (leading us into the secular year 2017), receive the love of God from on high. This love is God's heavenly love. This love will not fail, when everything else on earth fails. This love is the love of Christ. Romans 5:5 says, 'Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us'.

As you receive this love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8) and be filled with His love, let this love overflow to others. Amen.

Not a time to retreat or give up!

I released these words as I was ministering last Sunday:
"This is not a time to retreat or give up! Eat of My food all the more, and drink of My drink all the more! Like I have spoken to Elijah those days! There's so much more that I have in store for you, and there's so much more that I want to show you! Receive My strength and be healed in your situation!"

The word 'retreat' is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as '(especially of an army, etc) withdraw when faced with danger or difficulty'.

We are going to do a little study today on the life and ministry of Elijah.

So, who is Elijah? Let's go right into 1 Kings 17:1 when the name Elijah was first mentioned in the Bible. This verse says, 'And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to (king) Ahab, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word."'

Not much is known about Elijah's background, and Bible scholars have differing views on which tribe he's from. This simply goes to show that it doesn't matter what your background is (or who your forefathers are), but as long as you walk with the Lord and fear the Lord, He will be with you and use you for His glory!

'Elijah' is 'EliYah' in Hebrew, from two words, 'El' (meaning 'God') and 'Yah' (meaning 'the Lord God Almighty who is Self-Existent and Eternal'), and this name is a 'picture' of 'God's people today who represent the Lord and being used by the Lord'. The Word of God says in Malachi 4:5-6, 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers...'

Indeed, we are living in these end of days, and these are the days of Elijah! The life and ministry of Elijah (written in 1 Kings and 2 Kings) therefore 'foreshadows' what is happening in these last days when the Lord our God confronts the god (i.e. Baal, or master) of this world!

Interestingly, the word 'Tishbite' ('tishbiy' in Hebrew) means 'the source of help', and the word 'Gilead' ('gilad' in Hebrew) can mean 'caring, or affection (like a brother)'. People of God, you too are born and raised for such a time to be 'the source of help' to this world, 'the light and the salt' (Matthew 5:13-16) to this world! And as brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ in this whole wide world, you and I belong to a community ('inhabitants') that's supposed to be 'caring and affectionate'!

And if 'Elijah' speaks of 'the people of the Lord today', then 'Ahab' speaks of 'those who follow the god (or gods) of this world'. The Bible describes Ahab as a king who did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him (1 Kings 16:30), and he did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger more than all the kings of Israel who were before him (1 Kings 16:33). He also took Jezebel as his wife, and served and worshiped Baal, i.e. 'the god (or master) of this world' (1 Kings 16:31-32).

Let's move on. 1 Kings 17:2-4 then says, 'Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, "Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."

Here, the Lord wanted Elijah to go to the Brook Cherith and be fed supernaturally. This is a 'picture' of God's people drinking from the Living Waters, i.e. the Holy Spirit, and eating from the Word of God. The word 'Cherith' ('keriyth' in Hebrew) in this verse comes from this word 'karath', meaning 'to cut off'.

In the midst of the 'hustle and bustle' of this world and the distractions of human voices, the Lord is calling His people to learn to 'sit still' and 'receive' from Him, instead of 'running everywhere' in search of answers to their situation (or situations). The truth is we all need to take some time to be alone with the Lord, and to 'cut off' from the world (and its noises)!
Note: Jesus did it too with His Abba Father while on earth, and He literally set an example for all of us today! In Luke 6:12-13, He spent the whole night alone with His Abba Father before making a major decision (of choosing His twelve disciples)!

It is then that the Lord will lead you and guide you, from season to season, and from place to place! And that's exactly what happened to Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:8-9, the Lord said to Elijah, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you."

See the words 'Arise' and 'go' here?

After that, in 1 Kings 18:1, the Bible says, 'And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year (of the drought), saying, "Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth."'

King Ahab had been searching high and low for Elijah all these years in order to kill him for 'cursing Israel' with drought! And when Ahab saw him, he said, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" (1 Kings 18:17) But Elijah answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals." (1 Kings 18:18)

And there was Elijah, 'presenting himself' before the powerful king, and completely outnumbered! He was to face the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19), and what he did to 'challenge' the 'king' seemed like a 'lost cause', foolish in the eyes of the world! As a matter of fact, it wasn't so much about 'Elijah' versus 'Ahab' here (as Ahab had made it out to be), but rather 'the Lord God' versus 'the god (gods) of this world'!

What mattered most was Elijah knew the Lord was with him, and he knew the Lord had spoken! And true to God's words, victory came, and the rain returned! (1 Kings 18:20-46)

People of God, at times when it looks like you are 'losing it', keep looking to the Lord your God, and keep trusting in what He has spoken to you, no matter what you see happening in this world. He is a God who is very much alive today, and He will see you through! The Lord God whom Elijah worshiped is the same God who lives in you today! (Hebrews 13:8)

Let's go a little further before we end. Now, when Jezebel (Ahab's wife) heard about those great exploits of Elijah, and how he had executed all those prophets of Baal, she sent a messenger to him, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them tomorrow about this time."

Elijah then ran for his life, rather discouraged, and prayed that he might die, saying, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" (1 Kings 19:1-4)

But the Lord had other ideas! Here's what 1 Kings 19:5-8 say, 'Then as he (Elijah) lay and slept under a broom tree, an angel touched him, and said, "Arise and eat." Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel came back the second time, and touched him, and said, "Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you." So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God'.

People of God, today, the Lord also want you to know there's so much more that He has in store for you, and there's so much more that He wants to show you! Good things! Greater things! I therefore declare these words to you, wherever you are right now and whatever situation you are in right now! Take these words, and receive by faith! And never allow the 'enemy' to cause you to 'waver' and to 'doubt' the goodness of God!

This is a day to declare that you are set free from any discouragement! And like Elijah, eat of His food all the more, and drink of His drink all the more, and you too will be on your way to many more greater things to come in your life! Amen!