Trusting God for divine protection

In recent days, I've been dreaming about some people whom I know, and I saw them either heading towards danger or already in danger. Each time, I woke up to take authority and pray to prevent any evil or danger from happening to them.

For you as well, beloved of God, pray and believe also for the Lord's divine protection be with you, your loved ones, and whoever the Lord has put in your heart to pray for. 

Now, don't get me wrong. Not that at other times you don't pray for divine protection. But what I'm saying is this is a very important and crucial time to pray. Why do I say so? Because I heard the Lord saying these words: 

"Pray! A crucial time to pray! Be watchful and be alert to your surroundings! For the power of darkness has begun sending many cohorts to cause harm to My people. It is happening all around the world. But fear not! Look to Me for your divine protection and angelic protection. For I am your shield and your covering. I will lead you under the shelter of My wings." 

Psalm 91:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge...' 

In Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV), the Lord says, "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 word 'weapon' here is 'keliy' in Hebrew, and it literally means 'an apparatus or equipment (e.g. an artillery) to consume and destroy', from the word 'kalah' in Hebrew, meaning 'to consume' or 'to destroy'. 

The devil comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. But beloved of God, fear not! Because the Lord is assuring you that nothing that tries to consume or destroy you shall be able to do so. You know why? Because you are a beloved and a servant of the Lord, and your righteousness comes from the Lord!

In Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame scorch you." 

How reassuring! As a beloved of God, whether you are on the land, at the sea, or wherever you are, the Scripture says the Lord will be with you. Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At all times! The Lord will know how to protect you and shield you from any form of evil or danger, and from whatever that tries to "drown" you or "scorch" you, as long as you look to Him and put all your trust in Him! 

Psalm 121:5-8 (NKJV) says, 'The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand... The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore.'

You see, there's no exception here. All evil means all evil. In other words, the Lord preserves you from all kinds of evil and all kinds of danger. And no matter how strong the power of the enemy or the power of darkness may be, the Lord your God is greater than all these! 

Your 'right hand' speaks of your 'stronger hand'. It also speaks of your 'working hand'. In other words, the Lord is protecting all the works of your hand. The good works that you do with your hand!

Psalm 18:2-3 (NKJV) says, 'The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies.' 

So, call upon the Lord, and look to Him. Because He knows very well how to save you and deliver you from any form of evil and danger that is conjured up by the enemy. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your protection and for Your angels whom You've sent to guard us. We thank You for leading and guiding us under the shelter of Your wings. We look to You and we call upon You. We come to You, our fortress and our shield. We thank You for the Holy Spirit that continuously guides us and leads us. We thank You for the Scripture promises that we have confessed and declared today. We take You at Your Word. We believe every word that You have spoken through these verses. Yes, we believe even for our loved ones and for all those whom You have put in our hearts to pray for. In Jesus' name. Amen!"

Click here for the video in TiC YouTube Channel

Vision from the Lord: A wall of fire!

As I was seeking the Lord for the second half of this year 2025, the Lord gave Isaiah 41:17-20 that says: 

'The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, the myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine and the box tree together, that they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.' 

Notice these underlined statements: "I will open rivers", "I will plant in the wilderness", and "The hand of the Lord has done this". These are God's assurances of His help for you in the second half of this year. Receive by faith!

What does "I will open rivers" mean? 

Here you see God sent His miraculous supply of water to those who are thirsty or those who need it. Now, this is an assurance that the Lord your God has never and will never run out of supply or resources for you! 

What are the supplies that you need from God at this point of your life? Is it divine health? Is it divine wisdom? Is it divine revelation? Is it divine guidance (as to what He wants you to do ahead of you)? You name it! 

You see, He opens rivers where there is no river! In other words, He opens doors where there seems to be no door for you! So, take heart, beloved, and keep looking to the Lord! The Lord your God will see to it that you will not run dry! 

Not just that. He also plants trees in the wilderness! What does this mean? It means He makes any barren places or barren aspects of your life to be fruitful again! You see, He can turn the most barren of places and turn it into a fertile ground! Full of trees that bear fruits! The same it is for your life! He can do that for you! And you shall see that the hand of the Lord is doing this for you in the second half of this year! 

So beloved of God, whatever you have gone through in the first half of the year 2025, be it disappointment, or pain, or victory, or success, let God take it from here. Believe and receive that the second half of the year will be better (or much better) than the first half of the year. 

What's your part? Your part now is to re-dedicate yourself and every aspect of your life afresh and anew to the Lord!

In Isaiah 41:10-11, the Lord says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing..." 

And then, in Isaiah 41:13, the Lord says, "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'." 

The word 'help' here is 'azar' in Hebrew. It can mean  'to surround, to protect, to aid'. So, whatever you are going through at the moment or have gone through in the past months, fear not, because the Lord is here to 'azar' you. In other words, the Lord is here to surround you, to protect you, and to come to your aid! 

When you know that the Lord is the One who surrounds you, there's nothing, absolutely nothing, that the devil can do against you! You are assured of the Lord's roundabout protection and help!

This confirms a vision I saw the other day of 'a wall of fire' surrounding those whom I pray for. And that's when I also heard these words: "Roundabout protection". 

What does 'roundabout protection' mean? In our context, it simply means 'divine protection' over you in every aspect of your life, like 'a wall of fire' surrounding you, where no harm can touch you! 

In cross-reference to this 'roundabout protection', we shall see Psalm 34:7 (NKJV) that says, 'The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them'. It means 'delivers them from all the works of darkness, or danger, or trouble'. Notice the words 'encamps all around' here. 

Let's look at New Living Translation now. Psalm 34:7 (NLT) puts it this way, 'The angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him'. You see the word 'surrounds' here? 

The word 'surround' here is interesting. It is 'chanah' in Hebrew. It can mean any of these: 'to incline to (you), to abide and dwell (with you), to give you rest (from all the troubles), to pitch a tent (over you), to camp (with you)'. 

You can see it this way. Imagine you are now in an army camp or a military camp, and no outsider or intruder can get near you. Why? There are guards to guard the camp. What do these guards do? They are responsible for the security of the camp that you are in. They also prevent unauthorized access or intruders into the camp. These guards act as a first line defense to protect you who are inside the camp. And that's what 'chanah' means! 

Another cross-reference to this 'roundabout protection', which is like 'a wall of fire' over you, can be found in Zechariah 2:5. Here, the Lord says: "For I will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst." 

Even though this verse specifically refers to Jerusalem, this can also apply to you in your context as God's beloved. 

So, as you enter the second half of the year 2025, watch these key words: "I will open rivers for you", "I will plant trees in the wilderness for you", "My hand is with you", and "My roundabout protection is with you". Receive all this by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel 

I have a disturbing dream. Urgent message from the Lord!

I had a dream the other night. This may not be comfortable to some of you, but it is necessary for me to share this. Why? Because the Lord tells me to do so. I just want to obey God's instructions. 

In the dream, I saw a group of believers of Christ in a building. A commotion then broke out. Some gunmen broke into the building and kept shooting at the believers to kill them. It was not a good sight. Like everyone else in the building, I ran to look for cover. While I was doing that, the gunmen kept shooting and killing the believers of Christ. 

It's actually a long dream, but for this prophetic message today, it suffices to only share this part of the dream. Upon waking up, I asked the Lord why this dream. This dream isn't necessarily literal, but this dream can be symbolic in nature. As I woke up from the dream, I prayed in the spirit. I prayed in the spirit for some time. 

The Lord then said: 

"Tell My people... Be alert and be vigilant. For the enemy has begun coming out in full force against My people. It may even be done in a very subtle way. The aim is to destroy My people's faith and trust in Me. The aim is to confuse and to cause losses to My people. The enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. This is not the Lion of Judah. This is a counterfeit. This is the enemy of the Lion of Judah. And he is on a 'mission' to destroy My people who have been caught unaware spiritually. The intention is to assassinate My people's faith and My people's walk with Me." 

Speaking of 'roaring lion' here, 1 Peter 5:8 says, 'Be sober, be vigilant (i.e. be watchful and alert in your spirit), because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.' 

The expression 'seeking whom he may devour' here shows that the enemy actually cannot 'touch' you or devour you, if you don't allow him to do so. The enemy is just seeking whom he may devour. You see, the Scripture never says the enemy will surely devour you. But the Scripture says 'seeking whom he may devour'. This means you can take the necessary steps to prevent the evil and to overcome the evil. And if God is with you, and with God's Spirit with you, you shall triumph over whatever that's being conjured up by the enemy against you. The truth is your God is infinitely greater and wiser than any plan, conspiracy, or strategy conjured up by the enemy. 

And then, one verse later, 1 Peter 5:9 says, 'Resist him, steadfast in the faith...' This is the solution that the Scripture gives us. Resist the devil. Turn away from the devil. And stay strong and steady in your faith and in your trust in the Lord. How? Keep receiving from God. Keep hearing God's Word. Keep receiving from the Holy Spirit. Remember, Word and Spirit, Spirit and Word. Keep worshiping the Lord. Worship Him in spirit and in truth. Keep praying in the spirit. Never underestimate the power of prayer. And as you pray, heaven comes down. God's kingdom come, God's will be done. 

The Lord then said further: 

"This is the time to deepen your walk with Me, and walk ever closer with Me. Wash your heart. Wash your hands. Clear away what is unholy in your life, and begin walking in purity and holiness. Because the enemy cannot 'touch' what is holy. Keep receiving from My Spirit, for My Spirit is the Spirit of holiness. Let it flow into your life, and let Me cleanse what needs to be cleansed in your life. Present your life to Me all over again. And fear not. Because I am with you to help you. See My blood covering you. See Me covering you with My blood that has been shed for you on the cross." 

So beloved of God, fear not! God has a solution for you! 

How to triumph over the evil plans of the enemy? How to prevent those evil? How to overcome those conspiracies of the enemy? 

1. See yourself coming under the covering of God! 

Jesus has become your covering! Psalm 91:1-4 says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.'

The word 'cover' here is interesting. It is 'sawkak' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to shut up (the enemy), to defend (you), or to hedge (you)'. Like the parent eagle that spreads the wings to protect the eaglets. It can also mean 'to join together (with you) in the face of the enemy'. And that's what 'sawkak' means here. He is your covering. He is your defender. He is your hedge. He joins together with you against the enemy. He shuts up the enemy, and shuts out the enemy! 

And then, Psalm 91:5-6 says, 'You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.' 

So, fear not, people of God! If you look to the Lord, the Lord will know how to fight for you. The Lord will know how to shield you. The Lord will know how to lead you and guide you to be at the right place at the right time. Amen!

2. Walk in purity and holiness! 

Why? Because the enemy cannot 'touch' you if you walk in purity and holiness of the Lord. 

1 Peter 1:15-16 says, 'But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. Because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."' 

So, be holy in all your conduct. It means inwardly and outwardly. Not just a facade and for show in the outward to impress others. But holiness in the inward and also holiness in the outward. It means what is in the inside of a person is what is on the outside of that person. It means being consistent when the person is in the private and when the person is in the public. That's what God means here when He says, 'in all your conduct'.

So, right now, beloved of God, allow the Holy Spirit to wash you clean. Allow the Holy Spirit to clear what needs to be cleared in your life. Now, that takes humility on our part. That takes laying down our pride on our part. Present yourself to the Lord again. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord again - spirit, soul, body; mind, will, emotions. 

Let your eyes be cleansed. Yes, spiritual eyes and even physical eyes. There is power in walking in purity and holiness. And you know what? Everything is going to be so clear in your spirit. You will begin to see and understand many things in the spirit. There will be clarity. You will begin to make right decisions in your life. Why? Because there is clarity in your spirit.

3. Walk ever closer with the Holy Spirit! 

You know why? As you walk closer and closer with the Holy Spirit, you become so in tune with the Holy Spirit, and you can 'catch' what the Holy Spirit wants to tell you or even warn you. Yes, the Holy Spirit can warn us. Why? In order to prevent evil, dangers, or pitfalls in our lives. 

The Holy Spirit can give you promptings. The Holy Spirit can give you dreams to tell you in advance what to go ahead and what to avoid, who to associate with and who to dissociate with, and when to move on and when to let go. In other words, when to go ahead and when to stop.  

In my personal walk with God, I thank God that He has helped me so many times in every season of my life through dreams He gives to me to show me my direction in life. At times, I do say this to Him: "What? Time to let go and move on again?" And then I would seek the Lord for further confirmation, and the Lord would show me further confirmation till I am convinced. Till I say: "Okay. Yes, Sir! I will obey, even though I don't fully understand yet why You do so." 

But as I look back in my life, I'm glad I obeyed Him all these while. And by the grace of God and by the help of God, I want to continue to obey Him every step of the way, going forward. 

That's why it's so important to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Walk closer and closer with the Holy Spirit. And that's when you'll be led by the Holy Spirit. That's when you'll be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not led and guided by your flesh, or by your own mind. 

And sometimes, when you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, it may even be illogical to your mind. But you know what? The Holy Spirit will not go wrong. He is all-knowing and all-wise. He sees farther than any one of us can. And He can lead you to be at the right place at the right time, every season of your life. You will not end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Romans 8:14 says, 'Those who are led by the Spirit of the Lord, these are sons of God.' 

You see, true sons and true daughters of God are those who are led by the Holy Spirit in every area of their lives. It means they allow the Holy Spirit to lead them in every area of their lives. Not just one area. Not just two areas. But in every area of their lives. These are the people who would bare their souls to the Lord. They will not keep anything from the Lord. They will not hide certain compartments of their lives from the Lord. They bare it all to the Lord. They worship the Lord in total surrender.  

In cross-reference, Ezekiel 36:27 says, "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." 

This is prophetic of our times now as believers in Christ. The word 'cause' here is 'awsaw' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to bestow upon (you), do a work in (you), bring (you) forth, or lead (you)'. So, the Holy Spirit can do a work in you and can lead you to walk in God's ways. That's what 'awsaw' means here. The Holy Spirit does all this inside of you, so that you will begin to walk in all that the Lord has spoken, instructed, and commanded you. That's what 'cause you to walk in His statutes' mean here. When He says so, you say so; when He says no, you say no. When He says go ahead, you go ahead. When He says let go and move on, you let go and move on. Yes, even at times you don't fully understand yet why He does so and so, or why He says so and so. But one day you will understand. He knows better. He sees further. Because He is God, and we are not. 

And you will also keep His judgments, as you can see in Ezekiel 36:27 here, "You will keep My judgments and do them." This can also mean you discern what is of God and what is not. You judge what is of God and what is not. You know how to differentiate and separate between what is of God and what is not. Amen! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, sensitize our spirit to be so in tune with Your Spirit. Show us any area in our lives that hinders us from receiving and hearing from You. Let there be no hindrance anymore. Purify us. Sanctify us. Wash us white as snow. We want to be a people who are walking so close with You. We thank You for Your words today. In a time like this, lead us to be at the right place and right time. Teach us to be watchful and alert to our surroundings, both in the spiritual realm and physical realm. We want to be a people who are overcomers. We want to be a people who triumph over whatever plan, conspiracy, or work of the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

How to stay protected when people slander you?

The Lord says: 

"For all the injustices that you have gone through or are going through in your life at the moment, you can look to Me and count on Me. Let Me defend you. Let Me vindicate you. For I am your Defense and I am your Vindicator. Just as what I have done for David in his days, I will know how to turn things around for you and make a way for you. Take heart therefore and do not be discouraged. Seek and you shall find. Ask and you shall receive." 

This message is especially for you who have been misunderstood by others, falsely accused by others, or blamed by others for something that you did not do wrong. There is hope for you. The Lord is your Defense. The Lord is your Vindicator. 

Before we go further, let's go to the definition of 'vindication'. This word can be defined in these two ways. First, 'proving that what someone said or did was right and true, after other people said it was wrong'. Second, 'proving that someone is not guilty or is free from blame, after other people have blamed or accused them'. 

This applies in any organization that you are in, in your career, in the ministry, or in any other area of your life. 

As long as you continue to stay faithful to the Lord and do according to what He has instructed for you to do, you need not be afraid, whatever people say or do against you. The Lord will know how to defend you and vindicate you. Amen! 

One good example in the Bible is David, a man after God's heart. No, he's not perfect. But one thing for sure is he's a worshipper of the Lord, and a man whose heart is for God. No matter what situation he faced, be it jealousy by others, betrayal by others, or some people were after his life, wanting to destroy him, the Lord has always been there to deliver him. 

Let's look at Psalm 54:1-2, a psalm of David. Here's a prayer of David: "Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth." 

Beloved of God, whatever you may be facing in this world, your part is to stay innocent before the Lord. Stay pure before the Lord. Follow His instructions. Obey Him. Obey His words. When He says so, you say so. When He says no, you say no. When He says move on, you move on. When He says leave, you leave. When He says stop, you stop. Whatever He says, you do. And you can be sure that He will know how to defend you and vindicate you. 

In Psalm 57:4-6, David wrote: "My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword... They have prepared a net for my steps... They have dug a pit before me; Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen." 

You see, if you look to the Lord and keep trusting in the Lord for His defense and help, you shall eventually see how the Lord can turn things around for you. This happened to David. And this can happen for you too. 

In Psalm 59:1-3, David prayed this: "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men. For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord." 

By the way, 'David' means 'Beloved' or 'Beloved of God'. You too, my friend, are a beloved of God. So, you can put all your trust in Him, and you can believe and hope in Him with all your heart. Amen!

Just some excerpts from the very interesting and colorful life of David. 1 Samuel 18:5 says, 'So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.' 

At that time, David served under King Saul. And David was a huge success in leading the troop in battle. David won great victories. 

But what happened next? 

1 Samuel 18:6-7 says, 'Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."' 

When Saul heard this, he became very angry, and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands..." So Saul became very jealous of David. "How is it that these women credited David with ten thousands, and for me, only thousands?" In Saul's mind, he began to think that David's going to be a big threat to him. This shows the insecurity of Saul. Saul became so distressed and mad about what happened that he wanted to kill David! 

The next day, David was playing music with his hand in Saul's presence, as at other times. But this time, there was a spear in Saul's hand. Saul then tried to cast the spear at David, saying, "I will pin David to the wall!" But David somehow managed to escape. This marked the beginning of Saul "hunting after" David!

Beloved of God, your situation at the moment may not be like David's situation when somebody attempted to kill him physically. But this can also apply when people badmouth you, smear your name, or speak ill (or slander) against you with their tongue. A tongue can be as dangerous as a spear! 

Whatever your situation may be at the moment, trust in the Lord that there will be a way of escape, just as you've seen here for David! 

Keep trusting in the Lord's justice and the Lord's goodness in your life. The Lord sees. The Lord knows what you are going through. The Lord understands. The Lord hears your cries for help. 

And you know it, if you read further in the Scripture, David was eventually vindicated; but as for Saul, he died a tragic death. Even then, David did not rejoice over Saul's death. In fact, he was sad at Saul's death. 

Prayer: 

"O Lord God, no matter what we are facing at the moment, we can look to You and count on You. You are our Defense. You are our Vindicator. Just as You have done for David those days, You will also know how to turn things around for us and make a way for us. We take heart therefore and we do not want to be discouraged. We continue to seek You. We continue to put all our trust in You, every step of the way. In Jesus' name. Amen." 

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

Vision from the Lord: I saw 4 shields at 4 corners!

While praying, I saw a vision of four shields at four corners protecting God's people from any form of curse words or attacks of the enemy. Each of these shields has words on it. One shield has the words YHWH Rapha. One shield has YHWH Yireh. One shield has YHWH Tsidkenu. One shield has YHWH Shalom. These four shields surrounded God's people, protecting them from all kinds of fiery darts and arrows shot from the enemy's domain. 

Indeed, this is a deep assurance for God's people who look to Him, especially in a time of chaos and turmoil like this. 

YHWH Rapha (The Lord your Healer): In spite of all the diseases or pestilences that you see in this world, even new strains of diseases, you need not fear, because you have this assurance of His divine health and healing. 

YHWH Yireh (The Lord your Provider): In spite of all the economic shakings and uncertainties that you see in this world, you need not fear, because you have this assurance of His provision in your life. He will still know how to provide for you, if you look to Him and walk in His ways and instructions for your life. 

YHWH Tsidkenu (The Lord your Righteousness): Whatever curse or ill words spoken against you, whatever attack, whatever witchcraft, and whatever work of darkness that comes against you, the Lord your Righteousness is your shield. His righteousness reigns. Your part is to stay innocent like a lamb, and your Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, will know how to shield you and protect you. 

YHWH Shalom (The Lord your Peace): Last but not least, He is your peace. In spite of all the chaos or turmoil, on the macro level (on the world level), or on the micro level (in and around your life), the Lord is assuring you that He is your shalom peace.

The Lord then says: "Be still and know that I am God. I am your shield and your refuge. Whatever chaotic situation or toxic environment that's surrounding you at the moment, receive My shalom peace. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Nothing can take away this peace that I have given you. Therefore, let not your heart be troubled, and let not your heart be afraid." 

Beloved of God, if you are in the midst of a toxic environment around you, or you've been on the receiving end of some verbal abuse or curse words against you (and you don't even know what wrong you've done, and it's so unfair to you), this message is for you. This message will assure you. This message will comfort you. This message will set you free.

In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

Psalm 46:10-11 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. It can mean 'to cease (from anxiety or worry), to find rest (in the midst of chaos or turmoil), to let go and let God'. In other words, let God be God. Your part is to be at rest and be blessed. 

Why you can be at rest and let God take over? Here's the reason. Because Psalm 46:1-3 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.' 

This may be literally, but this can also be symbolically in any area of your life. He is present right now in your life. He is not absent. He is for you. He is covering you. He is shielding you in the midst of all the chaos around you. So, whatever you may be facing right now, be it in the ministry, be it in your career, be it in the business, be it in your neighborhood, or be it in your community, the Lord is saying He is your refuge and strength, a very present help. 

Let's go all the way to 1 Kings 19:11-12. 'The Lord said (to Elijah), "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small voice.' 

The word 'still' here is from the Hebrew root word 'damam', meaning 'in calmness, in quietness, in stillness (in spite of the noises all around you)'. The same it is for you right now. There is a still small voice inside you, speaking to you and assuring you. The Lord is saying He wants you to be at rest and receive His shalom peace, in spite of the chaos, stress, and tensions of this world. Because Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Lord who is your shalom peace, lives in you.

When the windstorm came, Jesus said, "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:37-40 says, 'And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"' 

In other words, He was saying, "How is it that you do not believe that I am the Prince of Peace, I am in control, I am Sovereign?" 

What are the areas in your life that you are going through a 'windstorm' right now? Surrender that situation to the Lord. Let go and let God. Let God take over. He reigns over that situation. Even if it seems impossible for you to find a solution right now, the Lord is saying He knows how to make a way for you, and He knows how to clear the way for you. 

No one on this earth may be able to fully understand what you are going through. But the Lord is saying right in your still small voice now, "I saw all these. I know exactly what you are going through. Surrender that situation to Me. Surrender that mess to Me. Surrender that problem to Me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Therefore, let not your heart be anxious, and let not your heart be afraid." 

Back to Elijah's still small voice now. This still small voice inside him eventually produced in him a renewed strength and a renewed vigor. His courage was revived. His depression was gone. His calling was restored. He heeded and answered God's call again. And that's how He was able to rise up again. 

Beloved of God, like Elijah, it is the same for you today. This same still small voice is also speaking to you and assuring you right now. There's nothing in this world that He cannot solve for you. There's no burden in this world that He cannot carry for you. There's no mess in this world that He cannot clear for you. Because His peace, this YHWH Shalom, now lives in you, inside of you. Amen!

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Prophetic words: A time to repair, redo and restore!

The Lord says:

"For you who do My will, the enemy may be trying to attack you or do harm against you recently, be it in words, in works, or even in the physical body. But fear not! Because I have overcome for you! My blood covers you and My anointing destroys every curse that the enemy speak against you. Look to Me, and watch how I overturn and push back what the enemy does against you!" 

So, people of God, if you have been attacked left and right by the enemy recently, fear not! Because the Lord has overcome for you. And He is overturning and pushing back whatever the enemy does against you!

In Luke 10:19 (NKJV), Jesus Himself says, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." 

See the words 'nothing shall by any means hurt you'? Nothing whatsoever! And the Lord has given you the authority over all the power of the enemy! Not some, but all! So right now, in the name of Jesus, take authority over all the works and words of darkness that come against you, and hold the Blood of Jesus Christ against all these. Amen! 

In Acts 28:1-6, Apostle Paul, having escaped the shipwreck due to the stormy weather, landed in an island called Malta. The natives in the island showed kindness to him and those who were shipwrecked, because of the rain that was falling and because it was cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 

But you know what? Paul shook off the viper and he suffered no harm. 

In cross-reference, remember what Luke 10:19 says? For those who walk with God and do His will, nothing shall by any means hurt them! 

By the way, 'serpents and scorpions' are 'pictures' of the danger or harm caused by the enemy against God's people.

Back to Acts 28:1-6. The natives of the island were actually expecting Paul to swell up or suddenly drop dead, because a viper's bite could be fatal. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm came to him, they changed their mind about him and concluded that he was a god! Of course Paul was just a man used by the Lord God Almighty, and they didn't know it at that time.

Therefore, be encouraged today, people of God! Whatever people may say against you, whatever people try to do harm against you, or whatever the enemy try to do harm against you, fear not, if you are flowing with the Holy Spirit, and you are just doing what the Lord tells you to do and to be. They may try to cause a dent to you. They may try to attack you. But the Lord has overcome for you. And the Blood of Jesus is effective to cover you. Not only that. You are going to see yourself being used even greater by the Lord! And this was exactly what happened to Paul at that time! 

In Acts 28:7-10, it happened that the father of Publius (a leading citizen in the island) was sick with fever and dysentery (a condition in the intestines that causes diarrhea containing blood). Paul then prayed for this father of Publius, and he was healed. The healing power of the Lord flowed through Paul! And when the rest of the people in the island heard about this, all who had diseases also came to Paul to be prayed for, and they too were healed. Hallelujah!

Right now, it is the same for you! The healing anointing is being released to you right now! Receive by faith! Be healed and stay healed, in Jesus' name! Not only this healing anointing is being released to heal you, this healing anointing is also being released through you, that as you pray for others, this healing will also flow to others! This is the message for this time and season for you, that your time to receive your healing, wholeness and wellness has come! Believe and receive by faith!

The Lord says further: 

"This is the time to repair, redo, and restore; be it in your spirit, your soul, your physical body, or even in a relationship. It's not too late yet. There's still time for you to let Me repair, redo, and restore you. Receive My Spirit and My power to heal and restore you. And receive My wisdom to redo what I have spoken for you to redo in your life." 

Yes, I heard these three words for this time and season: Repair, redo, and restore. Let the Lord repair your life. Let the Lord redo your life. Let the Lord restore your life.

What is 'repair'? 'Repair' means 'to fix something that is broken, torn or damaged'. Is there any area in your life that has been broken, torn or damaged? Maybe by the devil against you, or by people against you. But the Lord says He is repairing you, and He is fixing it for you right now; whether in your spirit, your soul, your physical body, or even in any relationship that the Lord has started for you and opened the door for you! 

What is 'redo'? 'Redo' means 'to do something again or in a different way'. It can mean you have done something right before, but you have become stagnant; and the Lord is now reviving it, re-firing it, and causing you to do it again! But it can also mean 'to do something in a different way'. Maybe what you used to do in the past does not apply anymore for this new time and season that the Lord has opened for you. And the Lord is teaching you to do it in a different way. Maybe it's in a ministry. Maybe it's in your vocation. Maybe it's in the way you do business. The Lord is right now giving you the wisdom to do it in a new way in this new time and season, because if you still do what you used to do in your old time and season and try to apply it in this new time and season, it may not work. The new wine is to be contained in the new wineskin, not the old wineskin. Otherwise the old wineskin will burst! 

What is 'restore'? 'Restore' means 'to put something back to its original or pristine (unspoiled) state'. Maybe certain aspects of your life have been broken by the enemy, and the Lord is right now bringing you back and putting you back to what He has originally meant for you to be! He is restoring you back to His blessing that carries no sorrow with it! He is restoring you back to your divine health and divine strength! He is restoring you back to His divine purposes and plans for your life! Hallelujah! 

Prayer: 

"O Lord God, we thank You because You have overcome for us, and therefore, nothing that is thrown by the enemy against us shall by any means hurt us. We thank You for Your Spirit who lives in us, and Your power that works in us and through us. We let You repair, redo, and restore any area of our lives that has been broken, torn or damaged. We receive Your healing, wholeness and wellness now. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

Click here for the full prophetic message in TiC YouTube Channel

How to avoid danger and pitfalls in life?

There are many dangers and pitfalls in life. There are many "landmines" around us. If we are not careful, we may step on one. No doubt there is a place for God's sovereign protection for us, and we keep believing for that. But we can do our part too. It will save us from a lot of unnecessary sorrows or disappointments in life.

How to avoid danger and pitfalls in life? 

Key Number 1: Pray in the spirit

Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV) says, 'Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.' 

Romans 8:26-27 (NLT) says, 'And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.' 

The word 'intercession' here is 'huper entugchano' in Greek. In the context here, it means 'to come in between on behalf of you'.

This Greek word comes from two words: 'huper' and 'entugchano'. 

'Huper' in the context here means 'for the sake of you, on behalf of you'; and 'entugchano' in the context here means 'to entreat (or to plead) in favor of you'. 

You see? Not against you, but in favor of you! 

So, 'huper entugchano' in Greek literally means 'to come in between for your sake, on behalf of you, for your own good'. 

And that's what happens when you pray in the spirit! 

When you pray in the spirit, you are praying in the perfect will of God, even though your mind may not understand what you are praying! 

And what is the will of God for you? His will is He always want the very best for you! 

Key Number 2: Be led by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:13-15 (NKJV) says, 'For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."' 

Romans 8:13-15 (NLT) says, 'For if you live by its dictates (i.e. your fleshly dictates, your sinful nature's dictates), you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father."' 

You see, your God is a good Heavenly Father. And He will never lead you into evil, danger, or pitfall. A good earthly father will be likewise. How much more your Heavenly Father?

To be led by the Holy Spirit, it involves humility on your part. Be humble before the Lord. It also involves having an open and yielded heart before Him. 

So, never resist the Holy Spirit. Be open. Be yielded. Flow with His Spirit. After all, the Holy Spirit knows all things and sees further than anyone of us can. 

And that's how you can be led by the Spirit to be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, saying the right things, and making the right decisions! 

When you pray in the spirit, and when you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, if you sense peace from the Lord to go ahead on something, then go ahead. But if you sense there's just no peace, then abstain from (or avoid) that something (or situation). 

Holy Spirit is therefore a 'safety net' for you. After all, He is called the Restrainer. He restrains you from falling into evil, danger, trouble, or pitfalls in life. 

Aren't you glad you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in your life? Aren't you glad you have the Holy Spirit who sees further than you, who knows all things, who is Omniscient? 

And He will know how to lead you and guide you every step of the way, as long as you are open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the leading of the Holy Spirit!

Key Number 3: Seek right counsel

Apart from involving the Holy Spirit, you can seek right counsel from trusted, honest people. Surround yourself with people of integrity. Surround yourself with people who know how to walk with God. This is also a kind of 'safety net' for you. Otherwise, it will be like 'the blind leading the blind'. Not only the 'blind' falls into a pitfall, but you who are being led by the 'blind' will also fall into the pitfall! 

There are many examples in the Bible regarding seeking right counsel. But I want to share just one example. It's about Hanun, how he sought wrong counsel, and how he had to pay a heavy price for it. 

Don't be like Hanun. 

1 Chronicles 19:1-2 (NKJV) says, '...Nahash the king of the people of Ammon died, and his son (Hanun) reigned in his place. Then David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to comfort Hanun concerning his father. And David's servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him.'

See what happened next. 

1 Chronicles 19:3-4 (NKJV) says, 'And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun, "Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Did his servants not come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?" Therefore Hanun took David's servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away.'

What a way to return somebody's kindness! 

Not only did Hanun reject King David's good gesture and kindness, Hanun even embarassed and shamed these servants of David. All because of what? All because of some wrong counsel or wrong advice that he received from those around him!

When the people of Ammon saw that they had made themselves repulsive to David, they began to spend unnecessary money to hire for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots to battle against David's army! 

Instead of openly receiving kindness from David, they now had to go into an unnecessary battle against David's formidable army! And in the end, Hanun and the people of Ammon paid a very heavy price, suffered huge losses, and their capital city of Rabbah was ravaged! 

So, may the Lord raise up around you people and friends who are spiritually matured, who know how to walk with the Holy Spirit, and who can give you sound advice and guidance. In other words, those who can help you to be better, not bitter! 

Prayer:

"O Lord God, fill Your beloved with Your Spirit. Let them be led by the Holy Spirit, because as many as are led by the Holy Spirit, they are called sons of God. Raise up the right people around Your beloved who would give good influence, good counsel, and good advice whenever needed. With the three keys that we have learned today, may Your beloved avoid any unnecessary danger or pitfall in life, and may Your beloved be well positioned for the greater blessings and greater things ahead of them. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

In times of trouble, God is your hiding place!

The Lord says: "In the spiritual realm, there's a very intense warfare happening at the moment, between angels and demons, forces of light and forces of darkness. Stand on guard therefore. Be on guard spiritually. Be vigilant. Never let the enemy deceive you or tempt you into sins or wrongdoings." 

As we begin, we ask for the Lord's presence to be here. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to flow like a river from heaven to you (who are reading this). 

I believe the Lord is not just speaking about the physical war that happens in certain parts of the world at the moment. But it's more than that. It is a spiritual war that's happening in the spiritual realm. For some of you, you may sense something is very weird in the spiritual atmosphere around you. That's because there's a very intense spiritual battle happening in the spiritual realm at the moment. But I want to assure you: Fear not! Because you are under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible says you are hidden in Christ! 

So, what does it mean by being hidden in Christ? What is it like? 

Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died (died to your old sinful self), and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.' 

The word 'hidden' here is 'krupto' in Greek, and it can mean 'concealed, kept secret, under the covering'. In the context of this verse, it means you are concealed in Christ, you are kept secret in Christ, and you are under the covering in Christ! From what? From any form of evil, danger, calamity, or whatever evil plans or evil work that is happening around you or against you! 

Colossians 3:1-4 (Expanded Bible) puts it this way, 'Since you were raised from the dead [raised] with Christ, aim at [aspire to; seek after; focus on] what is in heaven [the things above], where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about [Set your minds on; Fix your thoughts on] the things in heaven [above], not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept [hidden] with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, comes again [appears; is revealed], you will share in His [be revealed with Him in] glory.' 

As a believer of Christ, the Bible says you are hidden from any form of wrath, judgment, danger or calamity that's happening due to the sins and disobedience of the people on this earth!

Colossians 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore put to death your members (i.e. 'in any area of your life') which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience...' 

That is why in times like these, beloved, it's so important to continue to walk in the Spirit, so that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Continue to be led by the Spirit of God. Continue to follow the instruction and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Continue to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit knows how to lead you, guide you, teach you, and make a way for you to safety.

Aren't you glad that He is an all-knowing God? Aren't you glad that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you? He knows how to lead you and guide you, so that you will not fall into any trap (or pitfall) of the enemy. And that's how you will be kept hidden in Christ, kept safe and kept well - until the day He brings you home, or the day of His coming! Will you believe for this? Let's take God at His Word!

In cross-reference, Isaiah 26:20 (NKJV) says, 'Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.' 

The word 'hide' here is 'chabah' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'to hide (as in the bosom)'; like a little child hiding at the bosom or in the warm embrace of the loving parent. So, 'bosom' here speaks of 'being very close (intimacy) with someone stronger and bigger.' 

And who is that Someone stronger and bigger? He is the Lord! He is your hiding place! He is your refuge and shelter in times of need! And no matter what danger or trouble may come around this world, in Him you can hide! 

That's why I would like to reiterate it's so important to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because Holy Spirit knows all. Holy Spirit sees further than you. And Holy Spirit knows how to prompt you, lead you, and give you the peace whether you should go ahead on something or not.

This verse in Isaiah 26:20 does not necessarily mean you always hide inside your house, and not going out at all. This verse can instead speak of 'being hidden in the Lord amidst the spiritual warfare or spiritual shaking that's happening around you in this world'. 

So, beloved of God, be rest assured that 'in your going out and coming in', wherever you go and wherever you are, wherever the Lord leads you and opens the door for you, you are hidden in the Lord to keep you safe and well, no matter what happens around you in this perilous world - now and in the future. Amen!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

Believe for your 24/7 protection!

Recently, the Lord has prompted me to preach about divine protection and angelic protection. So, I obeyed. Also, in the past few days, an extraordinary number of people from different places have asked us to pray for protection over their lives and their loved ones. I believe this is no coincidence. I believe there's a reason for everything.

So, the title today is 'Believe for your 24/7 protection!' 

What is 24/7? 

All the time! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Let's go to the Scripture now. Some of these verses may be familiar to you, and you probably have read these verses many times before. But in a time like this, let us remember and declare these verses by faith all over again - for our lives and our loved ones! 

In Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV), the Lord says, "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 word 'weapon' here is 'keliy' in Hebrew, and it literally means 'an apparatus or equipment (e.g. an artillery) to consume or to destroy'; from the word 'kalah' in Hebrew meaning 'to consume, to destroy'. 

Here, the Lord is assuring you that nothing that tries to consume or destroy you shall prosper! And this, my friend, is your heritage as a servant of the Lord, and your righteousness comes from the Lord!  

In Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV), the Lord says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; Nor shall the flame scorch you." 

As a beloved of God, whether you are on the land, at sea, or wherever you are, the Lord is with you 24/7! The Lord knows how to protect you and cover you from any form of danger (seen or unseen), and from whatever that tries to 'drown' you or 'scorch' you!

Psalm 91:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.'

Surely indeed! Not maybe! Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler (which speaks of 'whatever that tries to trap you') and from the perilous pestilence. So, you can believe for His divine protection over your life and your loved ones, and round about protection in every way, be it from virus, from accident, from violence, from bloodshed, or from whatever the danger may be!

Psalm 91:5-7 (NKJV) says, 'You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.' 

Whether day or night, no evil or danger shall be able to come near you, because as a beloved of God, you are under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ! And the blood of Jesus Christ is effective to protect and cover you! Therefore, be not afraid!

Psalm 91:9-11 (NKJV) then says, 'Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.'

As a matter of fact, for everyone of us who is a beloved of God, He has also sent His angels to surround you and to be your 'bodyguards'! Whether you have seen them before or not, they exist for sure (the Scripture is clear about this), and they encamp around those who fear (revere) the Lord!

Psalm 121:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber; Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.'

A human bodyguard may fall asleep or slumber, but the Lord your God will never fall asleep or slumber! And He will not allow your foot to be moved. It means He knows how to help you by establishing you to stand firmly, and not allowing anyone or anything to overthrow you or shake you! By the way, 'foot' here speaks of 'standing firmly'. When you are on God's side, no evil will be able to overthrow all the good that God has destined for you! 

Psalm 121:5-8 (NKJV) says, 'The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.'

Notice 'preserve you from all evil'. There's no exception here ('all evil' means 'all evil'), whatever people may say about how strong a certain demon or evil spirit is! The Lord your God is greater! Let's take God at His Word! And He is also assuring you that He knows how to preserve your soul; and your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore! It means not only now, but your future as well, if you keep looking to Him and putting your trust in Him!

Psalm 18:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies.'

Indeed, you can find shelter in the Lord your strength, your rock, and your fortress. Not only for your physical protection, but for your God-given calling and God-given purpose in life as well! Remember, this was a psalm written by David. Not only did the Lord protected him physically, the Lord also protected his God-given calling in life! If the Lord has meant for David to be king over Judah and Israel, no one could hinder or stop it!

Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV) says, 'Now to Him (to the Lord) who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.'

The Lord your God is able to keep you from stumbling - spirit, soul, and body! He also knows how to preserve you blameless and faultless before the presence of His glory. After all, He is wiser than any one of us humans. And because He is wiser, you can trust that He knows exactly what to do and how to go about with your life! And He knows exactly how to keep you safe from all forms of evil! Hallelujah!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

Receive God's provision in a time of 'drought'!

The words of the Lord for this time:

"Even in a time of drought, weather-wise or economic-wise, and even in a time like this, I will know how to provide for those who look to Me and hear My words, as happened to Elijah in a time of drought those days. I will know how to lead you and guide you, even in ways you have never imagined possible."

Indeed, our God is not a dead-end God! Not only He knows how to protect you according to Psalm 91, He also knows how to provide for you! As long as you look to Him, put your trust in Him, and hear His words, you need not fear, no matter what happens in the world around you, or even in a time of pandemic like this. He will know how to make a way for you, and He will know how to bless you, as evident in the life of Elijah those days.

In 1 Kings 17, there was a drought in Elijah's time, due to the sins and abominations committed by King Ahab, who provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger more than all the kings of Israel before him (see 1 Kings 16:30-33). 

King Ahab gave himself to the worship of Baal. Now, what does 'Baal' mean here? It speaks of 'the masters of this world, instead of YHWH (the Lord God Almighty)'. In other words, King Ahab allowed the ways of the world (or the masters of this world) to take over (and infiltrate) the ways of God. And that's when the drought came.

But even in a time of drought like this, Elijah was still well provided for. What is the secret of Elijah? Obedience to whatever the Lord has spoken! In 1 Kings 17:2-5, when the Lord spoke to him to hide by the Brook Cherith which flows into the Jordan River, he did as the Lord has spoken. And there, the Lord even commanded the ravens to feed him!

When the Brook Cherith dried up due to the prolonged drought, the Lord then said to him further, and this time, he was to move to Zarephath where he would meet a widow (1 Kings 17:7-9). There, again, he was well provided for; and not only that, he became a blessing! Because of him, the widow and her son never suffered lack during the drought! (1 Kings 17:13-14)

You see? Just as the Lord had done for Elijah, the Lord wants you to know that He will always show you what to do, what steps to take, and how to go about, even in a time of 'drought' (weather-wise or economic-wise). Your part is to be obedient to His words and be responsive to whatever He has spoken. Flow with His Spirit, walk with Him, and He will know how to lead you and guide you, step by step. If you have taken the first step, He will show you the second step. And if you have taken the second step, He will show you the third step! So, fear not!

And then in 1 Kings 18, the Lord spoke further to Elijah; and this time, he was to present himself to King Ahab. A confrontation with the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah ensued (at Mount Carmel), and Elijah had a great victory! The next thing that happened was the Lord gave rain again, and the drought ended! (1 Kings 18:41-45)

People of God, the Lord will stay true to His words and promises for you, as long as you do not give up on Him. So, whatever predicament or challenges you may be facing at the moment (especially in a time of economic 'drought' due to the pandemic like this), hang on strong and keep looking to the Lord, because the Lord will see to it that you will never be left at the dead-end! 

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

There is protection and guidance in God's presence

The Lord says:
"There is protection and guidance in My presence. Just as I gave the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night during exodus from the bondage of Egypt, I am still the same God who protects and guides you today, even in miraculous and unimaginable ways. Look to Me therefore and dwell in My presence, for I am faithful and I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Indeed, in perilous and dangerous times like these, the Lord has promised protection and guidance for those who look to Him and put their trust in Him. Psalm 91:1-6 (NKJV) says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday'. Psalm 91:9-10 (NKJV) then says, 'Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling'.

Though there is no author mentioned in the Hebrew text of this Psalm 91, Jewish tradition ascribes it to Moses, with David compiling it in his Book of Psalms. Through this Psalm 91, I would like to therefore relate it with Moses' experiences with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

Let me explain.

We shall look at the book of Exodus now. Exodus 13:21-22 (NKJV) says, 'And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people'.

The word 'pillar' here is 'ammuwd' in Hebrew, and it speaks of God being here:
- to stand with you;
- to stay with you;
- to go through it with you;
- to be present with you.

We have no way to know how the Lord God made the pillar (ammuwd), but it was obviously a phenomenon, and a miracle from God as He protected and guided (led) the Israelites throughout their forty years of traveling in the desert. Not only in facing the heat of the day or the cold of the night, there were also sandstorms, bandits, and even poisonous animals! But the Lord God was there for them! During the day, the pillar guided their journey, and during the night, the pillar gave them light and comfort. And neither the pillar of cloud nor the pillar of fire left its place in front of the people. This is clearly a 'picture' of God's faithfulness and God's assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us!

People of God, the good news is you too can count on Him all the same even today, because you are worshiping the same God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Do you know that the pillar was already there for the Israelites even before Red Sea crossing? Many people think the pillar only came about after Red Sea crossing. But that's not what the Scripture says! Exodus 14:22-26 (NLT) says, 'So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! Then the Egyptians - all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers - chased them into the middle of the sea. But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their forces into total confusion. He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. "Let’s get out of here - away from these Israelites!" the Egyptians shouted. "The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!" When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers."' You see? The pillar ('ammuwd') has been instrumental in helping the Israelites break free from those who pursued them!

People of God, this 'pillar' represents 'God being here to stand with you, to stay with you, to go through it with you, and to be present with you', no matter what 'crisis' or 'dead-end situation' you may be facing at the moment. So, take heart and look to Him. Because just as He had done for the Israelites those days (even at Red Sea crossing), He can do the same for you today. Your part is to believe and receive all these promises of God for you (and in every situation of yours). In Jesus' name. Amen!

Receive God's promises of rest and protection

Hebrews 4:9-11 (NKJV): There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest...

The word 'rest' in this statement 'Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest' is 'katapausis' in Greek, and it literally means 'to settle down'. This 'rest' speaks of your heart 'being settled down' even in the midst of all the chaos in the world. Also, you don't have to get so hard up trying to work things out, because the Lord has done it for you!

Let Scripture interpret Scripture now. In Exodus 33:14, the Scripture says, 'The Lord said to Moses, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."' At that point of his life, Moses found himself in a rather challenging time of having to lead 'a stiff-necked people', and he wanted to know what was he to do next. The word 'rest' in this passage is 'nuwach' in Hebrew, meaning 'being made to rest, being quiet, being comforted, to settle down'. Interestingly, the name 'Noah' comes from this same word 'nuwach', and you can imagine Noah 'being settled down' in the ark during the stormy Great Flood!

From all the above explanations, you'd see that 'true rest' is possible even in the midst of stress, tension, turmoil, turbulence, conflict, or storms in this world. And we are not talking about resting "from" activities here, but rather, resting "in the midst" of activities. So, this 'rest' has nothing to do with being lazy or running away from responsibility. Instead, it is an inner peace that comes from the Lord, and for those who put their trust in the Lord!

Notice Jesus was never 'panicky' when faced with even the fiercest resistance and opposition on earth. He was never 'ruffled' or anxious, no matter what. And He was never caught off-guard even when the trickiest questions were thrown at Him by the Pharisees. Indeed, He had successfully handled all these with such calm and composure! Why? Because He is the Yahweh Shalom, the Lord who is Peace.

In Matthew 8:23-26, the Scripture says, 'Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!"... Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm'. See? He is shalom peace manifested. The shalom peace and rest inside Him was then released into the earthly (physical) realm, and even the storm, the wind, and the waves had to obey!

People of God, do you want the same inner peace and rest in your life? It is not impossible, because as Jesus is, so should you be in this world! Your part is to allow Him to fill you with His shalom peace, even now. 

And it is in this shalom peace of the Lord that the enemy cannot touch you! 1 John 5:18 (NLT) says, 'We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them'. What a promise! Notice the statement 'God's Son (that's Jesus, of course) holds them securely'. In other words, you are deeply and firmly secured in Christ, the One who covers you and protects you! (Psalm 91:1-4)

By the way, the word 'touch' here is 'haptomai' in Greek, and it can mean:
- to set fire (i.e. to deliberately cause something to burn);
- to drive a wedge (i.e. to cause a fight or trouble).

Indeed, nothing on earth can 'burn' you, or 'drive a wedge' in your life, because the Lord who is in you is greater than he that is in this world! (1 John 4:4) Believe and receive all these promises of God for you, and declare that nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19). In Jesus' name. Amen!

There is protection in God's presence

The Lord gave me a dream the other day. In the dream, I was in my father's house, and there was a commotion outside in the streets with huge groups of motorbikers looting and causing trouble. But we in the family were kept safe and protected, as long as we stayed inside the house. The looters and trouble-makers somehow did not try to enter our house.

Every time I have a dream about my father's house (the house where I grew up as a child), I would take note, because to me, my father's house has always been a 'picture' of 'my Abba Father's house', or 'being in God's presence'. 

This time, as I woke up from the dream, I immediately knew it has to do with believing for God's divine protection. As long as I stayed 'inside the house', I was kept safe and protected! This reminds me of Psalm 91:1-4 (NKJV) that says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.'

Indeed, God is assuring us that He is still a faithful Protector, no matter what happens around us. Trust in Him, who is your refuge and your fortress. And never let anyone make you waver in your trust in Him! The word 'dwell' in Psalm 91:1 is an interesting word. In Hebrew, it is 'yashab', which can mean 'stay, remain, continue, sit in quietness, return'. Do you notice the word 'return' here? I can also therefore say 'he who returns to Abba Father's 'house' shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty'!

Looking at what's happening around the world at the moment, there is no doubting that we are living in an increasingly dangerous and perilous times (Luke 21:25-28, 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Be it an increase in natural disasters or in crime, there seems to be no place that is particularly safe in this world! No, not even in some of the most liveable cities in the world! The truth is there's only one really safe place to be, and it's none other than being in God's presence! 

The word 'cover' in Psalm 91:4 is another interesting word. In Hebrew, it is 'sawkak', which means 'protect, defend, join together (with you)'. This verse can therefore mean the Lord is joining together (with you) for your protection. In other words, He wants to be involved in it together, just as a good earthly parent would for his (or her) beloved child! 

When Jesus died for you on the cross, He already had in His mind to carry your troubles and sufferings, so you can have shalom peace now. Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'.

People of God, know that God's will is (and will always be) for your safety and protection. Let no one make you think otherwise. Because He is a good Abba Father to you (Psalm 34:8). The Word of God says so. Trust in Him therefore for your divine protection, and continue to stay in His presence, because that's where the enemy cannot touch you. Amen!

The Lord is your refuge, your hiding place

Psalm 59:16 (NKJV): But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense, and refuge in the day of my trouble.

This psalm was written by David when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him (see 1 Samuel 19:11). The word 'refuge' here is 'manowce' in Hebrew, which can mean 'a retreat, an escape, a fleeing place', from the word 'nuwce' (pronounced 'noos') meaning 'to escape, to flee, to hide, to vanish away'. Indeed, the Lord is your hiding place, and in Him, you are 'invisible' to the enemy, where the enemy cannot find you and touch you!

In cross-reference, Psalm 91:1-2 says, 'He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."'

The name 'David' simply means 'beloved', from the word 'dowd' which means 'to love'. Today, because you are a beloved of God, you too can find refuge from the enemy (whether spiritual or physical), or from anyone who has evil intention (or malice) against you, or from anyone who tries to hurt you (whether in words or deeds). If the Lord has called you to do (or put in your heart to do) something significant, there is a likelihood that someone isn't happy. This is especially so when you are doing something apostolic (breaking new grounds), unprecedented, or never been done before. Maybe what you are doing has become a subject of jealousy, or even a threat to another. Now, that was exactly what happened to David those days.

It all began when David's 'promotion' came (1 Samuel 17). He has been prepared and trained by the Lord through the years as a shepherd boy, and the moment came when he 'happened' to be there because he was asked by his father Jesse to bring breakfast for his brothers (1 Samuel 17:17-24). When all the men of Israel were dreadfully afraid of Goliath and fled from him, David said to King Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:32), and he prevailed over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49-51). Saul then took him into his ranks, and set him over the men of war (1 Samuel 18:2, 1 Samuel 18:5). Now, what could go wrong? It should have been a time of great rejoicing for David! In fact, he behaved wisely and prospered in all his ways, and was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

But alas! 1 Samuel 18:6-9 says, 'Now it had happened as they (the men of war) were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" So Saul eyed David from that day forward'.
Note: The word 'eyed' here means 'to watch (with jealousy)'.

It was then that Saul began seeking to kill David (1 Samuel 18:11-29), and this also marked the turning point to the worse for Saul. You see, it was his own insecurity and jealousy against David that eventually led to his own downfall! Instead of focusing on the Lord and His 'blueprint' for his own life, he became too engrossed in wanting to kill David whom he saw as his enemy. But as for David, the Lord was with him and he behaved more wisely than all the other servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed (1 Samuel 18:30).

The lesson we can learn here: Stay focused on the Lord and His 'blueprint' for your life. Never compare with others, because there will always be people doing better than you in different ways/areas of life. Saul's mistake was he began to focus away from God, and instead began to focus on wanting to kill David whom he saw as a threat to his throne (or even his popularity). He became so obsessed in trying to kill David that he forgot to look to God and walk in God's calling for his own life.

1 Samuel 19:10-12 says, 'Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul's presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled and escaped that night. Saul also sent messengers to David's house to watch him and to kill him in the morning... So Michal (David's wife) let David down through a window. And he went and fled and escaped'.

You see, the Lord will always send the right people to open a way of escape for you, even when you think there's no way. Just look to Him and cry out to Him. In David's case, the Lord even used Saul's very own son (Jonathan) and daughter (Michal) to make a way of escape for him! (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 1 Samuel 19:12-17)

Also, an interesting point to note here is even though Saul saw David as enemy (1 Samuel 18:29), David did not see Saul likewise. In fact, his loyalty and commitment towards Saul was second to none. Later on, when Saul died in a battle (1 Samuel 31:1-6), David did not rejoice over his death, but he wept and mourned for him instead (2 Samuel 1:11-12).

Back to 1 Samuel 19 now. And guess where David fled and escaped to? 1 Samuel 19:18 says, 'So David fled and escaped, and went to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth'.

Every name and place in the Bible has its meaning and significance. The name 'Samuel' here is 'Shemuw-El' in Hebrew, which means 'heard of God', from the word 'shama' meaning 'to hear attentively, to hear carefully', and of course, 'El' meaning 'God, Almighty'. Beloved of God, whatever your situation may be at the moment, the Lord is here to hear you as you pour out to Him, just as Samuel heard all that David had to pour out to him.

How about the name of the place 'Ramah' here? Interestingly, 'Ramah' means 'height, high place' in Hebrew, from the word 'ruwm' which means 'to rise above, to raise'. Indeed, the Lord is your Most High God, and He will arise for you! Hallelujah!

And the place 'Naioth' in this context is 'residence of God (dwelling place of God)', from the word 'navah' meaning 'to rest (as at home)'. Today, the Lord is also inviting you to come and stay in His residence (His dwelling place), and rest in His very presence, because it is here that the enemy cannot find you and touch you. Amen.