Count it all joy!

James 1:2-4 (NKJV): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.

The word 'joy' here in Greek is 'chara' (pronounced 'khar-ah'), which can be defined as 'calm delight, cheerfulness, or gladness'. No, you don't delight, cheer, or be glad at those trials of yours. No one with a sound mind would ever do that! What the Bible means here is in spite of your trials, you can still delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord!

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

The expression 'be of good cheer' here can be translated as 'be of good courage, or be comforted', and the word 'tribulation' in this verse is 'thlipsis' in Greek, which can mean 'pressure, affliction, anguish, burden, trouble, trials, persecution'.

I heard and released these words from the Lord the other day:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. This is a time to receive My joy and remain in My joy. My grace is sufficient for you, and I will know how to reward you in due time, if you do not lose heart. I have not forgotten you, for I am the Lord who remembers. I am looking at your faithfulness and I am looking at your heart. A time of promotion is at hand for many of My people in these coming months!"

Indeed, this is a key time to receive the joy that comes from heaven, and remain in that joy, no matter what! Nehemiah 8:10 says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'. It means to say this joy of the Lord (in you) will give you the strength to carry on and look forward in life!

Notice that 'joy' is placed very high in the 'list' of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, coming in second right after 'love' (that never fails!), and is placed even higher than 'peace'! I believe there's no insignificant details in the Word of God! This shows how important 'joy' is for each of us, simply because if we lose this joy, we will also lose the strength to carry on!

Let's look at a prime example in the New Testament now.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul wrote, '... a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet (beat, attack) me... Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong'.

The expression 'I take pleasure' here, similar to 'count it all joy' in James 1:2-4, doesn't mean the apostle Paul welcomed and took pleasure in all those trials he faced, but in spite of those trials, he could still 'delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord', knowing that he could count on God's grace (i.e. ability, supply) which is sufficient for him!

By the way, what exactly is 'a thorn in the flesh' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke these words to the children of Israel (as an instruction for the conquest of Canaan), "When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places (places for pagan worship)... But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell." (Numbers 33:50-55) See the words 'irritants', 'thorns', and 'harass' here?

'A thorn in the flesh' can therefore mean 'someone/something sent to irritate, torment, disturb, disrupt, or harass you'. In the case of the apostle Paul, he was fulfilling the Lord's mandate and 'calling' for him as an apostle and teacher of the New Covenant, but satan sent people to harass him! As you can see here, 'a thorn in the flesh' doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. In fact, the word 'infirmities' mentioned by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10 is 'astheneia' in Greek, which simply means 'weakness, strengthless', and it doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. I personally believe the apostle Paul was walking in wholeness and wellness in his physical body. Otherwise, how would he be able to travel so extensively in his many missionary journeys?

People of God, like the apostle Paul, stay faithful in all that the Lord has spoken (and called you) to be and to do, in spite of the opposition (or harassment) sent by the enemy (or satan) against you. Stand firm in all that the Lord has spoken to you, and keep looking unto Him, the author ('beginner') and finisher ('completor') of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul himself wrote these very reassuring words, '... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ'.

Man may forget you, but the Lord never forgets you. He is the Lord who remembers. What He has begun in you, He will see to it that He will complete it, as long as you do not lose heart (or give up). Zechariah 4:9 (NKJV) says, '... the Word of the Lord came to me (Zechariah), saying, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish (complete) it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."'

Zechariah 4:10 (The Message) says, 'Zerubbabel started rebuilding this temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me (the angel of the Lord) to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small (humble) beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place! ... the seven lamps are the eyes of God (the perfect eyes of the Lord) probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights'.

Interestingly, the name 'Zechariah' ('Zekar-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Yah (the Lord) remembers', and this word 'zekar' in Hebrew means 'to remember, to record, to recognize, to make mention of, to be mindful'. And what does 'Zerubbabel' represent here? For the record, he was the governor of Judah those days, and the leader of the tribe of Judah. He was also the person who laid the foundation for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. As believers in the New Covenant, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit'. 'Zerubbabel' therefore is a 'picture' of 'the Lord Himself, the Master-Builder in each of our lives', and He is also 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Revelation 5:5).

Praise the Lord!

So, people of God, keep running the race (Hebrews 12:1) and keep putting in your heart in all that the Lord has entrusted you to be and to do, knowing that the Lord remembers you, and He will know how to reward you in due time. In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul wrote it so very aptly, '... let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart', and in Colossians 3:23-24, he wrote, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart, putting in your heart) as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward... for you serve the Lord Christ'.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy! (Psalm 126:5) For those who have been faithfully serving the Lord (in spite of the many 'harassment' from the enemy) in the previous season, rejoice! Because your promotion is at hand in this coming new season! Psalm 75:6-7 says, 'For exaltation (promotion) comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is judge; He puts down one, and exalts another'. Not from men, but from God! And when He promotes you, He PROMOTES you! No one, and no evil can stand in His way! Hallelujah! Believe and receive by faith! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Passing the test

Ezekiel 47:3-4 (NKJV): And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist.

This 'man' with the measuring line in his hand speaks of the 'prince', a picture of Jesus Christ Himself, whereas the 'measuring line' here represents 'passing your test'.

Upon passing your 'test' comes your promotion. The Bible says 'promotion (or exaltation) comes neither from the east, west, or south' (Psalm 75:6). Your promotion comes from the Lord. Ezekiel 47:2 says, "He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway (of the temple) that faces east (toward the throne of God)..." The north here speaks of where Mount Zion is (Psalm 48:2).

As a whole, Ezekiel 47:1-12 speaks of God's river flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (where God's throne is), and as the 'man' brought Ezekiel towards the east, the waters became broader and deeper, from ankle deep to knee high, then up to the waist, and eventually, so deep that one had to swim in it (see Ezekiel 47:5). I know the late Ruth Heflin used to speak of this as 'praising God till He brings us into the spirit of worship, and then worshiping Him till He brings us into the spirit of glory'. She was seeing these verses from 'prophetic and worship' point of view, and there's really nothing wrong with it. I have been an ardent learner from her teachings, and was truly blessed by her.

But today, I wish to explain these verses from 'passing your test' and 'promotion comes from the Lord' point of view: As you pass your 'test', God will bring you (lead you) to a deeper (greater) realm of success or anointing.

Maybe some of you have been asking these questions recently:
"When is my breakthrough going to come?"
"O God, when are you going to give me the promotion I've been yearning for?"
"O God, when am I going to see a greater manifestation of Your glory and power?"

In short, you've been asking, "O God, why is my 'river' not deep enough?"

People of God, we are all in the same boat. In life, one cannot avoid disappointments (or delays) at one time or another. The Bible even says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life' (Proverbs 13:12). But as a believer and a beloved of God, you must also know God allows certain disappointments or delays not because He hates you or He's all-out to punish you. He cannot, and He will not. His words say so. See Jeremiah 29:11-12.

You may then ask, "Then why does He allow it?"

He allows it because He loves you so much, because of His great love for you. He allows it because He is preparing you for something greater in your life. He allows it because He wants you to get ready for the greater blessings He's going to 'pour out' on you soon! But you've got to get ready for the greater blessings (or anointing), lest you cannot 'contain' it, or in other words, lest you break! Like the old wineskin trying to 'contain' the new wine! When the anointing came upon Jesus (Luke 4:18-19), He was ready. Not much was mentioned about His first thirty years on earth, but even He had to go through a preparation time as well. He has indeed shown us the way. By the way, the number '30' in Hebrew numeric means 'ministry maturation'.

So, take heart. I am convinced He allows 'test' not to harm you or hurt you. His love for you stays the same, i.e. His unfailing love for you. And His grace for you is definitely sufficient. Let's take His word for it. You'll pass your 'test', whatever it may be at the moment, by His grace. Not only that, you'll also rise up stronger than before! And here's a piece of good news for you: If you've been 'tested' left and right in the past year, this is your year of promotion.

Some of you may be facing a test of patience, and for some others, a test of walking in His way & timing (instead of walking hastily in your own way).

Let me share a little on the test of patience. Once, I was watching my wife Sharon planting a lime seed on a pot. Nothing seemed to happen for quite a long time though. No sign of seed sprouting. Definitely no sign of the first leaf growing. About a week later, there still wasn't any sign of life on the pot! By that time, I've already long concluded that the seed wasn't going to make it! A city boy I've been all my life, that's how little I knew about planting. And just as I was giving up on the seed (even tempted to replace the soil, thinking there's really something wrong with the soil!), Sharon confidently said, "Ken, be patient. Just watch and see for one more day." The rest, of course, was history. Not long after that, we started reaping the first fruits. You see, sometimes in life, we tend to 'throw away the whole pot' even before giving enough time for the 'seed' to even grow its first leaf!

People of God, keep walking 'unwaveringly' in what God has spoken or called you to be (no matter what other people may say against you). Some of you may also need to say "No" when 'forced to the edge' to do what God hasn't said for you to do, even if that makes you unpopular or a topic of gossip! May God give you the discernment to know what's God, and what's not, no matter what 'pressure' exerted against you.

Whatever your 'test' may be at the moment, just keep trusting and looking to the sure work of Jesus on the cross. He is your ONLY sure foundation in the midst of all uncertainties in this world. Just be bold and be very courageous, and do not allow yourself to be shaken (or harassed) by the words (or threats) of the enemy (see Joshua 1:9). Just as Joshua passed the 'test', and crossed over Jordan, your breakthrough is also at hand, if you don't give up. Men may disappoint, but God will not disappoint. Men may fail you, but God's love for you never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, when He says 'He will be with you', HE WILL BE WITH YOU. See Joshua 1:9 again.

Note: God also sometimes allow certain disappointments (or delays) in order to wake you up, so you'll begin to humble yourself and seek Him (instead of doing it your own way).

Let's now get back to Ezekiel 47:3-4. If the number '10' means 'test, trial' in Hebrew numeric, interestingly the number 'one thousand' (as in 'one thousand cubits' in these verses) means 'divine completeness, perfect fruitfulness'! Jesus Himself has again shown us the way. After the 'trial' on the cross where He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, His name was later highly exalted (the name above all names), and at His name, every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that He is the Lord! (Philippians 2:8-11)

Note: 1 cubit = the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.

So, upon passing your 'test', He'll bring (lead) you deeper, from ankle deep to knee high, and then up to waist high. And as you pass further tests, He'll bring (lead) you even deeper and deeper, till you swim in His unlimited glory, i.e. a river so broad that it could not be crossed (Ezekiel 47:5-6).

May you fulfill all of His destiny for you. Amen!

Count it all joy!

Count it all joy when you face various trials! That's what James 1:2 says. In fact, in Greek, the meaning of 'trials' in this verse here is 'adversity'. So, I can read it this way: "Count it all joy when you face various adversities!" People of God, let me say this: Adversities don't come from God! The origin of 'adversities' is the 'adversary', and he's none other than the devil!

I hear the Lord assuring you that 'He will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5), no matter what you've been facing recently. In fact, He wants you to know that He has always been with you, and if He is with you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Let's now go to Daniel chapter 3. Here, you'd see how Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood firm on God and not bow down to the gold image as commanded by King Nebuchadnezzar. Yes, even if they knew the risk of being thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:15-18). The king later became so furious with them he commanded for the furnace to be seven times hotter! And the fire was so hot it even killed the men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego! (Daniel 3:22) Not only that, he ordered for them to be bound with their own clothings before being thrown into the furnace. Now, all these would have caused some to retract and give in. But that's not the case for Daniel's friends! Indeed they have the revelation of Jesus, and they knew what they were doing!

And that's when God showed up! In Daniel 3:24-25, the king was astonished with what he saw, and he said, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" He then said further, "Look! Now I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." And this fourth person was none other than Jesus Himself!

Maybe you are in the midst of a challenge, a trial, an adversity at the moment (even though you know you've been walking in what God has spoken to you). It can be in any area of your life, maybe in your working place, or even in your ministry. But take heart, my friend. As a believer, know that He is still with you right now. In fact, He has always been (and will always be) with you, never leaving you nor forsaking you. And though you may be 'bound' in a 'difficult' situation at the moment, He'll lead you to walk 'loose' again, just as Daniel's three friends were! Will you take Him at His Word? Believing, you'll receive. And will you keep looking to Him in such a time?

And you know what? In the end, the king finally acknowledged the YHWH whom Daniel's three friends served, and they were eventually promoted (Daniel 3:30). People of God, He'll also lead you through every 'adversity' of yours (no matter how/what the devil may have 'thrown' at you recently), and that's why James said, "Count it all joy", because your 'promotion' is also on the way! Praise God!

Finally, let's now go to Mark 4:35-41. Here, Jesus was in a boat (with His disciples) crossing over to 'the other side' when a big storm came, and the boat was about to sink. Notice Jesus was still asleep even when the storm came! You know what? He, the Prince of Peace, was never at all 'affected' by the storm! See? He wasn't even awoken by the storm! Guess what awoke Him then? No, not because the storm got from bad to worse! He was awoken when He heard the 'cry' of His own (disciples). Today, He's the same to you (for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever). He hears your 'cry' too, because He calls you His own!

See? He has never been 'affected' by whatever 'storm' (big or small) the devil may have come up with! That's never a problem to Him at all!

Is there any 'storm' He cannot calm in your life today?

Beloved, like a loving parent to a child, He also 'awakes' when you start looking to Him & calling out to Him! And you know what, the storm calmed down (Mark 4:39) at His words ("Peace, be still!"), and just as the disciples, you'll also reach your 'the other side' (your 'destiny') as well, safe and sound. Amen!