Receive God's power to prevail!

The Lord says: 

"It's time for you to receive My power to overcome! Overcome and triumph over whatever your bondage may be! Overcome and triumph over whatever evil and wickedness thrown at you by the enemy! Overcome and triumph over whatever curse or disease that has been inflicted upon you! Be set free! And start afresh!" 

Judges 3:7-8 (NKJV) says, 'So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God, and they served the Baals and the Asherahs. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim eight years.' 

Judges 3:9 (NKJV) says, 'When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.'

For every name in the Scripture, there is a meaning. What does 'Cushan-Rishathaim' mean? It is translated as 'double wickedness'. It can also be translated as 'repeating wickedness that comes again and again like a curse'. Now, what does this speak of? It speaks of your bondage in life that seems so hard to be set free from. It speaks of the curse that has been inflicted upon you, or whatever thought of certain bad experiences, hurts, pains, or even guilt of your past that keeps trying to make a comeback to your life. And it comes again and again, attacking and pounding you over and over again, pulling you back to those past. That's what the definition of 'repeating wickedness that comes again and again' means here. 

You see, we all have our "Cushan-Rishathaim". It's like you are trying to forget it and move on, but somehow it still comes back again and again to haunt you. And you feel so helpless, and it's like there's just no way out. 

That's what the people of God experienced at that time as well. They were suffering under the 'double wickedness' of the king, Cushan-Rishathaim. 

Beloved of God, maybe you too are going through a time like this. Your past keeps haunting you, be it those pains, bad experiences, tragedies, guilt, even shame or mistakes in your life, or failures in your life. And the enemy, your "Cushan-Rishathaim" keeps wanting to pull you back to remember those past. 

The name 'Rishathaim' comes from two words: 'Rishah' which means 'wickedness, condemnation, fault'; and 'Ayim' which means 'double, plural, repeat'. See the word 'repeat' here? It means 'repeatedly pounding you again and again, reminding you of those past pains, condemnation, failure, guilt, or whatever bad experiences that you've had'. 

How about the word 'Cushan' here? It comes from the word 'Cush'. Who is 'Cush'? He's the son of Ham. Remember that Ham who uncovered and exposed his father's (Noah's) nakedness? You can see that in Genesis 9:22-23. So, 'Cush' here speaks of 'guilt, curse'. 

Have you been having nightmares or thoughts recently that bring you all the way back to those certain past failures, mistakes, or shame of yours? It's like all of a sudden, all those past bad memories you've wanted to forget suddenly make a comeback to haunt you again. 

You see, the devil, the enemy, always wants to try to pull you back to your past, pointing fingers at you, and reminding you of those bad past of yours. Now, he's good at that. You know what? The Bible says he is the accuser of our brethren, accusing us day and night. That's in Revelation 12:10. 

But look at one verse later in Revelation 12:11. That's the good news. 'And they (God's people) overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...' Who is this Lamb? Jesus! Who is this Word? Jesus! If you have Him, He has overcome for you! By His blood shed for you on the cross! And by His Word, which is like a sword that slays the power of darkness! 

When Jesus' power is at work, the curse is broken! The bondage is broken! The 'spell' over you is broken! By Jesus' blood and by His Word! Amen! And that's where Othniel comes into picture! It is a 'picture' of who Jesus is in your life! 

Judges 3:10 (NKJV) says, 'The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Othniel), and he judged Israel. And so he went out to war, and the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim.' 

You see, the enemy wants you to relapse into your old cycle of repeated failures and pain again and again. The enemy wants history to repeat itself. I mean, those bad history. Those bad past. That's also what King Cushan-Rishathaim of Mesopotamia did against the people of God those days. In other words, he was bringing their memories back to Mesopotamia. And you know where is Mesopotamia? That's the place God had told Abraham to get out of there those days, and go to the land that God had promised him and his descendants.

But right now, praise the Lord and thanks be to God, because Jesus has overcome and prevailed for you! And you are now set free! See Jesus carrying all your curse and all those past of yours on the cross once and for all. 

I want to declare that your bad history doesn't have to repeat itself! I also want to declare that you are now set free, and you can start afresh today! 

Interestingly, 'Othniel' means 'Force of God, Strength of God, Power of God' in Hebrew. This name comes from two words: 'Othniy' which means 'force, strength, power'; and 'El' which is 'the name of God Almighty'. Othniel! Force of God! Strength of God! Power of God! 

This speaks of Jesus who lives in you! This speaks of Jesus who has overcome for you! This speaks of Jesus who has prevailed over all your "Cushan-Rishathaim". Amen! 

Right now, God's power is being released upon you. Receive by faith. Nothing of the enemy can stand this power of God. Declare that all the curse in your life is broken! And for all those bondages in your life, you are now set free from those! 

Receive God's anointing right now! Receive the anointing for you to also start afresh! Yes, a new strength and a new vigor is coming upon you. Amen! 

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How to respond in a time of chaos and upheavals?

The Lord says: 

"In a time of many chaos and upheavals that are coming in this world, keep your focus on Me and My Word. When many are having a sense of hopelessness, set your eyes on My ultimate victory for you. Stay true to Me and My Word. Stay pure and innocent in Me. Do not allow yourself to be conformed to the ways of this world. Do not allow yourself to be swallowed up and contaminated by the ways of this fallen world." 

For many things in this world nowadays, the right has become wrong, and the wrong has become right. The world has indeed gone upside down. Many people are in a state of confusion. They cannot differentiate and discern what is right and what is wrong, what is of God and what is not of God.

The word 'chaos' means 'disorder, disarray, confusion, mayhem'. Many societies in this world are in a disorderly and confused state nowadays. They do not know who to trust anymore. They cannot trust politicians. They cannot trust policy-makers. And many people in this world are in a state of disarray and disorientation. They get tossed easily to and fro by many different opinions and worldviews.

The word 'upheavals' means 'violent, sudden change, disruption in something'. This can happen in the spiritual realm or in the physical realm, whether geographically, politically, economically, or geopolitically. There will be many chaos, both in the spiritual realm and physical realm this year. Geographically speaking, there will be shakings and earthquakes in various places. Politically speaking, there will be widespread unrest in many parts of the world. What more, with many key elections coming in different parts of the world this year. It will be a dog fight. Wars and rumors of war will also increase as well. 

But as for you, beloved, fear not! Because the Lord has promised you a year of resounding victory, if you walk with Him and look to Him! Your part is to stay pure and innocent before the Lord. Stay true to Him and His Word. And of course, always set your mind on the ultimate victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I'm going to share with you what is this ultimate victory, as written in the book of Isaiah chapter 66. The book of Isaiah is like a mini-Bible. There are 66 chapters in Isaiah, just as there are 66 books in the Bible. So, Isaiah chapter 66 is the last chapter in Isaiah. Why is this so important? Because it gives us a clear picture of what will happen at the very end of this age. In other words, the ultimate victory that is coming!

Therefore beloved of God, in a world when many people have a sense of hopelessness, you are different! Because you have this ultimate hope and assured victory, as promised in the Word of God!

Before we go to Isaiah chapter 66, let's begin with Romans 12:2 (NKJV) first. This verse says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' 

The word 'conform' here is 'suschematizo' in Greek. It means 'to pattern oneself to something'. Here, Paul wrote that we are not to pattern after the ways of this fallen world or the systems of this fallen world. In other words, we are not to agree and be contaminated by the ways of this fallen world. Instead, we allow God to transform how we see things, according to how He sees. Not how man sees, but how God sees. How? By allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. This is what it means here in this verse.

Another interesting word in this verse is 'prove'. It is 'dokimazo' in Greek. It can mean 'to allow something to happen'. It means as the Holy Spirit renews your mind, you are in effect allowing (or 'dokimazo') what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God to happen in your life! 

The next question is, how can you be transformed and renewed? The answer is in one verse before that. In Romans 12:1 (NKJV), Paul wrote, 'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.' 

See the word 'holy' here? It means as you surrender your life to the Lord in worship, let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn away all your impurities and sins. That's how you stay pure and holy before the Lord. And that's how you present yourself to the Lord afresh and anew, as you start off this year 2024! 

We can now go straight to Isaiah 66:1-2. Thus says the Lord: "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist," Says the Lord. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." 

Here, the Lord puts things back into proper perspective for His people. He is telling us that He is enthroned in heaven. He is the King of heaven, and the earth is His footstool. You know what that means? He is in full command and He is sovereign over the earth. That's what it means by 'the earth is His footstool.' 

Many of us want to serve God. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, every believer should serve God in one way or another, wherever they are, and whatever their vocation may be. But many of us also want to only serve Him in our way. We want to build something for God. We want to build, build, and build. But is that what God really wants? Does He really need us to build something for Him? Did the Lord say so? Of course, if the Lord says so, do it. Be obedient to His instruction. But if the Lord doesn't say so, and if the Lord doesn't give you a blueprint, and if you try to build by your own strength and ability, the Lord is not impressed. So, He is bringing us back to the right perspective. What He actually wants from us is simple: A poor and a contrite spirit, and to tremble at His word. As simple as that. 

Let's go to the definitions of these words 'poor', 'contrite', and 'tremble'. 

The word 'poor' here is 'awni' in Hebrew. It can mean 'lowly, humble, in need'. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, because God gives grace to the humble, and He resists the proud. When we are so full of ourselves, when we see there's no need for God, God will then leave us on our own. But when you acknowledge that you need Him, and in fact, you need Him all the more in this time of chaos, He will be right here for you. He will lead you. He will guide you. He will bring you through all these. He will cover you. He will protect you. He will defend you. 

The word 'contrite' here is 'nakeh' in Hebrew. It can mean 'broken, smitten, afflicted'. There is a spiritual meaning to this word 'contrite' here. He is a good God. He definitely doesn't want us to suffer, be smitten, and be afflicted. Instead, this word 'contrite' in the context here means He wants us to be aware that we are by nature sinners, and there's no way we can stand upright (righteous) before God with our own ability. In other words, we need Him. We are not to be like Job who's self-righteous. Not until he repented from his self-righteousness did God restore him and bless him. 

The word 'tremble' here is 'karad' in Hebrew. It simply means 'reverential fear, or reverence'. Simply put, a deep respect for the Word of God, honoring the Word of God, and heeding the Word of God.

For those who are humble and contrite, and for those who tremble at God's words, He has promised us Isaiah 66:12-13. For thus says the Lord: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." 

When Jesus the Messiah returns in glory and triumph, this is going to happen. There will be peace upon Jerusalem. There will be a gentle, powerful, yet refreshing river flowing from the throne of God. There will be no more chaos and commotion. Right now, you know it, you definitely don't see this yet. In fact, there's war. But there will come a time this prophecy will come to pass in Jerusalem. Not just in Jerusalem, but this river of God also flows to every other part of the world!

Further, this is how God describes it: 'As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.' What does this statement mean? It means even though God is all-powerful and mighty in power, He is also showing to us how tenderhearted and loving He is to us. You see, no one can comfort a child the way a mother does. A mother knows a child best. Because the child comes out from her womb. 

So beloved of God, no matter what situation you may be in at the moment, the Lord is here and the Lord is promising you He is here to comfort you. He is here to restore you, if there's any area in your life that has been broken. He is here to heal you, if there's any area in your life that has been unwell. Receive this assurance from the Lord by faith. 

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

The word 'abide' here is 'meno' in Greek. It can mean 'attach, remain, stay, continue, dwell, endure, be present, wait on'. 

As you wait on the Lord, as you hope in the Lord, as you abide in Him, and as you attach yourself to Him like a branch to the vine, there's an open heaven above you right now. Receive His glory and anointing by faith. Receive His supernatural strength by faith. Receive His supernatural provision by faith. Receive His supernatural health and protection by faith. Receive His grace and favor by faith. Receive His love, joy and peace that comes from heaven. Receive all that you ever need right here on earth. Yes, heaven on earth! Receive all the above for the year 2024! And whatever happens around you this year, as for you and your house, you'll be sure to walk in triumph and victory. Amen!

Happy New Year!

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God is turning the tide for you!

The Lord says: 

"The tide is shifting! The tide is shifting! The tide is shifting! For I am turning the tide for you. So, fear not, if you are surrounded by fiery darts and spears. For I am beginning to reverse the situation to your favor, even against the odds. Put your faith and hope in Me. Put your confidence and trust in Me. Look to Me and My Word. I am the Lord who answers. I am the Lord who comes to your aid. Watch how I begin to turn things around for you." 

Beloved, no matter what you have been facing recently, whether in your office, in your organization, in the ministry, or in any area of your life, there is hope for you! There is hope that the Lord can turn things around for you! Your part is to keep putting your trust and confidence in the Lord! 

Psalm 118:15-16 (The Message) says, 'Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? "The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!"' 

Hallelujah! Indeed, the hand of the Lord has turned the tide for you! The hand of the Lord is raised in victory for you! As long as you are on God's side, and as long as you walk in obedience to Him, His hand will be raised against all those works of darkness against you. You are going to sing songs of triumph and victory! 

This psalm does not have an author in its title, but many Bible scholars believe it was David who wrote it. 

Now, David knew what it's like to be surrounded by 'fiery darts, arrows, and spears'. In fact, at a certain period of time, David was being 'hunted' relentlessly by King Saul. Yet David also saw how God turned the tide for him in the end! The same it is for you and in your situation, because you too are a beloved of God! The name 'David' means 'Beloved'. 

What is the definition of 'turning the tide'? 

It can mean any of these:

- bringing a turnaround (to your favor)

- reversing a bad situation (to your favor)

- reversing the course of events (to your favor)

That's what 'turning the tide' means. And the Lord has spoken today that the tide is turning for you! 

So, whatever not-so-good situation that you may be facing at the moment, be it in your career, in your business, in your finance, or even in your health, or in any other area of your life, the Lord wants you to know that He can turn things around for you, even against the odds! Nothing is impossible to Him. With Him, all things are possible!  

Psalm 118:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' 

Indeed, if God is for you, who can be against you? The expression 'set me in a broad place' here means you are not being stifled by the enemy anymore! In other words, you are set free to be who God wants you to be! Beloved, walk in this time and season! Walk in this freedom and victory that the Lord has given to you! Walk in triumph! 

Psalm 118:8-9 (NKJV) says, 'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.' 

You see, God does put authority above us for the betterment of our lives on this earth. However, every form of authority on this earth may rise and fall. But if you put your trust in the Lord your God who will never fall, the Lord God Almighty, you are like standing on the solid ground and solid rock! Come what may, be it high waves, strong winds, or violent storms, none of these can shake you! 

Psalm 118:13-14 (NKJV) says, 'You push me violently, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.' 

Indeed, the Lord your God knows how to come to your aid. He knows how to save you from all those 'fiery darts, arrows, and spears' that the enemy throw against you! He knows how to defend you from any form of attack, be it attack to your reputation, attack to your good name, or even attack out of jealousy against you! 

Just look at David who wrote this psalm. In spite of what had happened to David, the Lord knew how to turn the tide to his favor! For the record, King Saul was jealous of David. No matter how faithful David was to King Saul, King Saul saw David as a threat to his kingship. King Saul couldn't take it when someone else was rising up to do greater things than him. In fact, King Saul actually had made a vow not to kill David! (1 Samuel 19:6-7) But he broke his vow and promise time and again! 

When King Saul sought to kill David out of his own insecurity and jealousy against David, the Lord always knew how to protect and defend David. Ironically, at one time, it was King Saul's own son (Jonathan) and own daughter (Michal) who came to David's rescue! (1 Samuel 19:4-5, 1 Samuel 19:11-17) 

Beloved, are you in a situation where you have been falsely accused, you have been 'hunted', or some people are just plain jealous against you? Take heart. The Lord is with you. Continue to humble yourself before the Lord. Continue to look to the Lord. The Lord your God is not dead. He will know how to come to your rescue. He will know how to come to your aid. Trust Him and His Word. Put your confidence in Him. He is a God who is still alive in your situation, whatever you may be facing at the moment. 

Fast forward to 1 Chronicles 10. That's when King Saul met his tragic end. The archers hit him, and he was wounded by the archers. If only David was there, things would have been so much different. Remember, it was David who has the anointing from the Lord to defeat the Philistines. But over here, there was no more protection for King Saul. King Saul eventually died, and all his household died together (1 Chronicles 10:1-6). What a tragic end! Upon seeing what had happened to King Saul, all the men of Israel also fled and escaped for their lives. Israel fell into the hands of the Philistines (1 Chronicles 10:7).

In 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NKJV), it's written, 'So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore the Lord killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.' 

If you read from verse 13 to 14 here, this was God's verdict against Saul. God saw Saul as someone who's unfaithful to what He has spoken. God saw Saul as someone who did not seek Him and did not inquire of Him. Therefore, at that time, God pulled him down, and raised up David to be the new king. That's how God turned the kingdom over to David, a man after God's heart, a man who's faithful to God. The rest is history. The people began to gather around David and acknowledged him as their new king. Israel went on to become a great nation under the kingship of David. 

So beloved, take heart, because the tide is shifting for you too! God has begun His work, and He is in the midst of turning the tide for you! Continue to be a man (or a woman) after God's heart. Continue to live a life that is surrendered and yielded to the Lord. And the Lord will know how to do His part. Amen!

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Rise above the spiritual atmosphere in your land!

The Lord says: 

"This is the time to make the choice to rise above the spiritual atmosphere in your land. Do not allow yourself to come under or succumb under the work of the enemy. The enemy has been causing My people to feel down, defeated, or discouraged. But rise above all these! Lift up your hands in praise and worship! Declare My Word! Pray in the spirit! Take authority in My name! For no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every word that rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn! This is your heritage as My servant and My beloved. For I am your Righteousness, and I am your Victory!" 

Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) 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." 

In the Expanded Bible, it's written this way: "So no weapon that is used [forged] against you will defeat you [succeed]. You will show that those who speak against you are wrong [refute every accusation against you, refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment]. These are the good things [heritage] My servants receive. Their victory [vindication; righteousness] comes from Me." 

Indeed, whenever the enemy throws and hurls his words or works against you, or throws accusation against you, you rise above it! You condemn it! You refute it! Yes, never give in to the enemy! If the enemy says you are defeated, or if the enemy tries to discourage you or cause you to feel down, what do you do? You declare into the spiritual realm, you declare into the air, you declare upon yourself, that you already have your victory, because Jesus is your Victory! 

Always remember, just as Jesus has spoken: "It is written...", "It is written...", "It is written..." It is written in the Word of God! Therefore, use the Word of God! The Word of God is your weapon against the weapon of the enemy! 

Let us define the word 'weapon' in the context of the enemy's words or works. This word 'weapon' in Isaiah 54:17 is 'kel-ee' in Hebrew. In the context of the enemy's words or works against you, it can be defined as 'something prepared, whether spiritual or physical, that is used by the enemy to inflict harm or damage to you, or to gain advantage over you.' 

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

In the Expanded Bible, it's written this way: 'We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses [not merely human weapons; not of the flesh]. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places [strongholds; fortresses]. We destroy people's arguments [human reasoning] and every proud thing [pretension; exalted opinion; high thing] that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it obey Christ.' 

The word 'weapons' here is 'hoplon' in Greek, from the primary word 'hepo'. Very interestingly, the word 'hepo' actually means 'to be involved in, to be engaged in, to be busily occupied with'. Wow! You know what this means? It means the Lord your God has assured you that He is fully involved in, fully engaged in, and busily occupied together with you as you face whatever the enemy is throwing at you! In other words, you are not alone! He is fighting for you!

Now, just by having this revelation that 'If the Lord is for you, who can be against you?', you have already won! Romans 8:31 (NKJV) says, 'What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?' 

You see, the enemy will always try to find ways or opportunities to 'devour' you. But if you do not give in, and if you do not give him the opportunity, he can never 'devour' you! Therefore, be spiritually vigilant. Spend time reading the Word. Spend time praying in the spirit. Your spirit is being built up when you pray in the spirit. Lift up your hands in praise and in worship! Take authority in Jesus' name! Rise above, and not go below! You already have your God-given weapons to overcome all of the enemy's words or works that come against you! 

You see, the Lord your God cares to fight for you. He cares to win it for you. He cares to ward off all the words or works of the enemy that come against you. Remember, He is never absent, but always present with you! He is here with you, and fully involved together with you! And He is the One who breaks through for you. By your own self, you cannot. But with Him, you can. He is your breakthrough God. You just need to follow Him!

Philippians 2:8-11 (NKJV) says, 'And being found in appearance as a man, Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' 

Indeed, He is exalted, and He is the name above every name - of those in heaven, of those on earth, and of those under the earth! And because you are in Him, therefore you too are exalted over and above all that the enemy throws at you! Hallelujah!

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Words for now: In your weakness, He is your strength!

The Lord says: "There may be people who make life difficult for you at the moment, and those who oppose you or cause problem to you at the moment, but look to Me, for I will know how to turn it around for you. I will know how to turn it around for your good and for your victory. I will strengthen you, and My grace is sufficient for you. In your weakness, I will be your strength. Take heart." 

Beloved of God, if you have been going through a certain challenge in life, or going through some problems in life, or some people are opposing you or causing problems to you, take heart. The Lord says He is here for you, as long as you do what He tells you to do and keep your focus on what He has spoken for you to do. He will know how to turn things around for you. His grace is more than enough for you. 

For today, we are going to look at the life of King Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 18:13 says, 'And in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.'

Here, you see that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against Judah and the people of God. This name 'Sennacherib' comes from the original word 'Senkerib'. The original meaning of 'Senkerib' is 'sin being multiplied'. So, this can speak of the spirit of darkness or the work of darkness that comes against you, that tries to persecute you and cause problem to you, as you walk with God on this earth. 

2 Kings 18:28-30 says, 'Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and spoke, saying, "Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! Thus says the king: 'Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he shall not be able to deliver you from his hand; nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, "The Lord will surely deliver us; this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria."''

By the way, 'Rabshakeh' was a title in the Assyrian kingdom those days, and Bible scholars believe he was the chief of staff or a governor who served the king of Assyria. Here, this Rabshakeh was challenging the people of God, "Don't let Hezekiah deceive you, or make you trust in the Lord!" In short, "Don't trust Hezekiah!"

Beloved of God, if you are in the same situation when someone tries to sow seeds of distrust against you or sow seeds of discord against you, just look to the Lord and trust in the Lord. He will know how to take over.

Fast forward to 2 Kings 19:1-3, 'And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth... Then Hezekiah sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. And they said to him, "Thus says Hezekiah: 'This day is a day of trouble, and rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth."' 

Maybe you too are in a situation when you have no more strength to carry on. Remember what the Lord has spoken just now? In your weakness, He is your strength! And I'm going to tell you something very interesting here, what the name 'Hezekiah' means: 'Khizkee Yah' in Hebrew. It means 'Yah strengthens' or 'Yah is my strength'. 

So, in a time of weakness, or in a time when you feel you have no more strength to carry on, the Lord wants you to receive this strength from Him. Remember: 'Khizkee Yah'. Yah strengthens you. Yah is your strength. Yah is the name of the Lord your God. His grace is more than enough for you. His grace is sufficient for you. He will know how to give you the strength. And He will know how to add upon you the strength that you need!

2 Kings 19:5-7 says, 'So the servants of King Hezekiah came to prophet Isaiah. And Isaiah said to them, "Thus you shall say to your master, 'Thus says the Lord: "Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land."''

Notice here: "...return to his own land." You know what that means? It means God's going to turn things around and push all those works of darkness back. In other words, God has started to take over!

It is the same for you, beloved! God has started! God has begun! God has started to turn things around for you! You've got to believe this! Remember, He is a God who is not dead. He is a God who is very much alive in your situation, whatever you may be facing at the moment. 

Let's continue with 2 Kings 19:21-22. Just now, the Lord spoke to Hezekiah. But now, the Lord spoke about Sennacherib. Here, the Lord said: 'The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you, laughed you to scorn; The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head behind your back! Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice, and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel...'

2 Kings 19:32-34 then says, 'Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: "He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return; and he shall not come into this city. For I will defend the city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David's sake."' 

Beloved of God, I want to declare upon you the same, that the Lord is going to defend you, and the Lord will know how to fight for you. You don't have to fight for yourself or by yourself. The Lord will fight for you. Because the battle is not yours. The battle is the Lord's. Amen! 

Now look what's written in 2 Kings 19:35-36, 'And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out and killed in the camp of the Assyrians, the enemy, 185,000! And when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses - all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.' 

You see again here? God took over and turned things around. Of course under the New Covenant, we are not fighting flesh and blood. We are fighting against the principalities and the power of darkness. We are fighting against the rulers of the darkness of this age. We are fighting against spiritual hosts of wickedness. You can see that in Ephesians chapter 6.

And finally, in 2 Kings 19:37, 'Now it came to pass, as Sennacherib was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his God, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword...' 

It means his own children killed him! And the so-called great and mighty Sennacherib was finally defeated! And he wasn't even defeated in a battle. But he was defeated by the people of his own clan. 

The power of darkness better not play a fool with the Lord God. See what happened to those who boasted against the Lord and the people who put their trust in the Lord?

Therefore, beloved of God, as much as the enemy had wanted to crush you, I tell you what, the good news is this: God will not allow it! God will turn it around for you and get back to the enemy! 

So, take heart, if you are just being faithful doing what God tells you to do in each time and season of your life. Whatever people want to say, let them say. But you stay focused on what God tells you to do. And God will take care of the rest. 

I want to declare upon you that 'No weapon that comes against you shall prosper, and every word of judgment that rises against you, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. Your righteousness comes from the Lord.' That's in Isaiah 54:17. Amen! 

Let's pray: "O Lord God, we thank You that as much as the enemy wanted to crush Your people, You will not allow it. You will know how to turn things around, and You will know how to get back to the enemy. We do not have to fight this battle. The battle is Yours. So, we can take heart in this truth, that You will know how to take care of the rest, as we stay focused on what You have spoken for us to be and to do. You will know how to strengthen us. In our weakness, You will be our strength. Your grace is sufficient for us. As you have done for Hezekiah; You are the same yesterday, today and forever; You can do the same for our lives too. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Prophetic words: A time to advance and flourish!

Words from the Lord: 

"This new spiritual year is a year of moving, advancing and possessing! This is the year of moving from the old and advancing to the new. This is the year to possess your inheritance in Me and move into a new assignment that I have prepared for you!"

Further words from the Lord: 

"Like Joshua when he left the wilderness and moved into the Promised Land, a new strength and a new momentum is building for My people. Wisdom and revelation will be added upon My people. You will know the right direction to go, and the right way to do things. Fresh revelations will flow."

We have entered a brand new Hebrew year, a brand new spiritual year! 

The key for this new spiritual year is moving, advancing and possessing!

As I was praying in the spirit, the Lord gave me a vision. In the vision, I saw rows and rows of new palm trees growing right before my eyes. The trees are growing very fast, like even before someone finished planting a new palm tree, the tree before that has already grown to be a matured tree, bearing fruit. And I saw tree after tree, each one grew so fast and began to bear fruit.

I asked the Lord for the interpretation of this vision. And this is what the Lord said: "Like the palm trees, many things are going to accelerate in ways you cannot imagine possible. There's going to be a lot of movement and advancing in the spiritual realm, and it will be reflected in the physical realm. Like Joshua after crossing Jordan, the conquests happened so fast - in just that few years - as he led the people to possess their inheritance."

Some of you may ask, "What is the significance or symbolic meaning of palm tree according to the Scripture?"

Psalm 92:12 (NKJV) says, 'The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.'

'Palm tree' here is 'tawmawr' in Hebrew, from the original root word meaning 'to grow, to flourish, to shoot up, to go upright'.

For the record, palm tree is a fruit bearing tree. In fact, a palm tree bears fruit that is super nutritious. The fruit, or the dates of the palm tree, is considered one of the super foods even today. This fruit can sustain people's life for a long time even without them eating any other food. 

You see, not only palm dates are super nutritious, but palm dates can also sustain people's life for a long time. Therefore, 'palm tree' speaks of 'flourishing'. Beloved of God, you too are like the palm tree! You too will flourish! And this is what you're going to see happening in your life, as you look to the Lord and flow with the Lord!

Even as you begin this new spiritual year, the Hebrew new year (and this includes a big portion of the Gregorian year 2023), receive this grace from the Lord to flourish, to advance, and to shoot up! Not just that. You are going to triumph! You are going to overcome! And like Joshua, you are going to possess the inheritance that the Lord has wanted to give to you this brand new spiritual year!

Prayer:

"O Lord God, we thank You for Your prophetic words today. We thank You that as we look to You and follow Your leading the way Joshua followed You, we shall advance and possess our inheritance that You have promised us. We want to be like the palm trees that flourish and bear much fruit, as we look forward and look ahead in our lives. We want to walk in the fullness of what You have prepared for us in this brand new spiritual year. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

Click here for the full message in TiC's YouTube Channel

Let your enemies be scattered!

The Lord says: "This is the time to declare that all your enemies be scattered! This is the time to declare that the Lord your God is stepping in and taking charge over your situation!" 

For some of you who are battle-weary and you have been facing wave after wave of challenges and problems in your life, the Lord is here to encourage you. The Lord is saying that He is stepping in and taking charge over your situation. 

Whatever your situation may be at the moment, fear not! Because when you allow Him to step into your life and take charge, no enemy can withstand Him! 

Psalm 68:1-2 says, 'Let God arise; Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.' 

This psalm is a proclamation of God's triumph over the enemies. The enemies will have no choice but to be scattered. The enemies will have no choice but to flee. 

Most Bible scholars agree that Psalm 68, a psalm of David, is connected with the coming of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem during David's reign as king. What does this ark of the covenant symbolize? This ark speaks of the glory of the Lord that goes before us. But it can also speak of Jesus, a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. So, when the ark of the covenant was being brought into Jerusalem (i.e. into its rightful place), it is a 'picture' of Jesus entering into your life and taking over your situation! 

Therefore, this is an ideal psalm for you to proclaim in this time and season to scatter all those enemies that come against you, and to proclaim that God is in charge! 

What is this word 'scatter' here? The definition of 'scatter' here, according to Cambridge Dictionary, is 'to (cause to) move far apart in different directions'. In the context here, 'scattering the enemies' can therefore be defined as 'dispersing or breaking the power of darkness against you'. This power of darkness may be a curse against you, a conspiracy against you, a plot against you, or even poison words against you. And you know what? When God goes forth together with you, no enemy can stand against you. They are all scattered! 

In cross-reference, Deuteronomy 28:7 says, 'The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.'

You may be asking what does it mean by 'seven ways'? Does that literally mean 'seven ways'? By the way, the number 'seven' in Hebrew is a number for 'perfection'. In the context here, it speaks of the enemies being utterly (yes, that's the word, 'utterly') scattered, utterly broken, and utterly defeated by the Lord your God. Like the roar of the lion in the jungle and all the others have to flee. So, people of God, have this hope and assurance that no matter what the enemy may do against you or how the enemy may come against you, be it spiritually or physically, none of these can withstand the might and the power of the Lion of Judah, the Lord your God. Hallelujah!

Another cross-reference is Numbers 10:35 that says, 'So it was, when the ark (the ark of the covenant) set out, that Moses said: "Rise up, O Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You."' 

As Moses and the people marched towards the Promised Land, the ark of the covenant led the way. The same it is for you and I at the moment. As we march towards our God-given destiny in life, let Jesus lead the way. Let Him step into your life and let Him lead you every step of the way, especially in this dangerous and perilous world at the moment. 

You know what? When Jesus rose up (i.e. when He was resurrected), all His enemies were scattered! And if you are in Christ, His victory has become your victory! 

So people of God, let Jesus lead the way and pave the way for you! Your part is to follow His way and His path. Because the battle is not yours. The battle is the Lord's. You can be at rest, no matter what your situation may be at the moment, knowing that the Lord is fighting your battles. And when the Lord fights, the Lord will surely triumph! All the enemies shall be scattered! That's what the Scripture says! Hallelujah!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

How to rise above your situation and circumstances?

The Lord says:

"Cast all your cares to Me. Cast all your burdens to Me. You have run this race of faith so far. You have run this journey of life so far. Hang on strong! Persevere! Keep looking to Me, and I will know how to order your steps, step by step, every step of the way. Do not be discouraged therefore, and do not lose heart. I will show you the light and I will show you the way, even if you have not been able to see any yet at the moment."

The Lord says further:

"This is a crucial time to rise above and not come under the spiritual atmosphere around you. Do not bow down to whatever the spiritual forces of darkness wherever you are. For you are made the head and not the tail. And you are made overcomers. He who is in you is greater than the power of darkness that is in this world."

Deuteronomy 28:13 (NKJV) says, 'And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.'

In Christ, you too are the heirs of Abraham, and therefore, the blessings of Abraham are upon you! One of these blessings of Abraham is that you are made the head and not the tail; and you shall be above and not be beneath! Yes, even over and above all your situations, circumstances, or even the spiritual forces of darkness around you, whatever these may be!

In a nation, city, town, village, or even neighborhood, there can be certain prevailing spiritual atmosphere that envelopes the place. For some places, it may be the spirit of depression. So, if a person comes under that atmosphere, chances are he or she will somehow, for no reason, feel depressed most of the time. This is the reality in the spiritual realm. For some other places, it may be the spirit of drunkenness, spirit of idolatry, spirit of suicide, etc. 

But God! The good news is you are made heirs of God through Christ, and therefore, whatever the spiritual forces of darkness around you may be, you can receive the authority, dominion and power of God to rise above and be set free! 

Declare upon yourself that you are the head and not the tail; be above and not be beneath! Know that you have the Master of all situations and circumstances living in you right now! And His name is Jesus!

1 John 5:4 (NKJV) says, 'For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.' Therefore, receive the anointing from on high to overcome and to triumph! 

And whatever happens around you, or whatever news you hear around you, there is absolutely nothing to fear, because you have the One who overcomes (John 16:33) living in you right now! Indeed, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world! (1 John 4:4) Hallelujah!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

Why is giving thanks so important?

Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) says, 'Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...' 

Some people may say, "What if I have no reason to give thanks?" It is understandable, especially in perilous and challenging times like these, or if a person is facing a health problem or financial problem. In situations like these, it is hard to give thanks. But what does the Bible say? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'. 

Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus'.

The word 'thanksgiving' here is 'eucharistia' in Greek, which means 'gratefulness/gratitude (as an act of worship, well-pleasing to God)', from the words 'eu' (well, good) and 'charis' (grace, favor, forgiveness). You see, your thanksgiving to God is in effect an act of worship, well-pleasing to God!

Therefore, never underestimate the power of giving thanks! Because when you start giving thanks (in spite of whatever you face in this world), something good happens, and you will see good changes in your life (even in your situation)! Believe and receive this by faith!

These are 5 ways (or reasons) why giving thanks is so important:

1. Giving thanks causes you to remember His goodness
Psalm 106:1 (NKJV) says, 'Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever'.

2. Giving thanks causes you to appreciate who God is in your life
Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy'.

3. Giving thanks causes you to experience God's presence in deeper ways
Psalm 100:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name'.

4. Giving thanks causes you to triumph over despair and discouragement
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place'.

5. Giving thanks causes you to be relieved from stress and health problems
Psalm 30:11-12 (NKJV) says, 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever'.

For details of this message, click here to listen to the preaching. 

Let Him make a triumphal entry into your heart!

John 12:12-13 (NKJV): The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!"

The word 'Hosanna' is 'yasha-na' in Hebrew, coming from two words, 'yasha' meaning 'save, help', and 'na' meaning 'I pray, I beseech'. It was sung as a welcome, a greeting or shout of praise, but it actually means "Save now, I pray!" In Psalm 118:25-26, the psalmist wrote, "Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, grant us success. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed You from the house of the Lord."

When news of Jesus coming into Jerusalem began to spread, and as He was getting ready to attend the Feast of Passover, the people came out in droves to meet Him, thinking that He would be their political leader (political savior/deliverer) who would deliver them from the Roman occupiers. They saw Jesus as their 'political messiah', their hope and help. That was why they raised and spread 'branches of palm trees' to honor Him, and called Him 'The King of Israel'. These 'branches of palm trees' those days were symbolic of 'goodness, well-being, victory'.

For the record, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as King of Israel also marked the shift from private setting to public setting of His ministry on earth. It was to be a new stage in His ministry, and by openly entering the city where He was a marked man, He took the first step towards an open confrontation with those who wanted to kill Him.

John 12:14-15 says, 'Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: "Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."'

You might ask, "Why did Jesus ride on a donkey? Why not horse?"
Because 'donkey' speaks of 'peace', whereas 'horse' speaks of 'war'.

To understand the contrast above, let's look now at the prophecy written in Zechariah 9:9-10, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth."
By the way, 'chariot' and 'horse' here are symbolic of 'the might of men, or the power of men'. Psalm 20:7 says, 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God'.

As you can see here, Jesus did not come as a great and powerful earthly king and warrior-politician, much to the disappointment of many in those days. And within less than a week, many who welcomed Him and praised Him with shouts of 'Hosanna' ended up turning their backs on Him! Because they were expecting a political war-horse, someone whom they could call 'hero'. But instead, He came as a lowly servant riding on a donkey! Not as they have expected! And not just that, He came ready to die, as a lamb prepared to be slain!

It's an irony many who claimed to know the Law and the Prophets those days missed out on who He was and why He came for, and how they missed out the prophecies in Zechariah 9:9-10 entirely! As Jesus put it, they 'had eyes but could not see'.

People of God, let's not make that same mistake again. As we celebrate and commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, may the Lord also open our spiritual eyes to 'see' that Jesus is now here making a triumphal entry right into our hearts!

He wants to see His 'goodness, well-being, victory' live in you (remember 'branches of palm trees'?), and as you shout 'Hosanna', He is here to reign and triumph through you! He wants to set you free from the yoke of slavery, and restore double to you! And that's exactly what Zechariah 9:11-12 says (right after Zechariah 9:9-10), "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold (fortress), you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you."

This is a time to return to Him, and put all your trust in Him, instead of the 'chariots' and 'horses' of this world. This is a time to meet Him face to face, just as the people who came out to meet Him (see John 12:12-13 again), but this time with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I released these words from the Lord to the congregation on April 9, 2017 (Palm Sunday):
"Prepare yourselves for My glory and My triumphal entry into your hearts! Let Me meet with you and let Me live in you! Let Me reign and triumph in your lives in this new season! Behold, I make all things new! This is a time to believe for a brand new encounter with Me in your lives!"

Indeed, this is a time to let Him meet with you in a fresh new way and let Him live in you! This is especially so for you who have wanted to go deeper, and into a new level of intimacy with Him. You are not satisfied with your current state of spiritual life, and you may even be so tired of 'playing church', but without a true encounter with Him. You do not want to be a 'fake' anymore. You want the 'real deal'.

If you are one of those, this is a time to prepare yourself for a brand new encounter with Him, because He is in the midst of visiting many who humble themselves and cry out to Him. As you let go of the 'old', or whatever in the past that has 'imprisoned' you, let Him have a free hand in your life, and let Him take over every area of your life. He will make all things new for you, and He will even 'make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert' for you (Isaiah 43:18-19). Amen.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper!

I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"This is a month I will teach you and lead you to triumph in your spiritual warfare! Whatever your spiritual warfare may be at the moment, no weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn! By the Blood and by the Word! So, fear not! Victory has already been won for you! Claim it! Receive it!"

Revelation 12:7-9 (NKJV) says, 'And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him'.

Revelation 12:10-12 (NKJV) continues, 'Then I (John) heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation (Yeshuwah), and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the BLOOD of the Lamb and by the WORD of their testimony..."'

By the Blood (of Christ) and by the Word (of Christ)! That's exactly how John saw the people of the Lord overcome the devil! That's all they needed! And the same it is for you and I today!

Let's do a simple checklist.
Has the Blood (of Christ) been shed for you? Yes! Some 2,000 years ago! (see Ephesians 1:7)
Has the Word (of Christ) been given to you? Yes! When He came on earth! (see John 1:14)

And there you are! The truth is you ALREADY have everything you need to triumph in warfare today! Victory has already been won for you on the cross!

Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV) says, 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ'.

See the words 'who has blessed us' here? Notice it is not written 'who will soon bless us', but written 'who has blessed us'! It means as a believer in Christ Jesus, you are not 'trying to get it' (trying to earn it or achieve it), but you ALREADY have it!

Now watch the word 'every' in this verse. It is translated in King James Version (KJV) as 'all'. In Greek, it is even better! It can mean 'all, any, every, the whole of, whatsoever'! Wow! In other words, our Abba Father in heaven has blessed us with 'all, any, every, the whole of, whatsoever' spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ!

Some may ask, "But why are there so many Christians not living in victory?" Because they do not know! They do not know they have ALREADY been given everything they need in order to live in victory! The Bible says, 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...' (Hosea 4:6) And this knowledge is not just head knowledge, but revelation knowledge!

"Now that I know, what should I do now?"

Ephesians 6:10-11 says, 'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil'. Ephesians 6:13 then says, 'Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand'.
And finally, Ephesians 6:14 says, 'Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness...'

See the word 'stand' mentioned three times here? The number 'three' in Hebrew numeric can mean 'perfect testimony, invincibility'. Let Scripture interpret Scripture, and we shall go all the way to 2 Chronicles 20 now. Here, it happened that a great multitude (the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir) came to battle against Judah, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah began to seek the Lord for help (2 Chronicles 20:1-4). The Spirit of the Lord then came upon Jahaziel, and he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation (Yeshuwah) of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.'" (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

Notice the word 'stand' here? In Hebrew, this word is 'aw-mad', and it can mean 'to present self'. See? Your part is to present yourself (and not absent yourself!) and watch the Salvation (Yeshuwah) of the Lord, who is with you! As for Jehoshaphat, he appointed those who should sing praises to the Lord, and when they began singing praises to the Lord, the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir were so confused that they began to destroy one another! (see 2 Chronicles 20:19-30)

People of God, just as for Jehoshaphat, the Lord your God will also give you the strategies for victory, when you seek Him and ask of Him!

What is the 'warfare' you are facing now?
Against: Spirit of death? Spirit of infirmities? Spirit of lack? Spirit of fear? Spirit of discouragement? The list goes on.
Symptoms: You have tried everything you know how in the natural, but it still comes attacking you!
Then you know this 'war' is invisible, and it is spiritual.
The fact is the devil hates you, and will throw 'darts' at you whenever there's an opportunity! But fear not! Because He (the Lord) who is in you is greater than he (the devil) who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

Not convinced? Here's the difference between the Lord your God and the devil:
1. The Lord your God is omniscient (all-knowing). But the devil does not know everything.
Otherwise he wouldn't have put Jesus on the cross, and got himself 'checkmated'! (see Hebrews 10:12-14)
2. The Lord your God is omnipotent (all-powerful). But the devil is not all-powerful. Otherwise he wouldn't have begged Jesus to leave him alone and not to torment him! (see Luke 8:28)
3. The Lord your God is omnipresent (all-present). But the devil is not everywhere all the time. Otherwise the Bible wouldn't have mentioned that he was cast out! (see Revelation 12:7-9)

And because the devil knows he isn't as great as what he wants men (and women) make him out to be, his one tactic is to make you think you don't have what you ALREADY have! That's why he is called a liar! (John 8:44)

People of God, the truth is you ALREADY have everything when you have Jesus!
He is in you the YHWH Shalom. He is not just giving you shalom peace, but HE IS your shalom peace!
He is in you the YHWH Rapha. He is not just giving you healing, but HE IS your healing!
He is in you the YHWH Yireh. He is not just giving you providence, but HE IS your providence!
He is in you the YHWH Tsidkenu. He is not just giving you righteousness, but HE IS your righteousness!
He is in you the YHWH Nissi. He is not just giving you the banner and the victory, but HE IS your banner and your victory!

Therefore, 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, says the Lord (Isaiah 54:17). Amen and Amen!

Jesus has the 'last laugh' over the enemy!

Deuteronomy 28:7 (NKJV): The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

One may ask, "But why 'seven ways', and not 'six ways', 'eight ways', or any other number of ways?"

From the many commentaries I've read on Deuteronomy 28:7, I like the way Rabbi Shlomo Itzhaki (Rashi) put it: "So is the custom of them that are terrified, to flee, scattering in every direction."

'Seven' in Hebrew is the number for 'completeness, perfection'. So, 'seven ways' here can mean 'scattering in every direction', or 'a complete overcoming (or victory) against the enemy'.

In cross-reference, Judges 7:20-22 says, 'Then Gideon's three hundred men blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers - they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing - and they cried out, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" And every man stood in his place all around the camp; and the whole army (of the Midianites) ran and cried out and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the Lord set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army (of the Midianites) fled...'

In another cross-reference, and this time in Elisha's days, 2 Kings 7:6-7 says, 'For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses - the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of Hittites and the kings of Egyptians to attack us!" Therefore, they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact - their tents, their horses, and their donkeys - and they fled for their lives'.

The word 'fled' in both the cross-references above is from the same word 'flee' in Deuteronomy 28:7, pronounced 'noos' in Hebrew, which means 'to vanish away, or to be chased out completely'.

People of God, if you have been feeling discouraged or defeated lately, Deuteronomy 28:7 is for you. You may even want to personalize and declare this verse over your life right now:
"The Lord causes my enemies who rise against me to be defeated before my face; they come out against me one way, but flee before me seven ways, scattering in every direction! In Jesus' name. Amen!"

Recently, I heard these words from the Lord:
"I have the final victory! I have the 'last laugh' over the enemy! I have overcome it for you! This is the time to receive the faith and anointing to take authority and triumph over every spirit of discouragement and defeat that has been sent by the enemy against you."

Just to be sure, I then scoured the dictionary to find out what exactly 'last laugh' is defined as, and here's what I found out: 'Last laugh' means 'the ultimate success (or victory) achieved after a near failure or loss (or an apparent failure or loss)'.

This immediately reminded me of Jesus Himself. The enemy thought he had won when Jesus was hung on the cross! In fact, no one on earth, by seeing it, thought Jesus was the winner at that time either! But God! And how foolish of the enemy to believe that he had won! Because little did he know that he was about to be 'checkmated' big time!

So who has the 'last laugh' here?

Jesus!

People of God, because you are in Him, know that you too have the final victory, the 'last laugh' over whatever the enemy has to throw at you! As Jesus is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) Victory is yours for the taking today. Declare: "Now thanks be to God who always leads me in triumph in Christ!" See the word 'always' here? Yes, always! The Word of God says so! Claim it! Believe for it, and receive it! You'll have it! In Jesus' name! Amen!

Triumphal Procession in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV): Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

The word ‘triumph’ here is 'thriambeuo' in Greek, which means ‘to conquer, to be victorious, to rise above, or to shout aloud joyfully in a triumphal procession, with songs of praise, celebration and jubilation.’ In other words, to 'triumph' means to 'celebrate and rejoice with victory and jubilation'.

In the words of the apostle Chuck Pierce (Glory of Zion International): 'Triumph' indicates that an advantage has been gained over the enemy. Success has been granted through a supernatural grace that has been released.

In New International Version (NIV), 2 Corinthians 2:14 is written this way: Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) was a procession, an entrance of the glory of God, with shouts of 'Hosanna', which means 'Lord, help, save us, we pray!' The original Hebrew word here is 'Yesha-na' which carries the same meaning. It's also 'an exclamation of adoration' to the Lord, our Savior.

Likewise, in the days of David when the ‘ark of the covenant’ was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1-29), there was also a jubilant procession of praise unto God, with singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, raising their voices with resounding joy, i.e. voices of triumph (see 1 Chronicles 15:16).

Today, the procession of the ‘ark of the covenant’ has begun again. The ‘ark of the covenant’ here symbolizes the glory of God, and Jesus Christ is the King of glory. It also represents God's promise, reminding His people of His leadership in a battle. So, this 'ark' (in the Old Covenant) is actually a 'picture' (or 'shadow') of Jesus Christ and His leadership in you as believers in the New Covenant today.

People of God, there is a sound coming. Do you hear this sound? It's a sound of triumph! Read Psalm 47. We are in this time and season now! Like the sons of Issachar who understood the times, knowing what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32), so is this generation today!

This is your time to receive the new 'beak' and new 'feathers', like that of an eagle. The 'old' is dropping off, and the 'new' is coming. The wind of His Spirit is blowing, and soon, His rain will start falling. Get ready for the rain. Take this time to listen. Let your spiritual ears be opened. There'll be specific instructions for specific situations. There's also a fresh injection in the Spirit. There'll be new thoughts and new ways of doing things. Receive the anointing to break free from the 'status quo' that used to work, but not anymore. This is your time to allow Him to 'break out mightily' in fresh new ways through your life! The Lord will give you the boldness. Receive this boldness that you need now!

This is also a time to advance! The sound of the trumpet (shofar) is at hand (Psalm 47:5). It's the sound of triumph! This generation has arisen, a triumphant people whom God has preserved, but now He is using to subdue and take the nations in great measure (Psalm 47:3). Remember He is always the Leader. Move as He moves, and stop as He stops.

In 1 Chronicles 15:1, the Bible says 'David prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it'. Just as David was then, it's also your time to prepare a place for this 'ark' right now. In the New Covenant, you are now the 'temple' (1 Corinthians 3:16), the dwelling place of this 'ark'. So, let this 'ark' be brought back to its rightful place, and let His glory fill you all over again! Be open to receive. Where the 'ark' is, there is glory! And where the 'ark' is, there is also triumph! Wherever He leads you, the 'ark' is also with you, going with you! And that's how you are going to subdue!

And just as Israel was so greatly blessed when the 'ark' was brought into the tabernacle, you too are also greatly blessed, because the 'ark' is also now in you today (1 Chronicles 16:1-2). Amen!

We are entering a season of triumph!

2 Corinthians 2:14: Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

It is God who always leads us in triumph. The word ‘leads’ here speaks of God leading us in triumph. He is our Leader. The word ‘triumph’ comes from the word ‘thriambeuo’ in Greek which means ‘to make an acclamatory procession, to conquer, to give victory, to triumph over, with songs or noise of celebrating, with shouts of triumph.’ In New International Version, it says ‘God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.’ This procession comes with celebration, a celebration of triumph, parading the victory won, to loud cheers, applause, and shouts of triumph (Psalm 47:1, Exodus 15:1, Exodus 15:21, Psalm 92:4). And we triumph not by our own self-effort, but we triumph in Christ, the anointed, all-powerful One. Friends, we are entering such season now. The battle is on, but the victory is ours. The ‘ark of the covenant’ is in procession again, just as in King David’s time (1 Chronicles 15:14-16) when the ark was brought into Jerusalem. It’s also likened to the time Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-9), and people were shouting ‘Hosanna’, which means ‘help, save, rescue us!’ It’s an exclamation of adoration to the Messiah, the anointed One. This triumphal entry is important as this was when Jesus the Messiah was publicly recognized. Before that, Jesus refused public recognition of Himself as the Messiah, and ministered outside Jerusalem. So the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem was a procession, a public parade (or show) of the entrance of the King of Glory. Jesus is the King of Glory. The ‘ark of the covenant’ always symbolizes the glory of God, the very presence of God. The ark is also a symbol of God’s promise, a reminder of God’s leadership in a battle.

When we live in triumph in Christ, we’ll diffuse or spread the glory of God. However, this is not done through toiling, striving, or self-effort. It’s done in the spirit. It’s done from our resting in the Lord. It’s done by the leading of the Lord. The fragrance or sweet aroma of the knowledge of the glory of God shall permeate the spiritual realm, wherever we go. And whatever happens in the spiritual realm shall be reflected in the natural realm. Imagine the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruits that fills the air. Likewise, the knowledge of the glory of God shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). This is truly an end-time prophecy. And this knowledge of the glory of God is not just ‘head knowledge’. The word ‘knowledge’ here in Greek is ‘gnosis’. It means ‘knowing, understanding, be sure.’ It is ‘yada’ in Hebrew. It means ‘be sure, knowing, endued with.’ It is knowing by experience. It’s the expression ‘I know that I know that I know.’

This fragrance of the glory of God is spread ‘through us.’ We are ‘the vessels, the channels, the carriers’ of the glory of God everywhere we go. We are the carriers of spiritual light that emanates in the darkness. When light comes, darkness flees. So every time we are praying in the spirit, or releasing the Word, we are changing the spiritual realm with the ‘light’. The ‘light’ emanates to change the atmosphere around you. This ‘light’ is the glory of God (Revelation 21:23). So, every time we praise, every time we worship, the ‘light’ shines and triumph over the darkness. Every time we love (with the love of God, ‘agape’) and serve, every time we edify someone with the Word of God, every time we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the ‘light’ emanates outward and changes the spiritual atmosphere. This is how the knowledge of the glory of the Lord fills the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). It’s time to look away from ‘what it seems to be on earth now’, and look to God, for we ‘walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7). To walk by faith here is to walk by ‘pistis’ in Greek. It means ‘to walk in conviction, truthfulness of God, assurance, constancy, and reliance upon Christ.’ We are not to walk by sight, which is ‘eidos’ in Greek, meaning ‘an outward view, appearance, form, shapes, fashion, sight.’

So be ready fellow partners in Christ, for we’ll be used by God as such vessels in this season, the end-time season, in a greater intensity than we’ve ever known before. The time is now. The glory of God is here, and reaping time is now (John 4:38). Hallelujah!

Like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against the enemy

Isaiah 59:19b: When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

If you check the Hebrew dictionary for this word ‘flood’ in Isaiah 59:19, you’ll realize that we are not talking about the enemy’s flood that try to destroy us, but instead it’s God’s flood that sweeps away the enemy and his works.

The word ‘flood’ in this verse is ‘nahar’ in Hebrew. It means ‘great waters, God’s running waters.’ It can also mean ‘prosperity, sparkle, cheerful.’ So when the enemy tries to come in, attack us, or swarm us, like a ‘nahar’, like a flood, God will lift up a standard against him, putting to flight and chase away the enemy.

Who is this ‘enemy’? He is our ‘adversary’, satan and his works of darkness. Let us cross refer to Psalm 90:5 and Isaiah 28:2 about God’s flood that sweeps away the enemy and his works. Psalm 90:5 says, ‘You (God) carry them (enemy) away like a flood.’ Isaiah 28:2 says, ‘Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, Who will bring them down to the earth with His hand.’ Wow! It means when the enemy tries to swarm and overpower us, the Spirit of the Lord shall raise a standard against it, like a great flood of mighty waters.

The power of the Holy Spirit has come on the church since the day Acts 1:8 came to pass, when ‘we shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon us.’ And the Spirit of God will lift up a standard against the enemy and its works. The word ‘standard’ here means ‘banner’. Our God is the Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our banner, our victory (Exodus 17:15). Praise the Lord! When we raise a ‘banner’, it is a sign of victory and triumph.

So, friends, if the ‘adversary’ tries to attack you, or swarm you, be it in your personal life, in your church, or in your land, know this: the Lord will lift up a ‘banner’ against it. The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit has already been given to the church. Begin to commune with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14), pray in the spirit, take authority in the spiritual realm, and we will triumph, putting to flight, chasing away the enemy by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living God! In fact, God has been raising up many intercessors at the spiritual forefront in this end-time. God is raising us up for such a time as this, friends. And God promises that ‘no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against us in judgment, God shall condemn. This is our heritage as the servants of the Lord, and our righteousness is from the Lord (Isaiah 54:17). Amen.