Why you shouldn't be worried or anxious about your future

God wants to tell you this: 

"Don't allow yourself to regret or think about what could have been or what should have been. Trust in Me for your future and trust in My timing for your life. I am still in control. All things will eventually work out for your good. I still remember My plans and destiny for you. These plans are always and will always be the best for you." 

Trust God that He knows what He is doing in your life. 

Imagine an artist drawing a masterpiece. At first, you do not know what he's drawing. You cannot figure out what he's drawing. You may be asking, "Does the artist know exactly what he's doing?" or "Does the artist have any idea what he is up to?" Of course, if he is a good artist, he already has an idea! 

It is the same with God. God is in the midst of drawing a masterpiece, a great artwork in you. Soon you will know the full picture. And it's going to be good! But you've got to believe. 

Maybe there's no open door yet for you. Maybe there's no breakthrough yet for you. Maybe nothing significant seems to be happening in your life right now. Or maybe some things you've wished for have yet to happen or are delayed. 

Be patient. God sees all that. He is still very much alive in your situation. Your breakthrough will come!

Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) says, 'Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.' 

Two times it's written here: "Wait, wait."

This word 'wait' here in the original Hebrew is interesting. It's not like what you understand this word 'wait' in English. This word 'wait' is 'qavah' in Hebrew. In our context about waiting on God here, it can mean 'to gather (strength) from the Lord, to look patiently to the Lord, to collect (strength) from the Lord, to bind together with the Lord (like two ropes binding together)'. 

Do you know this word 'qavah' actually comes from the word 'qav' in Hebrew, meaning 'rope' or 'cord'? 

Imagine you are a rope or a cord, and you are binding together with another rope or cord, a much stronger one. That's a picture of God and you! God and you. You and God. Binding together! Nothing's going to be able to cut it off. That's what it means here by binding together two ropes. In your weaknesses, He is your strength. He is going through it together with you!

So, no matter how cruel this world may be, God is with you! He is 'binding together' with you! He is going through all this with you! 

This psalm was written at a time David was going through a difficult patch of time, and he was in great distress. He was being hunted by King Saul. He was on the run. King Saul wanted to kill David, even though David didn't commit any wrong. In fact, David won a victory for King Saul. But King Saul wanted no threat to his throne as king. King Saul wanted to finish him off!

Instead of losing hope on God, David learned to 'qavah' and trust in the Lord his God. He believed this time of danger and persecution would finally end. He just had to wait things out. Of course, little did he know that this was also part of God's training in his life to prepare him for something greater. 

Beloved of God, the same it is for you. The Lord is preparing you for something greater! So, as you 'qavah' or wait on the Lord, it's not like nothing is happening. The Lord is in the midst of strengthening you! The Lord is doing something inside of you! The Lord is strengthening you in many ways. 

Why? So that when your eventual success or breakthrough comes, you are ready, and you will not fall under the "weight" of that success. In other words, you're up to it. You're up to the new heights that God is bringing you to! 

So beloved of God, trust that God's timing is always the best for you. God knows the perfect moment to act in your life! 

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

A change is coming!

The Lord says: 

"My beloved, a change is coming. Change for the better. So, do not lose heart. Keep looking to Me and waiting on Me. Those who wait on Me shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. Many of My people are entering a time of transition. This is a transition to the better. This is the time to receive My anointing afresh and anew. This is the time to receive a new strength that comes from Me. You shall run and not be weary. You shall walk and not faint." 

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) says, 'But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.' 

We shall study these two words 'wait' and 'renew' in Hebrew today. 

The word 'wait' here is 'qavah' in Hebrew. It can mean 'to collect, to gather (together), to expect, to hope, to look to, to bind together'. Picture this as 'being intertwined together with the Lord', like ropes twining together. This word 'qavah' can also be defined as 'to be joined together (with the Lord)'. 

Let's look at the word 'renew' now. It is 'khawlaf' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to change, to exchange, to spring up, to move forward, to sprout afresh'. 

This is also a time for exchange!

Exchange your infirmities (or whatever health problem) that you have with His divine health. Exchange your lack with His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Exchange your sorrow with His joy. Exchange your dead-end with His breakthrough and open doors. Exchange your hurts, pains, disappointments and shame with His wholeness and restoration. 

This is your time for 'khawlaf'! This is a time of renewal and refreshing for you! Yes, this is also a time of restoration, repair and recovery for you! 

Job 14:7-9 (NKJV) says, 'For there is hope for a tree; If it is cut down, that it will sprout again. And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant.' 

In cross-reference to Isaiah 40:31, this word 'sprout' is the same word 'khawlaf' in Hebrew, the same as the word 'renew' in Isaiah 40:31. 

Beloved, whatever area in your life that has become hopeless, you are going to see yourself 'khawlaf' again! You will sprout again! You will spring up again! You are going to move forward again!

Job 14:14 (NKJV) says, '...All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes.' 

This does not necessarily mean waiting to change from mortal body to immortal body, even though this is our ultimate destiny. But you know what? This change can also happen while you are still on earth! In other words, a change for the better in your life, a change for the better in your health, a change for the better in your career or your vocation, a change for the better in the ministry that you put your hands on. Yes, a change for the better in any area of your life while you are on earth! 

By the way, 'hard service' here can mean 'your current struggles, your current warfare, your current challenging situation, or a difficult time that you are in'. 

See the cross-reference with Isaiah 40:31 again? Those who wait on the Lord, those who hope on the Lord, those who collect and gather from the Lord, those who are joined together with the Lord, those who keep looking patiently unto the Lord; and for these people, the Lord is saying: "A change is coming! A change for the better is coming!" 

Very interestingly, the word 'change' here in Job 14:14 is 'khawlaf' again in Hebrew. So, earlier, you saw 'renew', and you saw 'sprout'; and now you see the word 'change'. These are all the same word 'khawlaf'' in Hebrew. 

Right now, surrender all your struggles in life to the Lord. Let the Lord 'khawlaf' you. Let the Lord renew you. Let the Lord cause you to sprout again. Let the Lord change your situation and circumstances. 

In God's eyes, despite Job's miserable situation with his health and physical condition, and all the problems that he had encountered, there's hope for a change of circumstances! Even if Job didn't think so at that time! Job felt like there's no more hope, Job felt like it's over, and Job felt like his days were numbered. But God! 

The truth is God has never forgotten or forsaken Job. God has never abandoned Job. As a matter of fact, God still remembered Job. God still has a beautiful plan for Job. Now it is the same with you and your situation. And you know what? When Job acknowledged who God is, God began to intervene in his life. It was a divine intervention. Job began to look at the Lord in a fresh new way. As a result, a renewal happened to Job. A 'khawlaf' happened to Job. A change happened to Job. Change for the better. Job saw his breakthrough. And he never looked back ever since. Job was restored. Not only that. God blessed Job double, twice as much as he had before. 

So beloved, this is that same time. This is that time of transition. This is a time for your 'khawlaf'. Remember this word 'khawlaf'. 

Maybe you too are in a challenging situation right now, and everything seems to be hopeless. Maybe it's your health. Maybe it's your career. Maybe it's your business. Maybe it's even in the ministry. Take heart, beloved. Just as the Lord intervened in Job's situation, God can do the same for your life. And the Lord is saying to you right now again: "Change is coming! Your renewal is coming! Your revival is coming! Your breakthrough is coming!"

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

How to soar above the 'storms' in 2023?

During my prayer time the other day, I saw a vision of an eagle soaring above the storm. It's not just soaring, but soaring above the storm, the thunder, the lightning. The eagle was somehow not affected by the storm. Instead, it was lifted higher above and over the storm! 

We all know what storm is, wherever we are living in this world - be it tropical storm, snow storm, sand storm, etc. However, in some nations, there can also be economic storm, political storm, etc. All in all, 'storm' basically speaks of 'any disturbance in the atmosphere that comes with violent wind or shaking'. 

But you see, in this vision, the eagle seemed to thrive over and above the storm; and not underneath or in the storm. In fact, the wind of the storm (or the current of the storm) lifted the eagle even higher than before the storm occurred! 

What is the interpretation to this vision? 

The Lord is saying: "For you who walk in the Spirit and are led by the Spirit of God, you are like that eagle!" 

Therefore, the message today is this: In spite of the 'storm', whatever the 'storm' may be that is beyond your control (including the economic storm), the Lord is teaching you (His people) how to soar above the storm, what you can do during the storm, and even thrive during the storm! 

Yes, this message is about riding on the wind of the Holy Spirit over and above the 'storm'. When many people are anxious, restless or struggling this year, the Lord is teaching you how to thrive and even move higher than ever before! 

So, we will study on the mechanism behind why an eagle is different from other birds, and why the Scripture uses eagle as an example. 

Let's look at the Scriptural basis for 'eagle' first. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, 'He (the Lord) gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.'

Notice that I've underlined these three key words - power, wait, eagles. We are going to study in detail these three words in Hebrew.

Why are eagles so extraordinary? 

Eagles can fly up to three kilometer high up the sky, higher than most birds. Eagles can fly an average speed of 80 kilometer per hour, and with the right conditions, as fast as 160 kilometer per hour. And that's faster than the speed limit in many country's highways! And of course eagles' eyes are sharp, and eagles can see seven times better than we humans! 

How do eagles rise above the storm? 

During a storm, instead of fleeing, eagles often fly directly into the fierce and violent wind of the storm. Why? Because eagles know the updrafts in the storm (i.e. the current of the storm) can help them rise higher. In fact, the storm pressure actually helps eagles to glide above the storm without using much energy. The storm is therefore no threat to the eagles! Because they would fly above the storm! Hence, eagles are great examples of surviving and thriving even during a storm! 

And you know what? There is peace above the storm! And the Lord wants you to soar with Him above the storm as well! 

Eagles are not only swift and majestic, they are also sharp in their vision. The same should be for each of us. As we walk in the Spirit, we want to be sharp spiritually and be so sensitive in our spirit, so much so we can grasp and know whatever the Lord wants to speak to us and lead us in each time and season! 

The word 'eagle' is 'nehsher' in Hebrew. This word comes from the root word meaning 'to break through, to rip (apart), or to tear (into something)'. In other words, when many in the world seem to fall under, be ripped apart by the enemy, or be torn apart by the enemy, you are the opposite! You are like that 'eagle', the spiritual eagle! Instead of falling under, being ripped apart by the enemy, or being torn apart by the enemy, the power of God in you will instead rip apart all those works of darkness that come against you! And that's why you see a breakthrough! You see the enemy being ripped apart, and not you! You see the enemy being torn apart, and not you!

The word 'power' is 'kowakh' in Hebrew. It can mean any of these: Force, capacity, might, strength, vigor, hardiness, substance. Yes, you can have all these in the face of the storm. You will not be so easily panicky or shaken, but you will triumph! Right now, the Lord is releasing to you this 'kowakh'! What better time to receive than in this time of the year! 

The word 'wait' that you see in Isaiah 40:31 is 'kawvaw' in Hebrew. In the context of our study today, it is you 'kawvaw' in the Lord (or with the Lord). This word 'kawvaw' can mean:

- 'to unite by twining yourself with the Lord'. You see, by yourself, you cannot. But when you 'twine yourself with the Lord'; the Lord and you, you and the Lord; nothing is impossible! 

This word 'kawvaw' can also mean: 

- 'to gather or to collect from the Lord'. What do you gather or collect from the Lord? His power, i.e. 'kowakh'! How about His strength, His wisdom, His love, His joy, His peace? And the list goes on. 

- 'to put hope in the Lord'. Indeed only He can give you the true victory and breakthrough that cannot be overturned by the enemy! 

- 'to look eagerly and expectantly to the Lord'. It means you can expect something good from the Lord this year. Expect your healing. Expect your deliverance. Expect the hand of the Lord to clear away all the works of the enemy against you. Your part is to keep trusting in the Lord and walking with the Lord.

- 'to look patiently to the Lord'. The Lord knows the best timing for you. The Lord knows how to give you the breakthrough and victory - at the right time and at the right place! 

So, that's why it's super exciting! The Lord has spoken, even at this juncture of our lives, and at this time of the year! Look not to man (or the things in the world that will fall away), but look to the Lord! Look to Him who is unshakable, and you are going to see yourself walking in greater heights, greater victories, and greater breakthroughs this year! 

What matters most is your personal relationship with the Lord. I can't emphasize any further how important is your personal relationship and walk with the Holy Spirit this year. Pray in the spirit often. And that's how you can be more and more in tune with the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit who knows better and sees farther than anyone else on earth!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

Do not grow weary in waiting

The Lord spoke these words:
"Do not grow weary in waiting. Do not give up while waiting. Keep your focus on Me, and remain in My peace. Having given thanks for your answer, wait on Me and receive a fresh outpouring from Me. Never limit how I am going to make it happen for you!"

People of God, have you recently been discouraged or tired of waiting for your breakthrough or answer? For some of you, it even feels like you are losing it (or losing the battle), and you are on the verge of giving it all up - be it in waiting for your complete healing, a financial breakthrough, an answer to your problem, or a God-given prophecy/dream/vision to come to pass.

Admittedly, waiting time is never easy. But take heart, because Isaiah 40:29-31 says, 'He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint'.

The words 'wait on' here is 'qavah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to collect from, to gather from, to look patiently, to wait expectantly'. In other words, it is a confident expectation (or a divine hope) that God will do what He has promised; yet He knows best how it will happen, and when it will happen. This word 'qavah' also implies while you are waiting, He is also in the midst of building you, preparing you, and works all things together for your good.

You may have heard people say 'waiting time is never wasted time'. There is a truth in this saying, provided you allow yourself to see your 'waiting time' as God sees it. In Isaiah 40:29-31, it is clear that God doesn't see 'qavah' as a dormant or passive time, but He sees it as a time of building and preparing you for the greater things to come.

On your part, it is a time of actively receiving, collecting and gathering from Him - be it His strength, His refreshing, His renewal, His wisdom, His anointing, and even His substance (or His character), so that when your breakthrough finally comes, you'll be ready for that next level!

But be vigilant and sober, because at a time of your waiting, the enemy will not sit still. In fact, he will do just the opposite from what God does for you. After all, he is called the adversary (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy will try to do anything to discourage you, or make you think your trust in God is in vain - that God doesn't remember you anymore, and God doesn't keep His promises! The enemy's final aim is that you'll give up on all that God has spoken to you. And when that happens, he wins! And I believe that is why Isaiah 40:29 says so emphatically (for those who are in a time of waiting): 'He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength'! Indeed, people of God, this is a crucial time to keep your focus on Him, and remain in His peace. This is your time to receive a new strength from Him!

Let us not be like King Saul who grew restless and anxious when the nation of Israel were besieged by the Philistines; so much so he began to take matters into his own hands (1 Samuel 13:1-14), instead of waiting for the arrival of prophet Samuel who had spoken earlier that he would SURELY come and show the way (1 Samuel 10:8). Interestingly, the name 'Samuel' in Hebrew represents 'The Lord has heard'. In other words, King Saul failed to see that 'The Lord has heard' is a God who keeps promises, and 'The Lord has heard' will SURELY come! In the end, King Saul's impatience cost him dearly.

But let us be like King David who in a time of waiting (for his victory and breakthrough), continued looking to the Lord and trusting in the Lord, as written in Psalm 121:1-4, 'I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep'.

Indeed, the Lord your God shall neither slumber nor sleep, but He is very much awake and alive, whatever your situation may be at the moment. This is your time to give thanks in advance because your victory and breakthrough will SURELY come! This is your time to declare that 'The Lord has heard'! And never limit how He is going to make it happen for you, because His ways are always higher than the ways of men (Isaiah 55:8-9). In Jesus' name. Amen!