1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV): Though I speak with the tongues of men or of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
This word 'love' is also translated 'charity' in King James Version. To love is to give (and to give the best you know how), hence the word 'charity' here. This word 'love' (in NKJV) or 'charity' (in KJV) is 'agape' in Greek, from the verb 'agapao', meaning 'to love'. Interestingly, the word 'agapao' is in turn derived from the word 'agan' in Greek, which simply means 'much, i.e. to give much'.
You see, you can't say you love, but do not give. God the Father Himself set the example by giving us the best of heaven, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for us, so that we have life everlasting! (John 3:16)
This same word 'agape' is also found in the book of 1 John that describes God as the light, God is love, and God gives eternal life.
What is the relationship between His light and His love then?
1 John 2:5 says, 'But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is made perfect (i.e. made complete, accomplished, fulfilled) in him. By this we know that we are in Him (i.e. in the light)'. 1 John 2:8 then says, 'Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him (i.e. in the light) and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining'.
In His light, there is love, the fullness of His love! To put it simply, you can't say you are in the light, but have not love. That just doesn't tally.
Romans 5:5 says, 'Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us'. See the word 'given' here? When He gives, we are the ones who receive!
But what is this love for? Or rather, what is the reason we receive this love from Him?
So that we can love one another!
1 John 4:7-9 says, 'Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested (shown, revealed) toward us, that God sent (gave) His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him'.
1 John 4:12-14 then says, '... If we love one another, God abides (stays, dwells, remains, continues, is present) in us, and His love has been made perfect in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us...'
You may say, "You don't understand, pastor, but to love one another is difficult!' Of course, different people may have their own imperfections, weaknesses, flaws, or even the 'ugly side' of them. But this is the time to look beyond all that, and instead, look at how much God loves each of them.
And the Bible says to love one another is not something that's burdensome! 1 John 5:1-3 says, 'Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandment. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments (to love one another). And His commandments are not burdensome'.
Just the other day, I had a dream, and in the dream, I saw how a number of relatives (this speaks of 'brothers and sisters in Christ') having an outing and staying together in a villa, but on the last day, each of them began to pack their own bags, dispersed, and went their own separate ways. I asked the Lord what this dream meant, and He said, "Such is the condition that the devil wants to see happening in the Body of Christ these last days, but fear not, for I will be your linking point. I will pull strings together. I will gather and bring you back together by My love. Allow Me and look to Me. Keep receiving My love to love one another. It is Me, and not your own strength."
1 John 4:18 says, 'There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love'.
Just as light dispels darkness, perfect love casts out fear. Maybe you've been so badly hurt before, or felt so betrayed (from a certain relationship in the past) that you actually made up your mind not to love again. But beloved, know that He is here to help you today.
Surrender all those hurts (and fears) to Jesus at the cross, and in exchange, receive His love anew right now, the love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love does not keep hurts. So, let go of all those people you may have kept 'prisoners' in your heart or mind for so long, and begin to release blessings on them one by one. Just like some kings on earth who have the power to release and let go of prisoners, you too are a king ('you are royal priesthood' in 1 Peter 2:9), and therefore you have the power to release and let go of your 'prisoners' as well. This is your time to set free and be set free! And that's how you can love again. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
God's Light brings authority, wisdom and revelation
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV): Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.
People of God, this is the year of the Light! And Jesus is that Light (read John 1:1-18). John 1:4 says, 'In Him (Jesus Christ) is life, and this life is the light of men'. To be in Him is to be in the Light. In other words, when you have Him, you have the light (and of course, eternal life).
The word 'arise' here in Isaiah 60:1-2 is 'zarach' in Hebrew, which means 'to shoot forth beams of light, to appear on you like sunrise'. I can therefore paraphrase the verse this way: 'Even though darkness may cover the earth and its people, but as for you (the believers), the Lord will shoot beams of light on you and appear on you like the sunrise!'
With the Light comes authority. This Light brings with Him authority, i.e. the authority over darkness and all the power of darkness. Revelation 18:1-2a says, 'After these things, I (John) saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..."
The word 'authority' here is 'exousia' in Greek, which can mean 'power, ability, privilege, force, freedom, competency, jurisdiction, superhuman'. You can find this same word 'exousia' in Luke 10:19: 'Behold, I (Jesus) give you the authority ('exousia') to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you'.
Note: 'Serpents and scorpions' here are pictures of 'the devil, or the work of darkness'.
'Babylon' comes from the word 'Babel', meaning 'confusion'. This speaks of 'the systems of the world, or the man-made structures/systems of this world'. The end-time is a time when God's way clashes with the worldly way, but in the end, God's way will triumph and exult over the 'Babylonian' way (see Revelation chapters 18 and 19).
With the Light also comes wisdom and revelation. The word 'illuminate' in the above verse is 'photizo' in Greek, which means 'to shed rays, to shine, to brighten up, to enlighten, to bring to light, made to see'. This word 'photizo' is derived from the word 'phos', which simply means 'light'. 'Light' is the source of 'enlightening'. I can therefore say 'with the light comes enlightening, but without the light, there's no enlightening'.
In cross reference, this word 'photizo' is also found in Ephesians 1:17-18: '...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened ('photizo'), that you may know what is the hope of His calling...'
The word 'wisdom' here in Greek is 'sophia', from the word 'sophos' which means 'to be clear (and not blur), to have clarity in what one is to do'. When the eyes of your understanding is enlightened, you'll be so clear as to what to do and what not to do in your life and vocation (calling)!
Not only that, the thing that has been 'veiled' (i.e. 'in the dark') now becomes 'unveiled' when the light brings with it enlightening. The word 'revelation' here in Greek is 'apokalupsis', meaning 'unveiled, disclosed, uncovered, brought to light'.
As you can see, light will always triumph over darkness. When the light comes, darkness will have to flee (1 John 2:8). There's no other way around it.
So, if there's any one word you can remember throughout this year, it is the word 'Light'. Be conscious always of the Light who is in you. Know also that you are in the Light (no matter what happens around you), and you'll rise above every darkness that covers the earth and its people, be it in health, in finance, in economy, or in any other area of life. Amen.
People of God, this is the year of the Light! And Jesus is that Light (read John 1:1-18). John 1:4 says, 'In Him (Jesus Christ) is life, and this life is the light of men'. To be in Him is to be in the Light. In other words, when you have Him, you have the light (and of course, eternal life).
The word 'arise' here in Isaiah 60:1-2 is 'zarach' in Hebrew, which means 'to shoot forth beams of light, to appear on you like sunrise'. I can therefore paraphrase the verse this way: 'Even though darkness may cover the earth and its people, but as for you (the believers), the Lord will shoot beams of light on you and appear on you like the sunrise!'
With the Light comes authority. This Light brings with Him authority, i.e. the authority over darkness and all the power of darkness. Revelation 18:1-2a says, 'After these things, I (John) saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..."
The word 'authority' here is 'exousia' in Greek, which can mean 'power, ability, privilege, force, freedom, competency, jurisdiction, superhuman'. You can find this same word 'exousia' in Luke 10:19: 'Behold, I (Jesus) give you the authority ('exousia') to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you'.
Note: 'Serpents and scorpions' here are pictures of 'the devil, or the work of darkness'.
'Babylon' comes from the word 'Babel', meaning 'confusion'. This speaks of 'the systems of the world, or the man-made structures/systems of this world'. The end-time is a time when God's way clashes with the worldly way, but in the end, God's way will triumph and exult over the 'Babylonian' way (see Revelation chapters 18 and 19).
With the Light also comes wisdom and revelation. The word 'illuminate' in the above verse is 'photizo' in Greek, which means 'to shed rays, to shine, to brighten up, to enlighten, to bring to light, made to see'. This word 'photizo' is derived from the word 'phos', which simply means 'light'. 'Light' is the source of 'enlightening'. I can therefore say 'with the light comes enlightening, but without the light, there's no enlightening'.
The word 'wisdom' here in Greek is 'sophia', from the word 'sophos' which means 'to be clear (and not blur), to have clarity in what one is to do'. When the eyes of your understanding is enlightened, you'll be so clear as to what to do and what not to do in your life and vocation (calling)!
Not only that, the thing that has been 'veiled' (i.e. 'in the dark') now becomes 'unveiled' when the light brings with it enlightening. The word 'revelation' here in Greek is 'apokalupsis', meaning 'unveiled, disclosed, uncovered, brought to light'.
As you can see, light will always triumph over darkness. When the light comes, darkness will have to flee (1 John 2:8). There's no other way around it.
So, if there's any one word you can remember throughout this year, it is the word 'Light'. Be conscious always of the Light who is in you. Know also that you are in the Light (no matter what happens around you), and you'll rise above every darkness that covers the earth and its people, be it in health, in finance, in economy, or in any other area of life. Amen.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Receiving your Light for a brand new year
Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV): Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
The word 'light' here is 'owr' in Hebrew, which can mean 'illumination, bright, clear, morning sun, lightning, happiness, break of day, glory, shine, set on fire'. As you can see, this word 'owr' has a wide range of meaning in Hebrew.
Isaiah 60:2-3 then says, 'For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light ('owr'), and kings to the brightness of your rising'.
People of God, even though the world may be getting 'darker and darker' (in every sense) in this end-time, 'but the Lord will arise over you'. The Word of God says so. The word 'arise' here is rather interesting. It is pronounced 'zarach' in Hebrew, which actually means 'to shoot forth beams of light, to appear on you like the sunrise'. Let me paraphrase the verse above now: Even though the world may be getting 'darker and darker', but as for you (the believers), the Lord will 'shoot forth beams of light' over you and 'appear on you like the sunrise'! Hallelujah! Take it, believe for it, and receive it. Amen!
Now, who is this 'light'? John 1:6-10 says, 'There was a man sent from God, whose name was John (the Baptist). This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He (John) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Notice the words 'true Light' here? Indeed, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and this truth sets us free (John 8:32). And when this true Light comes, all darkness (even false lights) will have to flee. 1 John 2:8 says, 'Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true Light is already shining'.
People of God, to be 'in this Light' is to be 'in Christ'! Jesus is your Light!
1 John 1:5-7 says, 'This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all... if we walk in the light (i.e. in Him) as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin'.
The word 'light' here in Greek is 'phos', which means 'to shine, to make manifest (to show up, to reveal)'. The Word of God says Jesus Christ is God manifested (showed up, revealed) and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
Just as Jesus Christ (the true Light) reveals God the Father, the light that shines (from the physical sun) also reveals the physical sun. In other words, without the light, you wouldn't know there's a sun!
Note: The Lord God Almighty forbid that we worship the physical sun, but He shows us the physical sun as a sure 'sign' that points us to Him and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (see John 1:1-18). If the 'physical sun' reflects God the Father, then the 'light' has got to reflect God the Son! The 'physical sun' and its 'light' cannot be separated. They are 'one'. If the 'light' is taken away from the 'physical sun', it is not called the 'sun' any more. May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened. Amen.
Isaiah 60:19-20 says, 'The (physical) sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended'.
Today, know that Jesus Christ is to you an 'everlasting light'!
So, friends, if you are currently going through a time of 'darkness' (in family, in relationship, in business, in career, in health, in finance, or in any other area of your life), and it seems your hope has also gone dimmer and dimmer, this is your time to receive the 'Light'. This 'Light' will also bring with Him a renewed hope for you. Amen. The Word of God says 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).
Know also that Jesus Christ Himself has already carried all your 'darkness' when He died for you on the cross, and in exchange, you can now receive the 'light'. The Word of God says, 'Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last. So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!" (Luke 23:44-47)
And because He gave you this 'light', you can now therefore 'proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy' (1 Peter 2:9-10). Have a year full of His light and the praises of the Lord. Amen!
The word 'light' here is 'owr' in Hebrew, which can mean 'illumination, bright, clear, morning sun, lightning, happiness, break of day, glory, shine, set on fire'. As you can see, this word 'owr' has a wide range of meaning in Hebrew.
Isaiah 60:2-3 then says, 'For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light ('owr'), and kings to the brightness of your rising'.
People of God, even though the world may be getting 'darker and darker' (in every sense) in this end-time, 'but the Lord will arise over you'. The Word of God says so. The word 'arise' here is rather interesting. It is pronounced 'zarach' in Hebrew, which actually means 'to shoot forth beams of light, to appear on you like the sunrise'. Let me paraphrase the verse above now: Even though the world may be getting 'darker and darker', but as for you (the believers), the Lord will 'shoot forth beams of light' over you and 'appear on you like the sunrise'! Hallelujah! Take it, believe for it, and receive it. Amen!
Now, who is this 'light'? John 1:6-10 says, 'There was a man sent from God, whose name was John (the Baptist). This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He (John) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Notice the words 'true Light' here? Indeed, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and this truth sets us free (John 8:32). And when this true Light comes, all darkness (even false lights) will have to flee. 1 John 2:8 says, 'Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true Light is already shining'.
People of God, to be 'in this Light' is to be 'in Christ'! Jesus is your Light!
The word 'light' here in Greek is 'phos', which means 'to shine, to make manifest (to show up, to reveal)'. The Word of God says Jesus Christ is God manifested (showed up, revealed) and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
Just as Jesus Christ (the true Light) reveals God the Father, the light that shines (from the physical sun) also reveals the physical sun. In other words, without the light, you wouldn't know there's a sun!
Note: The Lord God Almighty forbid that we worship the physical sun, but He shows us the physical sun as a sure 'sign' that points us to Him and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (see John 1:1-18). If the 'physical sun' reflects God the Father, then the 'light' has got to reflect God the Son! The 'physical sun' and its 'light' cannot be separated. They are 'one'. If the 'light' is taken away from the 'physical sun', it is not called the 'sun' any more. May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened. Amen.
Isaiah 60:19-20 says, 'The (physical) sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended'.
Today, know that Jesus Christ is to you an 'everlasting light'!
So, friends, if you are currently going through a time of 'darkness' (in family, in relationship, in business, in career, in health, in finance, or in any other area of your life), and it seems your hope has also gone dimmer and dimmer, this is your time to receive the 'Light'. This 'Light' will also bring with Him a renewed hope for you. Amen. The Word of God says 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).
Know also that Jesus Christ Himself has already carried all your 'darkness' when He died for you on the cross, and in exchange, you can now receive the 'light'. The Word of God says, 'Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last. So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!" (Luke 23:44-47)
And because He gave you this 'light', you can now therefore 'proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy' (1 Peter 2:9-10). Have a year full of His light and the praises of the Lord. Amen!
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