Be anxious for nothing!

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV): 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.

Notice the words 'in everything' here? This verse never says 'in some things', or even 'in many things', but it says 'in everything'! And notice the words 'to God' here? To put it simply, the apostle Paul (writer of the book of Philippians) actually meant, 'Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, turn to God in prayer, in supplication, and with thanksgiving!'

Have you had a health scare recently? Or you are worried about a certain health condition in your body that the doctor had recently diagnosed. For some others, you are worried if your boss or superior will still favor you, or if your key client will still want to do business with you. Or you may be anxiously waiting for a breakthrough that seems like it takes eternity to happen - a job interview's outcome, your next career move, or even an important exams results!

Whatever it may be, Philippians 4:6 says in everything, turn to Him in prayer, in supplication, and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Him (instead of to man). This in turn leads to Philippians 4:7 that says 'and the peace of God, which surpasses all (human) understanding will guard (protect) your heart and mind through Christ Jesus' - the peace that no man can give, because this peace comes directly from heaven. 

Notice there are 3 parts here in Philippians 4:6 that leads to peace which surpasses all understanding:

1. ‘Prayer’, or ‘proseuche’ (pronounced 'pros-yoo-khay') in Greek, from the word ‘proseuchomai’ which means 'to worship (in total surrender), or to pray earnestly (not light-heartedly)'. ‘To pray earnestly’ in this context means 'to pray from the heart', 'to pray with the heart' or 'to pray in the spirit'. The Bible says 'praying in the spirit' is praying in the perfect will of God (see Romans 8:26-27). This in turn leads to 'all things working together for good' (see Romans 8:28). So, at times when you do not know what to pray or how to pray (or if you suddenly sense 'unpeace'), worship and pray in the spirit until you sense His peace infilling you, surrounding you, and overruling your situation.

2. ‘Supplication’, or ‘deesis’ (pronounced 'deh-ay-sis') in Greek, from the word ‘deomai’ which means 'to petition, to make request (in the language you know)'. This is where you pray in words or in language that you know; and ‘whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, you will have them’ (see Mark 11:23-24).

3. ‘Thanksgiving’, which means ‘giving thanks in advance’ as you pray. That was exactly what happened when Jesus took the seven loaves of bread and gave thanks before breaking them and giving them to His disciples in order to set them before the multitudes. On that day, those who had eaten were about four thousand (see Mark 8:1-9).

Recently, the Lord spoke these words during a time of worship and prayer:

“This is not the time to give up! This is not the time to give up believing! The enemy may try to make a comeback in your life, but because you have honored Me, I will also honor you. Keep looking to Me. Keep following Me closely. Keep fixing your eyes on Me, and everything’s going to be alright. I will never allow you to end up in a dead-end, but I will open a way out for you. As I have done for Moses at the Red Sea, so will I do for you.”

When Moses had seemingly reached a ‘dead-end’ at the Red Sea, and as Pharaoh was trying to make a ‘comeback’ (to bring God's people back into 'bondage' again), Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation (‘Yeshuwah’) of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

The Lord later said to Moses, “… Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Exodus 14:16) ‘Rod’ here speaks of ‘authority’, and the Lord said ‘to use it’ (by lifting up his rod and stretching out his hand).

Just like Moses, know that the Lord has also already given you the authority over every problem you may be facing right now. In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  The word ‘authority’ here is ‘exousia’ (pronounced ‘ex-oo-see-ah’) in Greek, which means ‘delegated power, delegated influence, right, privilege, jurisdiction’.

In Mark 11:23, He says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain ‘Be removed, and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” ‘Mountain’ here speaks of your ‘problem’. And notice the word ‘says’ here? Therefore, start using your authority by saying (speaking) to your ‘mountain’ right now:

“In the name of Jesus, I say to you the ‘mountain’ of …………………………………………......, be removed, and be cast into the sea!”

Let’s go back to Exodus chapter 14 now and watch how the ‘mountain’ (that's Pharaoh’s army!) being ‘cast into the sea’: ‘Now it came to pass in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained’ (Exodus 14:24-28).

People of God, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Believe your ‘morning’ has arrived too, whatever ‘mountain’ you may have been facing recently. Just as He was for Moses those days, know that He is also for you today! And indeed, if God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

The 'seed' must die before it bears much fruit

John 12:24 (NKJV): "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

There are two Greek words for 'grain' in the above verse, the first is 'kokkos' and the other is 'karpus'. Therefore, I can put it this way: "Most assuredly, I (Jesus) say to you, unless a grain ('kokkos') of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain ('karpus')."

'Kokkos' in Greek literally means 'kernel of seed', and 'kernel' speaks of 'the central, essential part of something'. On the other hand, 'karpus' in Greek means 'fruit, or something that is to be plucked or harvested'. As you can see, Jesus was actually saying, "Unless a kernel of seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit!" He was in effect speaking about Himself and what was to come (i.e. His death and His resurrection).

Jesus is that 'seed' who died on the cross for you some 2,000 years ago! Not only did He die for you, He has also taken away all your sins, curse and shame! In short, He died to give you life!

In the natural realm, a seed has to 'die' (i.e. be 'buried') before it germinates and a new plant sprouts out (i.e. emerges, comes forth, grows). In other words, death leads to the sprouting of new life! And this one seed would eventually bear many fruits and thus, produce many more new seeds.

Jesus was buried on a Friday, and resurrected on a Sunday - one is 'kokkos', and the other is 'karpus'. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, or the Feast of Firstfruits, we are also celebrating the sprouting of new life and fruits, hence the producing of many more new seeds! 'Resurrection' therefore speaks of 'the one seed that bears many fruits'. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, 'But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (died). For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming'.

One may ask, "Was it necessary for Jesus to die?"

Yes! He had to die and go down to the grave in order to conquer the grave (i.e. death) for us! 

Matthew 27:50-52 says, 'And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep (died) were raised'.

This 'seed' is also the seed of greatness that draws all men to Himself. In John 12:32, Jesus said, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." The expression 'lifted up' here means 'being elevated, exalted', which speaks of Him being crucified on the cross for all to see. And notice the words 'all peoples' here? This speaks of 'every nation, tribe, tongue, and people on this earth'.

Acts 4:12 says, '... for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which one can be saved (i.e. receive salvation), but by this name Jesus Christ'. Jesus Christ is God (the Father) revealed. One cannot know the Father without knowing Jesus. It is the same in the natural realm: “How can you see the (physical) sun if you don’t see its light?” Jesus is the Light (John 1:7-9), the Father manifested. 'Father' here refers to the 'Originator', the one God who is the Creator of heaven and earth, the Great I AM (see Exodus 3:14). In John 14:6-7, Jesus says, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me... If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." One of the disciples then said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." (John 14:8) Jesus then answered, "... He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" (John 14:9)

In John 14:12, Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do..." Right now, many more people on earth are being preached (or made known) with the good news of Jesus Christ ('Yeshuwah', meaning 'Salvation') than in any other era in the history of mankind, even during Jesus' days on earth! In short, more people are getting to know the gospel (good news) than ever before! And yes, even in the most remote and impenetrable part of this earth! Thanks to tools like the internet and multimedia technology, and with bigger stadiums and more state-of-the-art facilities like those in auditoriums, bigger crusades can be held as well - to reach more lives, save more lives, and deliver more lives!

When Jesus' side was pierced, blood and water came out (John 19:34). This marked the beginning of the Church Age being ushered in (and fully manifested by the time of Acts 2:1-4 when the Holy Spirit fell upon the people). 'Blood' here speaks of 'the forgiveness of sins', whereas 'water' speaks of 'the ministry of the Word and Spirit', and it's only in the Church (the Body of Christ) that these can be found! By the way, the word 'side' here is 'pleura' in Greek, which literally means 'rib'! Just as Eve (Adam’s wife) came forth from Adam’s rib, the Church (Jesus’ bride) came forth from Jesus’ side! (see also Genesis 2:21-22, Romans 5:14-15, Ephesians 5:23-27)

After Jesus had risen, John 20:25 says, 'The other disciples said to Thomas, "We have seen the Lord." But he said, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hands into His side, I will not believe."' The Bible says some eight days later, Jesus came again and stood in the midst of His disciples, and this time, Thomas was among them. He then said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." (John 20:26-27) And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Notice the words 'My hands' and 'My side' here? What happened on that day was actually prophetic of what was to come, and we are now living in that time - the end-time. 

'His hands' here speaks of 'His works' of advancing His kingdom; and

'His side' here speaks of 'His Church', i.e. the Body of Christ, or His people (His bride).

In other words, His works and His Church will always be seen and be evident in this world till His coming again! And no matter what the 'enemy' does, or how the 'enemy' wants to destroy and kill off this move of God, they are doing it in vain and they are bound to fail. Glory be to God!

Many ideologies and empires may come and go, but this great work of our Lord will still remain and continue ever stronger, even till the very end of age. There's no stopping Him whatsoever - not even persecution or oppression by any earthly government or authority, because in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus has promised, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of age."

People of God, you and I are very much part of this great move and work of our Lord on earth today. Let's join our hands and faith together as one Body (of Christ) for this great wide move of God. This is the time to look out and reach out! This is the time to go and preach the good news wherever you are! This is the time to 'proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day, declare His glory among the nations, and His wonders among all peoples'! (Psalm 96:2-3) We are all in this together, and by the grace of God, we'll live to see this prophecy in Habakkuk 2:14 coming to pass in our time, that 'the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just like the waters cover the sea'. Amen.

A heart of excellence

Daniel 6:3 (NKJV): Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king (Darius) gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

The word 'excellent' here is 'yattiyr' in Hebrew, from the word 'yathar', meaning 'cause to abound, abounding, make plenteous (plenty)'. Therefore, 'excellent spirit' in this verse can mean 'abounding spirit, abounding heart, full-hearted (not half-hearted)'.

Contrary to what many people think, spirit of excellence here isn't so much about performance or skills (though these are important too), but rather excellence in the heart! Otherwise, the Bible wouldn't have called it 'spirit' ('heart') of excellence, but instead 'performance' of excellence or 'act' of excellence. 'Spirit' here speaks of the 'heart'.

An excellent spirit is therefore an abounding heart, giving one's all (heart), or putting one's heart into something. You see, what matters most is the heart! If one has the heart, everything else will follow suit and can be worked on (including the skills, performance, etc). It is the same even in cooking, for example. You can taste the difference when someone really puts his/her heart into his/her cooking!

God Himself has an excellent spirit (abounding heart), and He excels and abounds in all He does! His heart is always abounding towards you, and He never withholds any good thing from you. In fact, He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the very best of heaven, to die for you and save you! (John 3:16-21)

Let's get back to Daniel chapter 6 now. 'Daniel' means 'judge of God' in Hebrew, a 'picture' of Jesus Christ Himself. One day, we too will judge the world together with Him. The Bible says we will even judge angels! (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-3) 1 John 4:17 says that 'we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world'. And one of the traits that Daniel had was boldness too, one who never bowed down to pressures of men, but instead was faithful till the end (Daniel 6:4-5). Even when the governors and satraps (the officials) conspired to establish a royal statute and made the king sign a decree that 'whoever bows down to any god or man within thirty days, except towards the king himself, shall be cast into the den of lions', Daniel stood firm and continued to worship his God (Daniel 6:10-13).

Daniel 6:14 then says, 'And the king, when he heard these words (that Daniel did not show due regard for the decree that the king had signed), was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver (free) him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver (free) him'. Notice the king was 'greatly displeased with himself', and not with Daniel! When one's heart is abounding towards God, there will be favor (even from men)!

Another trait of excellence that Daniel had is found in Daniel 6:16. This verse says, 'So the king gave the command and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions (for no decree or statute which the king had established may be changed). But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."' The word 'serve' here is 'pelakh' in Hebrew, which actually means 'worship, minister unto'. In other words, Daniel did not waver, but always abounding in his worship and ministry unto the Lord!

That night, the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him (Daniel 6:18). Then he arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions to see what had become of Daniel (Daniel 6:19). And when he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel, and said, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?", Daniel answered "O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also O king, I have done no wrong before you." (Daniel 6:20-22)

Daniel 6:23 continues, 'Now the king was exceedingly glad for Daniel, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God'. The word 'believed' here is 'aman' in Hebrew, which can mean 'firm, trust, faithful, sure, assured, in quietness (before God), permanent/immovable (before God)'. Yet another trait of excellence found in Daniel!

And Daniel chapter 6 ends with 'so Daniel prospered (advanced, were promoted) in the reign of (king) Darius' (see Daniel 6:28). It certainly pays to have a heart of excellence!

In the New Covenant, Paul too had a heart of excellence. In Romans 1:8-11, he wrote, 'First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit (heart) in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers... For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established'.

The expression 'without ceasing' here can be translated as 'always abounding'. In other words, Paul was always abounding in making mention of the believers in his prayers! As you can see, Paul's heart was only for God's kingdom, and not for his own personal gains, advancement, or 'empire'.

In 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul wrote, 'Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church (i.e. building up of God's people) that you seek to excel'. And in 2 Corinthians 8:7, he wrote, 'But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound (excel) in this grace (of giving) also'.

Like Paul, let us seek to excel (abound) in all that God has entrusted us to be (or do), as stewards. Paul himself wrote, 'Imitate (pattern after) me, just as I also imitate (pattern after) Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1). In Romans 12:2, he also wrote, 'And do not be conformed (patterned after) to this world (or the ways of this world), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove (i.e. walk in, allow) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'.

1 John 4:19 says, 'We love Him because He first loved us'. And Romans 5:5 says, 'Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out (not sprinkled, but lavished) in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us'.

People of God, your heart abounds when you have the revelation of how much He loves you, and how much He wants to lavish you with His love. When you know that He never reserves (or withholds) any good thing from you, and it is Him who first excelled (abounding in His love, devotions, faithfulness) towards you, you can't help but to fall in love with Him. In response, you too will not want to reserve (or withhold) anything in your service towards Him. After all, He gave it all for you at the cross! By the same token, just as He never gave up on us, as ministers of God, let us also learn not to give up on anyone whom He has sent for us to minister to (as long as the person's heart is still open to our ministering), even if it takes lots of patience on our part. Amen.

In the Body of Christ today, all too many people were left disappointed when their motivation to serve is unto men (or men's organization), and many lost the joy of serving because they 'have to do it', instead of they 'want to do it' in their service toward God. Paul certainly knew what he was saying when he wrote, 'Whatever you do, do it heartily (i.e. abounding in your heart) as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord (Jesus) Christ' (Colossians 3:23-24).

Recently, I saw a vision of a beautiful waterfall falling on some people whom I was ministering to. I asked the Lord what this meant, and He said this is a time of refreshing for many who have been serving faithfully through the years. There is a release of such divine refreshing from heaven for the Body of Christ this day. May you receive this refreshing as well, whatever ministry you are involved in (in the Body of Christ). And as you come forth from this 'waterfall', there will be a fresh new radiance and even joy inexplicable that comes from the Lord upon your life and ministry. In Jesus' name. Amen!