Acts 1:8 (NKJV): But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
The Holy Spirit brings along with Him the anointing (i.e. power). The word 'power' here is 'dunamis' in Greek, from the word 'dunamai', meaning 'to be made able (i.e. to be enabled), or to be of power (i.e. to be empowered)'. This 'power' speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit (i.e. enabling/empowering of the Holy Spirit) that has been released to the church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
Recently, I heard these words, and I'm releasing it to you prophetically:
"The Lord is going to remove and break the 'lid' that has been covering you for some time, and He is releasing you into a new level of prosperity, revelation, and boldness, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit."
Receive this by faith as you enter into your new season. This is also a time to 'forget (let go of) the things behind you, and reach (look) forward to the things ahead of you' (Philippians 3:13).
There are also some of you who felt that you have reached the 'optimum' or 'maximum' in your life, and you're afraid that you're beginning to go 'downhill' from now on. If you are reading this (& I believe you are reading this by His divine appointment), the Lord is also saying, "I'm not done with you yet." So, do not believe this lie that you're already 'over the hill'! In fact, this is only the beginning of greater anointing and greater grace being poured out upon you! And mind you, He is not looking at your age, your background, or even your past mistakes! Peter thought God's already done with him the moment Jesus died on the cross, but little did he know then that greater things (even things so great he couldn't imagine) were about to happen to him just in a matter of weeks!
There are definitely more to come, and I declare that greater and better things are ahead of you. Amen!
This is also a time for 'taking off' for many of you, and as you begin to 'soar', the Lord will also give you the authority to move in a 'higher plane'. There's an anointing for you to move into new ventures. If you are one of those who are about to move (or moving) into a new venture, receive this also by faith.
To receive 'power' is to be enabled or empowered to fulfil God's calling in your life and to do the work of His kingdom. Jesus began His ministry after the anointing had come upon Him (Luke 4:18-19). Likewise, Peter's ministry also really began when this same anointing came upon him on the Day of Pentecost. Receive it for yourself as well!
Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV) reads:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me ...
a) To preach the gospel to the poor (i.e. salvation),
b) He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted (i.e. restoration),
c) To proclaim liberty to the captives (i.e. renewal),
d) And recovery of sight to the blind (i.e. healing),
e) To set at liberty those who are oppressed (i.e. deliverance),
f) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (i.e. prosperity).
This same anointing also flowed and worked in Peter and through Peter upon the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Read Acts chapters 1 to 4.
a) Salvation (see Acts 2:37-41) - where about 3,000 souls saved in Peter's one impromptu preaching,
b) Restoration (see Acts 3:19-21) - healing of the soul, that brings times of refreshing,
c) Renewal (see Acts 2:42) - through his teachings (i.e. the apostles' doctrine),
d) Healing (see Acts 3:6-7) - when a notable miracle of healing happened to the man born lame,
e) Deliverance (see Acts 2:43) - with many signs and wonders in his ministry,
f) Prosperity (see Acts 4:34) - where no one lacked.
Note: 'Signs and wonders' = 'anything beyond the logics, and beyond scientific/medical explanation that God works/demonstrates'.
Have you noticed that this very same Peter was a greatly-changed man upon receiving the anointing? Well, we are talking about the same man who was so easily shaken and then cried out to Jesus for help in the midst of storm, who denied Jesus three times, and the first who hid (by plunging into the sea) when the resurrected Jesus appeared!
However, the 'lid' over Peter was being removed and broken when the anointing of the Holy Spirit came upon him on the Day of Pentecost, and he was a different man since then! In fact, he began to move in even greater manifestation of God's anointing and grace from that point onwards, i.e. in a 'higher plane'! Notice this anointing also came with great authority, and even the authority in the land those days (i.e. rulers, elders, scribes, and the priests) marvelled at this new authority and boldness in him! (Acts 4:13)
Matthew 16:18-19 (NKJV) says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter ('Petrus', meaning 'a piece of rock', speaking of the believers today), and on this rock ('Petra', meaning 'mass of rock', speaking of the revelation of who Jesus is) I will build My church (i.e. My people), and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This prophecy was being fulfilled from Acts 2 onwards (i.e. the beginning of church age), and it will still be even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).
People of God, today, and in this end-time, He is also in the midst of raising up many who'll walk in this anointing that's upon Peter. This is the time to let go of the old, and start walking in the new, as Peter did! Fear not, because great grace is also upon you, not just great anointing. And as He has said, He will be with you till the very end. Receive in Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A time of 're-aligning' & 're-gathering'
Isaiah 40:4 (NKJV): Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough places (shall be made) smooth.
The word 'straight' here is 'miyshor' in Hebrew, which means 'concord (i.e. in agreement, in harmony), made straight, in alignment'.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, 'to align' is 'to arrange things in straight line (in line with something), to put into correct position, to join somebody as ally, or to come into agreement with somebody'.
So, 'to align with God' means:
(a) to arrange things in line with God's ways,
(b) to put into correct position with God,
(c) to join God as ally, or
(d) to come into agreement with God (& His ways).
When a person is 'out of alignment' with God, it means he is 'not walking in line' with God's ways any more. He, therefore, needs to be re-aligned again.
'To be re-aligned' is 'to be made straight again with God'.
This is a time of re-alignment for God's people! Meditate on the whole of Isaiah 40. I heard this instruction from the Lord recently. This chapter begins with 'alignment' with God (Isaiah 40:1-4), and ends with 'gathering & collecting' from God (Isaiah 40:31). In between these verses is a description of how great God is, in all His wisdom, His understanding, His strength, and His ways (see Isaiah 40:12-14, Isaiah 40:18-23, Isaiah 40:25-29).
Let me explain how 'alignment with God' leads to 'gathering & collecting' from God. Isaiah 40:31 then 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'. The word 'wait' here in Hebrew is 'qavah', and interestingly, it does not just mean 'to wait patiently, or to look to Him expectantly', but it also means 'to collect (together), or to gather (together)'.
People of God, as you re-align yourself with Him (& His ways), this is also the time to 're-collect and re-gather' from Him, not just His strength, but also His wisdom, His understanding (i.e. receiving the understanding of His ways, instead of your own ways or men's ways), and even His direction to move on from here. As Paul wrote, 'forgetting the things behind you, and reaching (looking) forward to the things ahead of you' (Philippians 3:13). As you receive the new things He has in store for you, you'll move on with fresh new vigor! And that's exactly why 'qavah' is so important right now. Not only will you be replenished, but you'll also soar again with the accuracy of the eagle's. Amen!
In Acts 1 & 2, the same happened. Acts 1:4 says, 'being assembled together with them, He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father..." Notice the word 'wait' again? That was also a time of 'waiting' for God's people (in that case, to receive the power that comes from on high, i.e. the Holy Spirit). As the people waited upon the Lord, great things began to happen (Acts 2:1-4). However, notice also that out of so many thousands who knew Jesus those days, only about 120 were willing to 'align' and 'wait'. But these 120 were also the ones experiencing great things and saw the manifestation of God's glory! (Acts 2:1-47)
So, people of God, it's time to get back into alignment, and therefore, collecting (gathering) from Him again. There's a clarion call for such right now! He's now in the midst of calling His people to 'get ready', the way He used to do in Acts 1. This time, greater things, even many unprecedented things are in store for those who heed this call. The Lord promises that His people shall see an even greater manifestation of His glory in days to come.
When you 'qavah', you'll also receive His plan (His blueprint) for your life. Be willing to respond even to His reminder or correction, not just His direction. Remember, He may sometimes correct you, but never will He condemn you (Romans 8:1). All things will work out for good for you, and He knows better. It's also time to know who God wants you to be (or originally intended for you to be). Take some time to 'qavah'. Never bow down to the pressure of trying to be somebody else! This is normally the problem with people who are 'out of alignment' with God. They tend to try very hard to 'compete & compare' with others, and to 'impress others' with their 'performance', pleasing people & fearing people, instead of God.
Be greatly blessed as you 're-align' and 're-gather'. Amen!
The word 'straight' here is 'miyshor' in Hebrew, which means 'concord (i.e. in agreement, in harmony), made straight, in alignment'.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, 'to align' is 'to arrange things in straight line (in line with something), to put into correct position, to join somebody as ally, or to come into agreement with somebody'.
So, 'to align with God' means:
(a) to arrange things in line with God's ways,
(b) to put into correct position with God,
(c) to join God as ally, or
(d) to come into agreement with God (& His ways).
When a person is 'out of alignment' with God, it means he is 'not walking in line' with God's ways any more. He, therefore, needs to be re-aligned again.
'To be re-aligned' is 'to be made straight again with God'.
This is a time of re-alignment for God's people! Meditate on the whole of Isaiah 40. I heard this instruction from the Lord recently. This chapter begins with 'alignment' with God (Isaiah 40:1-4), and ends with 'gathering & collecting' from God (Isaiah 40:31). In between these verses is a description of how great God is, in all His wisdom, His understanding, His strength, and His ways (see Isaiah 40:12-14, Isaiah 40:18-23, Isaiah 40:25-29).
Let me explain how 'alignment with God' leads to 'gathering & collecting' from God. Isaiah 40:31 then 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'. The word 'wait' here in Hebrew is 'qavah', and interestingly, it does not just mean 'to wait patiently, or to look to Him expectantly', but it also means 'to collect (together), or to gather (together)'.
People of God, as you re-align yourself with Him (& His ways), this is also the time to 're-collect and re-gather' from Him, not just His strength, but also His wisdom, His understanding (i.e. receiving the understanding of His ways, instead of your own ways or men's ways), and even His direction to move on from here. As Paul wrote, 'forgetting the things behind you, and reaching (looking) forward to the things ahead of you' (Philippians 3:13). As you receive the new things He has in store for you, you'll move on with fresh new vigor! And that's exactly why 'qavah' is so important right now. Not only will you be replenished, but you'll also soar again with the accuracy of the eagle's. Amen!
In Acts 1 & 2, the same happened. Acts 1:4 says, 'being assembled together with them, He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father..." Notice the word 'wait' again? That was also a time of 'waiting' for God's people (in that case, to receive the power that comes from on high, i.e. the Holy Spirit). As the people waited upon the Lord, great things began to happen (Acts 2:1-4). However, notice also that out of so many thousands who knew Jesus those days, only about 120 were willing to 'align' and 'wait'. But these 120 were also the ones experiencing great things and saw the manifestation of God's glory! (Acts 2:1-47)
So, people of God, it's time to get back into alignment, and therefore, collecting (gathering) from Him again. There's a clarion call for such right now! He's now in the midst of calling His people to 'get ready', the way He used to do in Acts 1. This time, greater things, even many unprecedented things are in store for those who heed this call. The Lord promises that His people shall see an even greater manifestation of His glory in days to come.
When you 'qavah', you'll also receive His plan (His blueprint) for your life. Be willing to respond even to His reminder or correction, not just His direction. Remember, He may sometimes correct you, but never will He condemn you (Romans 8:1). All things will work out for good for you, and He knows better. It's also time to know who God wants you to be (or originally intended for you to be). Take some time to 'qavah'. Never bow down to the pressure of trying to be somebody else! This is normally the problem with people who are 'out of alignment' with God. They tend to try very hard to 'compete & compare' with others, and to 'impress others' with their 'performance', pleasing people & fearing people, instead of God.
Be greatly blessed as you 're-align' and 're-gather'. Amen!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Jesus can breathe 'life' into your current situation!
2 Kings 4:34 (NKJV): And Elisha went up and lay on the child (Shunammite woman's son), and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm.
Jesus can breathe 'life' into your current situation (no matter how 'dead' or 'stagnant' it may be), the way Elisha put life back into the Shunammite woman's son (see 2 Kings 4:34-35).
In fact, when I read this verse, it reminds me of our modern 'Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' (CPR), or 'mouth-to-mouth resuscitation', though the exact technique may differ from what Elisha did in 2 Kings 4:34.
The word 'resuscitation' means 'to bring back to life, or to bring back to consciousness'. CPR is normally performed on a victim, say, a person who's unable to breathe due to drowning. This is done so that oxygen can be released through the flow of blood to the cells (and therefore the vital organs) in the victim's body. All cells in a human body need oxygen to survive. Just give some minutes without oxygen, and these cells would be dead!
Let's look at the background of 2 Kings 4:34 now. The whole account can be found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. This Shunammite woman was a person of great hospitality to God's prophet, Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10). She also prepared a place in her home for him to lodge, whenever he passed by her town. In short, she's a woman who honoured God and His anointed servant. And in return for her kindness and care, Elisha then prophesied that she would have a son (2 Kings 4:16-17). This prophecy came to pass about a year later, but not long after, that very son died (2 Kings 4:20).
Upon laying the dead son on Elisha's bed, she then hurried to look for him at Mount Carmel (2 Kings 4:22-25), some distance away (about 30-40km) from her hometown in Shunem. When she arrived and was asked if all is well, amazingly she answered "It is well" (2 Kings 4:26), even though Elisha did sense that 'her soul was in deep distress' (2 Kings 4:27), and something must have gone wrong.
Beloved, whenever you are stuck in any situation, run to God first ('Elisha' here represents God) and keep looking to Him, instead of running to man or methods. When you run to Him, He will run to you! And in fact, that was exactly what Elisha did upon knowing that the woman's son had died! (2 Kings 4:29-33)
By the way, the word 'Shunammite' in Hebrew is from the word 'shuwnem' or 'shuwniy', which means 'quiet, rest'. This woman is a 'picture' of someone who has learned to rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and whose trust in the Lord remains 'unwavered', no matter what had happened.
How about the name 'Elisha'? Interestingly, this name in Hebrew means 'God of supplication or riches'. Your God is indeed rich in supply! No, I'm not just talking about the area of finance here. He is also rich in His supply of life to any 'dead' situation of yours! 'Elisha' also means 'My God is help' or 'My God is salvation'. Praise God! He is your very present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1-3), and He is here for you today!
So, if 'Elisha' in this context speaks of Jesus Christ who is in you, then the 'Shunammite woman' speaks of you (His beloved), and the 'son' here speaks of 'God's promises for you'.
Is there any area of your life that is currently 'stagnant' or 'dead'? For some of you, it may be your marriage, and for others, it may be your family relationships, career, or even ministry. Whatever it may be, take heart, for your 'Elisha' ('My God is help') is here. The Lord who resuscitated the Shunammite woman's son is also with you and in you today. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
So, right now, receive a breath of His life in Jesus' name, and also over your situation! (whatever it is) Your miracle is also in your mouth. As you believe that "It is well" with you, speak it also over your current situation now, saying: "It is well with my ............... (e.g. marriage, career, business, ministry, etc)" Never underestimate the power of your words (Proverbs 18:21).
And as you receive from Him today, believe that (as in 2 Kings 4:34)...
a) His mouth is also upon your mouth, i.e. His life and breath is resuscitating any 'stagnant' or 'dead' area of your life right now, so that it flourishes again.
b) His eyes are also upon your eyes, i.e. His vision and revelation is being restored to you right now, so that you'll begin to see what He sees again.
c) His hands are also upon your hands, i.e. His hands are upon all that you put your hands to do right now, so that whatever you do shall prosper again.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Jesus can breathe 'life' into your current situation (no matter how 'dead' or 'stagnant' it may be), the way Elisha put life back into the Shunammite woman's son (see 2 Kings 4:34-35).
In fact, when I read this verse, it reminds me of our modern 'Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' (CPR), or 'mouth-to-mouth resuscitation', though the exact technique may differ from what Elisha did in 2 Kings 4:34.
The word 'resuscitation' means 'to bring back to life, or to bring back to consciousness'. CPR is normally performed on a victim, say, a person who's unable to breathe due to drowning. This is done so that oxygen can be released through the flow of blood to the cells (and therefore the vital organs) in the victim's body. All cells in a human body need oxygen to survive. Just give some minutes without oxygen, and these cells would be dead!
Let's look at the background of 2 Kings 4:34 now. The whole account can be found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. This Shunammite woman was a person of great hospitality to God's prophet, Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10). She also prepared a place in her home for him to lodge, whenever he passed by her town. In short, she's a woman who honoured God and His anointed servant. And in return for her kindness and care, Elisha then prophesied that she would have a son (2 Kings 4:16-17). This prophecy came to pass about a year later, but not long after, that very son died (2 Kings 4:20).
Upon laying the dead son on Elisha's bed, she then hurried to look for him at Mount Carmel (2 Kings 4:22-25), some distance away (about 30-40km) from her hometown in Shunem. When she arrived and was asked if all is well, amazingly she answered "It is well" (2 Kings 4:26), even though Elisha did sense that 'her soul was in deep distress' (2 Kings 4:27), and something must have gone wrong.
Beloved, whenever you are stuck in any situation, run to God first ('Elisha' here represents God) and keep looking to Him, instead of running to man or methods. When you run to Him, He will run to you! And in fact, that was exactly what Elisha did upon knowing that the woman's son had died! (2 Kings 4:29-33)
By the way, the word 'Shunammite' in Hebrew is from the word 'shuwnem' or 'shuwniy', which means 'quiet, rest'. This woman is a 'picture' of someone who has learned to rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and whose trust in the Lord remains 'unwavered', no matter what had happened.
How about the name 'Elisha'? Interestingly, this name in Hebrew means 'God of supplication or riches'. Your God is indeed rich in supply! No, I'm not just talking about the area of finance here. He is also rich in His supply of life to any 'dead' situation of yours! 'Elisha' also means 'My God is help' or 'My God is salvation'. Praise God! He is your very present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1-3), and He is here for you today!
So, if 'Elisha' in this context speaks of Jesus Christ who is in you, then the 'Shunammite woman' speaks of you (His beloved), and the 'son' here speaks of 'God's promises for you'.
Is there any area of your life that is currently 'stagnant' or 'dead'? For some of you, it may be your marriage, and for others, it may be your family relationships, career, or even ministry. Whatever it may be, take heart, for your 'Elisha' ('My God is help') is here. The Lord who resuscitated the Shunammite woman's son is also with you and in you today. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
So, right now, receive a breath of His life in Jesus' name, and also over your situation! (whatever it is) Your miracle is also in your mouth. As you believe that "It is well" with you, speak it also over your current situation now, saying: "It is well with my ............... (e.g. marriage, career, business, ministry, etc)" Never underestimate the power of your words (Proverbs 18:21).
And as you receive from Him today, believe that (as in 2 Kings 4:34)...
a) His mouth is also upon your mouth, i.e. His life and breath is resuscitating any 'stagnant' or 'dead' area of your life right now, so that it flourishes again.
b) His eyes are also upon your eyes, i.e. His vision and revelation is being restored to you right now, so that you'll begin to see what He sees again.
c) His hands are also upon your hands, i.e. His hands are upon all that you put your hands to do right now, so that whatever you do shall prosper again.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
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